Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue. Yep, 3 more games in this ugly season. Most likely, 3 more losses. I keep looking back on previous outings and attempt to pinpoint the problematic areas. Here's what I've discovered:
1. Quarterback dilemma
I first though a two-quarterback system would work out. And now, I'll stand up and admit that I was wrong. Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell are two, entirely different conductors on offense. The mixing and matching of both QB's creates too much instability with the first unit. Lewis is a runner. Chappell is a passer. I personally think Chappell is better suited for this offense because of his accuracy. Lewis, on the other hand, would make an eye-popping wideout.
2. Not enough Marcus Thigpen
He's only rushed for 100 yards or more only 3 times this season. Are you kidding me? Thigpen runs a 4.3sec 40 yd dash. Give me the headset 'cause I know that guy needs to carry the ball more than an avg. of 8 times per game. If you don't think he'll succeed up the gut, why doesn't IU use him as an all-purpose back. Throw some screens to Thigpen like the ones to wide receivers Ray Fisher and Andrew Means. If Thigpen had some more touches, 2008 would be different. Sorry to say, this is his last year at IU.
3. Poor Pass defense
IU's secondary is simply put- aweful. Chris Adkins, Richard Council and Nick Polk always find themselves 3 steps behind opposing receivers. Safety Austin Thomas is the only Hoosier you can count on. I can't tell you how many times the secondary has dropped pick sixes. It's unbelieveable. Too many missed opportunites.
4. No Greg Middleton
From 16 sacks in 2007 to just 2 thus far in 2008. A fluke is right. A big reason the Hoosiers won 7 games last year was Middleton's domiance at the line. This season he is absent. Jammie Kirlew has stepped up, but that's only one lineman. No name quarterbacks appear as stars and that's due to the missing Greg Middleton.
5. Poor play calling
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada should not longer handle the play calling. He doesn't know the difference between Chappell and Lewis and nor do his players. He calls way too many 3rd and long draws, which gain a pedistrian 3 or 4 yards. He doesn't know how to take the pressure off the QB's shoulders by implementing a running game. There's almost no trickery involved in the offense, something top 20 teams always attempt at least once a game. You could probably do a better job with his play sheet.
6. Special Teams
Sorry folks, but kicker Austin Starr isn't so automatic in 2008. He's nothing but a coinflip. From a Lou Groza finalist to a flat out bust, Starr's senior season might have tarnished his collegiate carrier. Had he converting some of those missed kicks, maybe IU wouldn't have 3 wins at this point?
7. Offensive line
Does an o-line even exist? It seems that Lewis or Chappell is always scampering away from the pocket. No time=bad passes. Running back Bryan Payton can't accumulate major yardage because he has no blockers out in front. The same goes for Thigpen.
What else has gone wrong for these Hoosiers?
Let's see how long this list can get.
