There’s no need to worry about IU’s quarterback.
The position was the biggest question mark on the team after Nate Sudfeld graduated, but after another strong performance against Ball State, junior Richard Lagow answered the question resoundingly.
Lagow finished the game 17-of-28 passing with three touchdowns and 266 yards.
That’s some strong play from the junior college transfer.
Lagow had massive shoes to fill. Former Hoosier quarterback Nate Sudfeld is IU’s career leader in touchdowns and passing yardage and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round.
The transfer from Texas won the job in fall camp and it’s clear why — he is an efficient quarterback who is in complete control of IU’s offense. Against the Cardinals, he had a passer rating of 175.9.
But, he can be even better, and he knows it.
“It needs to be better,” Lagow said. “I made some good plays and some bad plays, so continue to be more consistent. The first game I would have liked to start better. The second game, today, I would have liked to finish better.”
Putting together a complete game is the next step for Lagow as he grows into his role, but he has all the traits necessary to be successful. He’s able to attack all parts of the field with his arm and gets IU into the correct play call with ease.
He seems unflappable and calm, like the game comes easy to him.
“He’s got a good look about him,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. “He’s 2-0, that’s a good quarterback.”
Better yet, he hasn't turned the ball over through his first two games. He isn’t forcing the ball, and he’s not making major mistakes.
With IU’s depth of talented skill players, all IU needed from its quarterback was someone to get the ball to its playmakers. Lagow is that and more.
He’s exactly what IU needs from the quarterback position.
After finding rhythm late in the Florida International game last week, Lagow continued that into Saturday’s game against the Cardinals. He was in complete control early as IU jumped out to a 20-0 lead at the half.
However, Lagow didn’t throw much in the second half. The IU offense sputtered late in the game when they had a chance to put the game away and Ball State started to claw back.
“I got to keep the foot down on the pedal longer and make games like that should be put away,” Lagow said, “really putting them away instead of letting them hang close.”
That was necessarily Lagow’s fault but if he would have had been sharper in the second half, IU would have had a chance to score upwards of 40 points.
“Our offense has to keep coming and be better on third down and show we can beat you throwing the ball,” Wilson said.
Lagow can continue to get better on third down. IU went 2-of-13 on third down, which is way too low if IU wants to beat teams in the Big Ten.
The quarterback position is set. Lagow is IU’s guy, and he has shown he can lead IU to the same type of success Sudfeld did.
