Before I start with the analysis, here's a refresher on the main changes:
1. IU implements new Pistol Offense - quarterback is in a shotgun position but closer to line. A running back is behind the quarterback resembling an I formation. Typically, there are 3 to 4 wide receivers on the play as well. The pistol originated with the University of Nevada-Reno.
2. Kellen Lewis move to wide receiver. Ben Chappell becomes the outright starting QB.
3. Ray Fisher switches to defense. Instead of a small slot receiver, he becomes a small cornerback.
Now, back to the scrimmage.
Offense-
The offense looked good like it did last week. Ben Chappell started out completing his first 8 passes and eventually threw for 111 yards and 1 touchdown. He ran the ball a little bit more this week than the 1st scrimmage. I think the new Pistol Offense will allow Chappell to gain more yards up the gut and you can best bet he will call a QB sneak if the Hoosiers are within a yard or two of a first down.
Lewis still looks good at wide receiver, even though he only caught 4 passes for 22 yards. I did some more Tight End passes which was nice. I don't understand why Max Dedmond and Troy Wagner don't get thrown to unless the defender they're blocking is lifeless. Wagner had 2 receptions on Saturday totaling 40 yards. He certainly can move for a big guy. Dedmond caught 2 balls for 19 yards.
Also on the receiving end, Demarlo Belcher caught 3 balls for 40 yards including a touchdown, Terrance Turner snagged 2 balls for 27 yards (1 of them was a remarkable diving catch along the sideline) and Doss had 2 catches for 14 yards.
It was good to see Darius Willis, 2007 Mr. Football back into the swing of things. Willis said he is 80 percent right now and is still having some injury problems. He missed the previous scrimmage and other practices this spring with a groin injury. Willis totaled 4 carries for 20 yards.
Bryan Payton worked less on Saturday. He carried the ball 6 times for 38 yards, while Trea Burgess had nine carries for 69 yards. Demetrius McCray ran for 25 yards on 7 carries.
The running game definitely has depth and I think that's good. Right now, Burgess and McCray are right up there with Payton. It's really anyone's spot, but understand there won't be a no.1 running back. This Hoosier squad will sub in and out often.
Defense
Injuries: Defensive End Jammie Kirlew, Linebacker Will Patterson and Defensive Lineman Deonte Mack were sidelined. Same goes for safeties Nick Polk and Austin Thomas.
Defense continues to show some promise despite a lot of young guys getting reps. Cornerbacks Richard Council and Chris Adkins each had an interception on Saturday. Jarrod Smith, who recently made the move to defensive tackle recorded a sack along with sophomore defensive end Fred Jones.
The run defense was better but still needs work. It all starts up front with the linemen and then the linebackers have to close in. There's too many holes from what I'm seeing right now. If IU's offensive line is winning that intra-squad battle, what do you think will happen when Ohio State comes to town?
Ray Fisher at cornerback really didn't do all that much on Saturday expect be his usual loud self. However, his counterparts at corner are improving (Adkins and Council, who were both freshmen last season).
Special Teams
- Right now, there are two kickers battling for the starting job for the fall. Redshirt freshman Nick Freeland nailed all seven of his attempts including a 40 yarder. Charlie Klingensmith who is a transfer from St. Bonaventure (he played soccer there) banged home his 4 tries, including a long of 33. Remember, IU has one recruit named Mitch Ewald from Illinois eager to battle for a place kicking spot. The punting as usual was still shaky. Hagerup had a few tries, but they weren't good. He's still recovering from his ACL injury.
