2 quarterback system looks promising

If you believe the Michigan State game was a must-win, you’re wrong.

You’re being oblivious to the fact IU has two-thirds of its schedule left to play. Of the eight games to come, seven are Big Ten duels, including this week’s matchup at Minnesota.

If you disagree, go to your local barber and rant in the chair, ’cause I don’t want to hear it.

Or you can restrain yourself from total outrage and hear me out.

The Hoosiers weren’t expected and shouldn’t have speared the Spartans.

You can say, though, IU coach Bill Lynch’s team squandered an opportunity to attract some attention within the conference. But reality is Michigan State carries too many prolific playmakers to constrain.

Bottom line: An upset on Saturday was elusive.  

Instead, focus on IU’s productive two-quarterback system in its first conference tussle.
The Hoosiers may have lost the game 42-29, but they had one reason to smile. The duet of Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell worked to perfection.

Neither Lewis nor Chappell has made a definitive case to be under center for all four quarters.

And that’s OK. Bill Lynch’s no-huddle offense bodes well for both players.

IU doesn’t have an outright gunslinger, and by the looks of Saturday’s game plan, the tag-team pair worked efficiently.

Lewis sustained an ankle injury before halftime, and Chappell filled in nicely for his counterpart.

By game’s end, Chappell had thrown for 107 yards while splitting time with Lewis, not to mention his negated 97-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Terrance Turner that was reversed due to a holding call in the end zone.

If you thought Lewis was the only quarterback who can change the game with one throw, think again.

“I thought quarterback Ben Chappell came in there and did an outstanding job when Lewis went out for a while and didn’t know if he’d be able to return,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said after the game. “He did an outstanding job and really moved their football team.”

But when Lewis returned, Chappell was left in. And the Hoosiers became a more cohesive unit.

Michigan State, those fans in attendance and even the press box were baffled at the Hoosiers’ new alignment with Chappell under center and Lewis at wide receiver.

But you know what? It was the most productive offensive attack I’ve seen this season. Most of the time, the combo moved the chains.

“It’s a blast,” Chappell said regarding his throws to Lewis. “We’ve been practicing it all camp, and I was just waiting for it.”

Even if Chappell doesn’t want to go to Lewis, he can use him as a decoy. In more cases than not, defenders will spy Lewis when he lines up in the slot or out wide. Chappell can target other receivers and hit them in the open.

But don’t forget, Lewis is still a quarterback, and he did switch with Chappell in the second half.

There are specific situations that call for each player to take the snaps.

When the passing game is out of the picture, Lewis needs to conduct the offense. We all know he has no problem with running the football and eventually that could open up the air attack.

Chappell, on the other hand, is perfect for a close-game situation, especially when passing the ball is a must. He’s not as tense as Lewis is in the pocket. It’s evident pressure doesn’t get to him.

If the Lewis and Chappell duo confused the heck out of a tough Spartan team, it has to succeed against other opponents, right?

For a team that lacks the talent most Big Ten squads possess, the two-quarterback system will pick up the slack.

But realize the Hoosiers have only planted this method’s seeds. Give it some time to bloom.