Controversy in Bloomington. It appeared as if the defense had the victory in hand 34-33. But the referee's granted a 'bonus' play, from the ten yard line with no time on the clock. Chappell found Collin Taylor for a touchdown strike to give the offense a controversial 36-34 victory.
I'm heading down to talk to some of the players and coaches, we'll find out soon enough if the defense thinks they got screwed.
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Running back Zach Walker burst through a hole and right into the end zone for the second touchdown of the afternoon for the offense.
With under five minutes to go, the defense is up 34-28. Not that the result of the game is that important, but the offense still has a chance to pull off the victory.
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There's been a lot of laughter in the press room, which is not a good sign for the Hoosiers. There's been a couple of sloppy plays, none sloppier than a recent fumble that went about 30 yards the other way, with about five players not being able to pick it up.
With one more period to go the defense leads the offense 32-23.
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The offense finally got into the end zone, Burgess punched the ball in from about the one yard line for the score. Defense: 28 Offense: 22
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Freshman 300 pound defensive tackle Jeff Boyd pressured Chappell into throwing his second interception of the day, this one caught by presumed starting cornerback Christopher Phillips. Boyd is a big boy, some of the Indianapolis locals may remember him from his playing days at Warren Central.
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IU coach Bill Lynch is adressing the Hoosier faithful right now. I couldn't hear what he was saying from the press box, but he sounded pretty animated. If I had to venture a guess i'm sure the following words were said:
"Excited" "Good football team" "Thank you."
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At the end of the third period the defense is up 25-17. Jammie Kirlew ended the frame by recording his second sack of the game. Right now Austin Starr is showing off his kicking ability, he hasn't lost his touch from last year.
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Chappell just threw his first interception of the day, Joe Kleinsmith made a great read on the pass and picked it off.
The score is currently 21-17 defense, but don't let the score fool you - The defense has dominated so far. The offense hasn't scored a touchdown and the defense has three interceptions. The scoring favors the offense.
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Chappell's first pass of the third period was a 35 yard strike to wide receiver Collin Taylor. Sadly, the Hoosiers still were unable to find the end zone, tight end Brian Zematis dropped an easy pass in the end zone. The scoring crew credited the defense for the tip.
Currently, running back Trea Burgess has been making some nifty moves to bring the offense close to their first touchdown of the day.
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The score after the second of five periods is Red (defense) 16 White (offense) 11.
Cornerback Richard Council has been the most active of the cornerbacks, while the offense took a step back in the frame. Neither Chappell or Evans looked sharp, missing a few open receivers each. Freshman wide receiver Matt Ernest has been the most impressive receiver.
On special teams, Hagerup just launched the first good punt of the day for the Hoosiers. But, as is most things in live, consistency is the key, IU will need him to be able to do that on a regular basis.
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The defense is starting to impose its will on the offense. Cornerback Richard Council just helped his cause vying for the starting cornerback job after intercepting an Evans pass. The next play linebacker Will Patterson emphatically broke up a pass and knocked Walker-Roby to the ground.
For those of you scoring at home, the defense is on top 13-8.
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Freshman Donnell Jones got the defense back in the game, picking off an errant Mitchell Evans pass. After the first of five periods, the offense leads the defense 8-6. Jones so far would have to get the game ball though.
Right now they are doing special teams, and punter Chirs Hagerup did not look impressive. None of his punts were particularly booming, and backup Kyle Lambeck hasn't been much better.
This could be a huge problem for IU in the regular season - one of the two players needs to step up before the season because so far today neither of them looked like division one punters.
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The second string offense busted the game wide open, putting up 3 points on the defense with a string of first downs. Mitchell Evans looked like a real quarterback, not just an athlete playing the position.
Bill Lynch said he planned on using the tight end more often and low and behold, Chappell completed a first down pass to backup tight end Max Dedmond.
It may be the lack of a crowd, or the fact that its just offense vs. defense, but this game thus far has been pretty uninspiring. A couple of big hits, one strong run by Payton has been about it. Maybe it will pick up.
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After the first series, the score should be tied at 2-2, but the offense has a one point lead. Some quick notes from the first team:
* Richard Council was the second starting cornerback, opposite of Christopher Phillips.
* Bryan Payton had a big gain on the first play of the game, that play was followed by a quick strike from Chappell to Brandon Walker-Roby.
* The two higlights for the defense was a pass break up by Nick Polk and a 'sack' by Jammie Kirlew. The quotes around sack are because they are playing two hand touch with the quarterbacks. Probably a good move, they're short at that position already.
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The already depleted offense has even less ammo then originally thought. Ray Fisher is out for the game. Herald Times reporter Doug Wilson informed me he's out due to an apparent hip flexor. Also, Marcus Thigpen is not playing due to his obligations with the track team.
The team just had a pre-game prayer, and are about ready to start play, there are less than 1,000 people in the stands, if I had to guess I would say 450 people total, including members of the band.
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I haven't really explained the scoring system for this game yet, the reason being that the scoring is completely insane and complicated. But here are the official rules:
SCORING FORMAT AND RULES:
Offense: First Down = 1 point. Touchdown/25 Yard Gain = 3 points. Defensive Interference = 1 point.
Defense: Pass Break Up = 1 point. Defensive Stop = 1 point. Offensive Interference - 1 point. Interception = 3 points.
There are no fumbles, the ball is spotted where it hits the ground. There are no fourth downs.
So there you have it. I'll keep note of the score, but really that's not the most important thing in this game. (The only time that can be said in a college game.)
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Good afternoon Undertherockers;
I'm no Matt Dollinger, but for the day i'll be doing my best impersonation and give you live updates of the annual Cream and Crimson game which starts today at Memorial Stadium at 2 p.m.
The offense will don the road white or 'cream' uniforms, while the defense will be wearing home red, (crimson.)
While the official game is called "Cream and Crimson" the scoreboard reads the two teams that will be playing are 'Red' Vs. 'White.' And, evidently White has been staked a one point lead.
Some quick pre-game observations:
1) There are currently less than 100 people in the stands right now, which I guess shouldn't be a huge surprise due to the gloomy weather and the normal attendance at the Rock.
2) The construction at the North end zone has really picked up since November. Instead of a bunch of ditches it actually looks like they're building something. Jeff Keag, media relations guru has just told me that the outside of the end zone will be completed by this year, and the seats and the inside part will be completed by 2009. When it is all said and done, it should look very impressive, and Memorial Stadium may actually look like a real live Big Ten stadium.
3) Kellen Lewis Alert - Lewis is not listed on the Cream teams roster, but he is still listed on the Spring football roster. Just a reminder that he is suspended, but definitely still on the team.
I'll be back with more updates and as always, your comments and questions are more than welcome.
