-- Indiana 37, Western Michigan 27 -- [FINAL]
It took over four hours, but the Hoosiers pulled out a win in Kalamazoo, defeating Western Michigan, 37-27.
The Hoosiers got ahead early in the first half and didn't succumb to Western Michigan's strong push in the second half. James Hardy and Kellen Lewis performed well together again, resulting in two touchdown plays.
And what the Hoosiers couldn't get Saturday night, Western Michigan gave to them. At one point in the game, the Broncos turned the ball over on five consecutive possessions. Things got so bad for the home team that they turned to their third string quarterback in the second quarter.
It's 12:19 AM -- I've been 21 for 19 minutes and am still watching this game. Amazing. Read below for a summary of the game. -------------------- -- Indiana 37, Western Michigan 27 -- [Fourth quarter - 2:39]
The Broncos are staging a bit of a comeback. The game can't end soon enough for the Hoosiers. --------------------
-- Indiana 37, Western Michigan 21 -- [Fourth quarter - 11:43]
It's pouring, the Hoosiers are throwing bombs down the field on first down and my friend Doak just said the IU running game "makes me want to claw my eyes out."
I don't have a watch on me, but unofficially the second half of this game has gone on for the last four days. --------------------
-- Indiana 37, Western Michigan 21 -- [Fourth quarter - 12:34]
This game is a lot closer than the blowout it feels like.
Starr just connected on a 48-yard field goal to put the Hoosiers up 16. At first, IU came out and was going to go for it on fourth down needing nine yards. Instead, Bill Lynch called timeout and elected to try the kick, which ended up being the right call.
The field goal was the longest of Starr's career. --------------------
-- Indiana 34, Western Michigan 14 -- [Third quarter - 2:42]
Brandon West returned a kick-off 98-yards for a touchdown. The Hoosiers failed to tackle and were out blocked by the Broncos. Chalk it up laziness. It happens.
This game is taking a historic amount of time. It appears I will spend my first few minutes as a 21-year-old watching the Hoosiers blow out a MAC team. Hopefully, I won't spend it watching the Broncos make a huge comeback.
One reason the game is taking long: IU: nine penalties for 72 yards. W. Mich: 10 for 96.
I'm not an offensive coordinator (except for in Madden), but shouldn't the Hoosiers be running the ball and trying to end this game? Instead they are lining up five-wide and throwing almost everytime. --------------------
-- Indiana 34, Western Michigan 7 -- [Third quarter - 4:58]
The Hoosiers are meandering in the general direction of the end zone.
Meanwhile, it appears as if the Hoosiers have made the necessary adjustments to contain Jamarko Simmons. That, or the Western Michigan quarterbacks have been unable to get the ball past the line of scrimmage.
Both announcers just commented they both believe the Hoosiers will make a bowl game for the first time since 1993.
After missing a field goal on the last drive, Austin Starr connects on a 24-yard field goal to put the Hoosiers up 34-7. --------------------
-- Indiana 31, Western Michigan 7 -- [Third quarter - 9:51]
Ben Wyss was robbed! It appeared McCray fumbled the ball into the end zone and Wyss recovered the ball for the touchdown. But after reviewing the play, the officials ruled that McCray was down at the 1-yard line and called the play back.
The Hoosiers then called two consecutive quarterback sneaks and were stopped both times at the goal line. On fourth-and-one the Hoosiers called Lewis's number again up the middle - only to be denied. IU turns the ball over to the Broncos on the one-yard line.
After three-and-out the Broncos were forced to punt to Porter, who returned the ball to Western Michigan's 27-yard line. --------------------
-- Indiana 31, Western Michigan 7 -- [Third quarter - 12:59]
Second half underway - and so is the rain. Here comes the easiest joke of the day: where is everyone in Waldo Stadium?
The Hoosiers opened the second half with a punt. A questionable no-call results in Western Michigan starting their next drive from the 15-yard line. Peregrin is coming back out for the Broncos.
And if you aren't watching the game you won't believe me: Peregrin just fumbled again. The Broncos have turned the ball over on five consecutive possessions. The Hoosiers take over in the red zone.
On an unrelated note, the ESPN scroller just said that Notre Dame and Michigan both started their seasons 0-2 for the first time in history (fist pump).
--------------------
-- Indiana 31, Western Michigan 7 -- [Halftime]
I was starting to write that the Hoosiers were going to have to settle for a field goal to end the half, but with seven seconds left Lewis completed another touchdown pass to Hardy, his second of the night.
Impressive. That sums up the Hoosiers performance in the first half. I've been reluctant to give IU credit all summer, but they are for real. They are absolutely pounding Western Michigan on the road. If anything, this makes Indiana State look good.
Tom pointed out to me that Kellen Lewis has basically been able to run for a first down at will. I know people like comparing him to Antwaan Randle El, but he reminds me of a smaller Vince Young. He's very powerful when he runs and it just seems defenders don't have much of a chance when trying to tackle him.
Hardy's two first half touchdowns give him four for the season and 24 for his career. He now only trails Jade Butcher (30) in IU's record books for career receiving touchdowns.
STREAKER ALERT: Lee just reported that a streaker has run onto the field, drawing the loudest ovation since the opening kick-off. He was quickly wrestled to the ground by four cops and arrested, but at least he didn't throw a pick. He's my favorite to start at quarterback in the second half for the Broncos. --------------------
-- Indiana 24, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 2:00]
Panic, much? Western Michigan is putting their third quarterback on the field tonight in senior Thomas Peregrin.
And on his second play on the field, Peregrin throws a pick to Mitchell Evans - his second interception of the night. Not bad for a guy playing quarterback a couple months back. I don't think I'm speaking too early when I say the Hoosiers are looking like they will cruise to victory tonight. --------------------
-- Indiana 24, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 3:52]
After three consecutive penalties...
Touchdown Hoosiers! Lewis connected to Hardy for his first reception of the night and his third touchdown of the season. Hardy caught the ball on a quick slant pass in the middle of the end zone.
I'm a bit surprised with how easy IU is handling Western Michigan. The Hoosiers are doing a poor job of picking up blitzes, but have managed to escape thanks to penalties and Lewis's athleticism. --------------------
-- Indiana 17, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 5:25]
The Broncos have benched their quarterback and brought in freshman Drew Burdi to run the offense. One of the analysts who talked to Western Michigan's coach before the game said he thinks Burdi will just be in for one series.
And for the third straight drive the Broncos have turned the ball over thanks to a fumble by Burdi. Chris Phillips sacked Burdi and Will Paterson was able to recover the ball. The Hoosiers will start this drive from the Broncos 47-yard line.
Lee and Tom just told me the crowd has fallen dead silent at Waldo Stadium, with the exception of a few loyal Hoosier fans. --------------------
-- Indiana 17, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter -- 6:21]
Two players after Western Michigan converted on a 32-yard pass play to someone not named Jamarko Simmons (Brandon West), Greg Middleton recovered a fumble and was unchallenged on his 44-yard run to the end zone for a touchdown.
Middleton had a sack earlier this game and two last week. He's really emerged as IU's top defensive lineman.
I'd also like to note ESPNU's use of student reporters on the sidelines. I can't wait until the Hoosiers play a game that Erin Andrews covers. --------------------
-- Indiana 10, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 8:17]
The Hoosiers were forced to punt after a pretty mediocre drive. The Broncos recover the pull on their own 17-yard line. Lewis threw a couple of balls into the turf due to IU's inability to pick up Western Michigan's blitz.
IU hasn't been able to get Hardy involved yet. I'm not sure if its because they are using him as a decoy at this point or the Broncos are covering him well...I'd guess the latter. -------------------- -- Indiana 10, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 11:23]
Interception by quarterback-turned-safety Mitchell Evans! The 6-foot-5 freshman intercepted the ball on a lob to the end zone. He returned the ball to the 12-yard-line. The Hoosiers take over with the ball. Will Hardy see his first look of the night?
-------------------- -- Indiana 10, Western Michigan 7 -- [Second Quarter - 12:13 ]
IU's Austin Thomas is down on the field. After a couple of minutes he was able to get up on his own and walked off the field. The replay showed he took a knee to the helmet.
On the next play Simmons pulled in his eighth catch of the game. Will the Hoosiers triple, or at least double-team him already?
Gottfried is making a plea right now for Greenspan to keep Lynch past this season and remove the interim tag for the sake of recruiting and to obtain some cohesiveness.
The Broncos pick up another first down on a 4th and 9. It's as if two teenagers are playing Madden and refusing to punt. --------------------
-- Indiana 10, Western Michigan 7 -- [End of First quarter]
They just showed a glimpse of the Waldo Stadium press box. Let's just say I'm extremely glad to be in my red recliner right now.
On third and short Lewis launched the ball down field to...Andrew Means! A 45-yard reception to someone not named James Hardy. On the ensuing play, Thigpen took an end-around to get inside the Broncos 30-yard line.
How about the multi-sport capability of IU's position players? Hardy was a phenomenal high school basketball player and came off the bench for IU his freshman year. Means is one of IU's best baseball players and batted over .360 last season. And Ray Fischer and Marcus Thigpen are both track stars that have run 40-yard dashes under 4.3 seconds.
On fourth-and-one the Hoosiers decide to go from it just outside of Starr's field goal range. On a play-action pass Lewis scrambled to his left and threw a screen pass to Sears for a 24-yard touchdown. The entire Broncos defense bit on the fake hand-off to Demetrius McCray. --------------------
-- Indiana 3, Western Michigan 7 -- [First quarter -- 3:43]
A third false start for Western Michigan. Did Tarik Glenn unretire?
After a costly offsides call on Indiana, the Broncos connect on 4th-and-7 to Jamarko Simmons.
Western Michigan drove the ball into IU's red zone. On first and goal Greg Middleton sacked
For those counting at home, Simmons has seven receptions already in the first quarter. He appears to be the first and second receiving option.
But the third is Anthony Middleton, who just scored on a 8-yard touchdown for Western Michigan. The extra point was good, barely.
Our wonderful beat reporter, Lee Hurwitz just e-mailed me "ugh. penalties will kill you. put that in your blog." Consider it put.
(Note: The UAB/Florida game took 42 minutes to play the fourth quarter, but ESPNU has now picked up the Indiana game. Hooray, TV!) --------------------
-- Indiana 3, Western Michigan 0 -- [First quarter]
Power I formation! Three running backs! Lewis throws a ball into the end zone and it's incomplete. That formation was made for Josiah Sears.
The Hoosiers are unable to get into the end zone and settle for a 21-yard field goal by Starr. Nevertheless, IU is on top. --------------------
-- Indiana 0, Western Michigan 0 -- [First quarter -- 11:41]
Austin Starr opened the game with a kick five-yards deep into the end zone.
Western Michigan then displayed what they've been working on in practice all week and were whistled for two consecutive false starts. Those type of starts drive coaches crazy. Unless your name is Art Shell, which means you'll show no emotion regardless.
Three plays later, Tracy Porter ran the Broncos punt back to IU's 43-yard line. Porter really didn't get a chance to return one in the first week, but did a good job of returning his first tonight.
Kellen Lewis and Marcus Thigpen broke for two big runs on consecutive players. On third and 10, Lewis scrambled for 19 yards and on the next play Thigpen took his first rush for 18 yards down the sideline. --------------------
The Hoosiers have won the toss and deferred, meaning Western Michigan will receive the opening kick-off. Don Fischer described the crowd as "almost capacity" and about 30,000 in attendance.
No surprises in IU's starting lineup. Nick Polk will be starting and playing his second career game at safety. Either way, if Polk is touching the ball on defense or offense, it's a good thing for the Hoosiers.
---------- It appears ESPNU hates me.
The UAB/Florida State game is still being shown on ESPNU and won't end for some time. The two teams are only separated by a touchdown and there is 14:52 left in the game.
I've audibled to the Don Fischer's play-by-play on the radio. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
---------- Pre-game: Kalamazoo isn't the only place under water tonight. Unlike Lee and Tom, I didn't hit the road this weekend to catch the Hoosiers in action and instead will be blogging live from (beautiful?) Bloomington tonight.
If you're searching for the Hoosier/Western Michigan it can be found on ESPNU - channel 514 for Insight customers. If you don't have ESPNU, or you just prefer Under The Rock's coverage, then welcome. I'll be serving as Howard Cosell and John Madden tonight. Except, you know, younger and better looking.
A couple of quick notes...
* As we've mentioned in several posts this week, Western Michigan boasts MAC Player of the Week Jamarko Simmons. The wide receiver should pose a challenge to the Hoosiers secondary.
* IU defensive back Joe Kleinsmith did not make the trip to Kalamazoo, due to a hamstring injury stemming from the Indiana State game.
* I predicted Indiana winning 27-20 tonight. I know some Hoosier fans have predicted more lopsided scores...call me a pessimist.
* Broadcasting tonight's game on ESPNU is Dave Armstrong and Mike Gottfried. I'm a little disappointed I won't get to enjoys three hours of Mike Tomczak break down the Hoosiers. But I do expect we'll get to hear a couple of times about Gottfried's autobiography which is being released on Monday. The title? Coach's Challenge: Faith, Football, and Filling the Father Gap. I'd rather read a news story by Jayson Blair.
