This up-tempo approach keeps the defense off-balance, makes it hard for the defense to huddle in between downs and can double the number of plays on offense runs.
Senior receiver Nick Stoner said it’s even a little awkward going at any pace other than hyper speed.
“Especially when we get on a roll and we get in a rhythm and start going fast, I think it’s really tough for defenses,” he said. “I’d hate to be a defensive player going against an offense like us.”
The no-huddle technique worked to the Hoosiers’ ?advantage when they achieved the second-highest point total in IU history last season against Indiana State.
The Hoosiers open their 2014 campaign against the Sycamores on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
“I think what’s always interesting early in the season is how do you put it together,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. “You’ve been working against each other. Now, you’re kind of locking arms and hooking up together.”
IU has a 5-0 all-time record against Indiana State, dating back to 1925.
In last year’s season opener, IU compiled more than 600 yards of total offense en route to a 73-35 win. Of the returning starters, junior running back Tevin Coleman scored two touchdowns, and Nick Stoner scored one.
Indiana State returns 10 players on defense who have seen the Hoosier offense.
“They’re a nice, young, scrappy team,” senior center Collin Rahrig said. “Whenever they’ve come in here, they’ve always given us a pretty good fight. No matter what the score is, it’ll be a good game.”
Offensive Coordinator Kevin Johns’ tempo offense is something a young group of receivers has had to learn.
Freshmen standouts J-Shun Harris, Dominique Booth and Simmie Cobbs add depth to a receiving unit that’s far less experienced this season.
Stoner said they’ve had no trouble adjusting.
“They’ve done a great job learning, and that’s what’s really going to help us,” he said. “The less you have to think, the faster you can play.”
For the first time since the 2011 season, IU has a clear starter at the quarterback position.
Junior Nate Sudfeld, who threw for 2,523 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, will no longer have to share the duties with Tre Roberson, who transferred in June.
Johns said it’s easier this year knowing who will get the start each game.
He added that he’s seen more maturity out of his quarterback during the summer, and Sudfeld looks to be peaking at the right time.
“I felt like he came into fall camp and was OK but wasn’t his best,” Johns said. “I think that he’s developed timing over the last two-and-a-half, three weeks, developed some rhythm in the offense.”
IU returns 18 starters from the 2013 season, including eight on offense.
The team faces an Indiana State team that went 1-11 overall last year with an 0-8 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Rahrig said his offense hopes to see a worn-down ISU defense before the end of the first half.
“Getting into the middle of the second quarter, some teams aren’t used to going up-tempo, so we can kind of see them get a little slower getting to the line and getting set up,” Rahrig said.
“You have to catch them when they’re back on their heels, not on their toes.”
