About 200 fans watched the IU football team battle amongst itself in the squad's first open scrimmage on Saturday. The controlled-competition was played inside Memorial Stadium with most fans seated on the east side (students side).
As for the scrimmage, well there was no definitive outcome, but the offense looked pretty sharp.
Ben Chappell took most of the snaps from the pistol formation - think of a shotgun formation but Chappell is two steps closer to his center and has a featured running back behind him - throwing mainly to Kellen Lewis at wide receiver. The two acutally connected on the second play of the day for a touchdown (Lewis made a nice juke to the outside and bursted to the endzone).
After the scrimmage, Lewis said Chappell is doing a great job conducting the offense, even if there are new schemes and routes implemented. He cited Chappell's intelligence in regards to picking up plays quicker and becoming a better reader at differences. Personally, I think Chappell is more poised than ever, because he now knows he is the number one QB. I called for this all year last season and, honestly, it's the best thing for the team. Lewis is so dynamic, IU needs him out wide, especially if Ray Fisher is opting for defense rather than offense.
Lewis' adjustments look good at wide out. He's running the correct routes and if often lining up in the slot. Sometimes, he is out wide too. On Saturday, I noticed he was running a lot of flat patterns and trying go long with Chappell. The two wil definitely be on the lookout for one another this season. Note, Lewis only took one snap at QB, which he ran up the middle. If you see him this season under center, chances are he wil run the ball or Chappell and his back ups aren't clicking at all.
Lewis was on special teams and fielded some punts and kickoffs. He looks a bit shakey in this position though. Sometimes, he was circling around the ball in the air like an outfielder that has no idea where the baseball is. But - Lewis is an excpetional athlete who can catch balls more so than other players, so I see him improving on special teams. He just needs a little more work.
Offense-
RB: Bryan Payton had a couple long runs. It's nice to see No.27 get the ball more. IU needs this kind of downhill runner. Trea Burgess also surprised some people with his runs. Also, Shawn Major-Winston had a few carries. Overall, the running backs looked good thanks to an offensive line, who's been battling injuries left and right.
On that note- Tacke Roger Saffold limped off the field on his own power with an injury. IU really needs him up front if that running game plans to be effective. My observation - he should be OK.
WR: Kellen Lewis, as mentioned, was the main target. Also cathcing some passes were Tandon Doss and Demarlo Belcher. Plus, a guy who who is making great strides is Matt Ernest (wears number 84). He caught some nice balls in traffic. Remember his name. He might be a sleeper.
Defense -
Appeared sluggish at first, but improved as the scrimmage continued. Jeremy Finch had an interception today and seemed to have more of an impact than other practices. Jammie Kirelw and Will Patterson are nursing injuries, so some younger guys got reps. Defensive End Greg Middleton was banging up front, but did not have a sack on Saturday. Still, Middleton is making progress and if he wants to play at the next level, he must keep that mindset throughout the season. Ray Fisher was sidelined with an injury. That meant more time for Andre LaGrone. LaGrone's alright but needs some work. The linebackers had a rough time stopping the run, which concerns me. With Patterson out, Mayberry, Carrington and Replogle must step up.
