I wish I was in the Hoosiers locker room at halftime. I really do. It's amazing these guys can't score points after the break.
After Saturday's loss to Penn State, the Hoosiers have been outscored 144-20 in the second half against conference opponents. This has been a common theme all season long. And it's amazing that after 11 games, IU still hasn't adjusted.
In the beginning of the year, coach Bill Lynch said his players have to execute better. Fast forward to IU's recent contests and Lynch is now blaming injuries and tipping his cap to the other team. Lynch says he proud of his guys for "battling." Sorry coach, but a 50% effort isn't battling.
Listen- injuries have definitely hurt this 2008 squad. It's tough when you don't have a healthy Kellen Lewis, Chris Phillips, Austin Thomas, or a stable offensive line.
However, like Roger Saffold said after the Penn State game, the Hoosiers "can't make excuses."
If you were in a close game, wouldn't you step it up in the final moments? Even, as out of shape as I am, I'm a hustler all the time and will run the floor 'til I die. You all know what I'm talking about when you get that adrenaline rush at the end of games. These guys should be more energized in the second half than they are in the first.
I don't know if it's a lack of conditioning or focus, but this second half drought must stop. I'll be the first to say, Purdue will kill IU if the Hoosiers don't compete after halfitme.
Things would have been different in 2008 if the Hoosiers had some fire in the third and fourth quarters. No, they wouldn't have won every game they lost. But some bouts would have ended differently.
I know a lot of you are calling for Lynch's head.
Is it coaching? Well- I definitely think coaching has something to do with the lackluster play. Are these guys buying into Lynch's system? If they are, why do they continue to suffer in the second half?
Defense end Jammie Kirlew can't pinpoint why his team can't perform after halftime? Can you?
