After running time off the clock in week three with a late lead against Western Kentucky, IU attempted the same method to drain the clock, handing the ball to junior running back Jordan Howard for six consecutive plays.
The difference between week three and week four, though, is that the Hoosiers’ drive stalled after a holding penalty and a 3rd-and-13 rush for seven yards. Senior punter Erich Toth punted from his own 41 yard line with 3:32 left in the game.
“Against Florida International, we had a couple of chances, and we didn’t,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said about closing out games. “Against Western Kentucky, we did. Now against Wake Forest, we didn’t close it out. In our mind, we’re one of three as an offense. One out of three in closing games out. We’ve got to be better there.”
The Demon Deacons responded with a one-minute, 90-yard drive to score a touchdown, pulling within seven points, and then recovered an onside kick, giving them an opportunity for a long pass on fourth down from midfield.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Johns spoke about calling conservative plays too early in the game.
“I don’t think we were,” Johns said. “Jordan Howard is the best player on the team, so we put the ball in his hands.”
Danny Friend and Ricky Jones
In that six-play, 16-yard drive at the end of the game, sophomore tight end Danny Friend was rolled up underneath a Wake Forest defender, injuring his knee on the play.
“I don’t think it’s major, but he’ll be a while,” Wilson said. “Probably doubtful this week and maybe a couple. I think we’ll look to see if it can be managed. I don’t think it’s a major deal. I think it can be managed without a minor surgery, but they’re looking to see how he progresses over the next few days.”
Friend has caught three passes for 39 yards this season.
Junior leading-Hoosier receiver Ricky Jones also limped off the field Saturday, but Wilson said that Jones should play against Ohio State this weekend.
Penalties
IU committed 11 penalties Saturday against Wake Forest for 119 yards, which partly lead to five three-and-outs for the Hoosiers.
Two of the penalties were holding calls, while one was a false start, helping to consistently stall offensive drives throughout the game for the Hoosiers.
“Unfortunately, we did have five huge penalties through pass interference and three personal fouls,” Wilson said. “That needs to get out of our football.”
The Hoosiers committed double-digit penalties once before the Wake Forest game, as they were called for 11 against Florida International. They were called for six and five against Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky, respectively.
Players of the Game
Defensively, Wilson said the players of the game Saturday were freshman cornerback Andre Brown and sophomore linebacker Tegray Scales.
Brown recorded three tackles and one pass breakup, and defensive coordinator Brian Knorr said that, according to a statistic that the coaches record involving plays on the ball versus opportunities, Brown had the best ratio on the defense.
Scales sacked the quarterback twice this weekend.
