IU coach Bill Lynch addressed the media at his weekly Tuesday afternoon press conference. Here are some highlights.
Injuries
After avoiding injuries for the most part throughout the first six games, IU took a hit this past week. Here's the updated status on some key players:
- Starting LB Will Patterson (hand), DB Chris Adkins (elbow) and CB Donnell Jones (elbow) will miss this week's game against Northwestern. Lynch said he was unsure on the long-term injury status of the players. He said Adkins' injury could take significant time to recover but did not say Adkins' injury was season-ending. Adkins missed the Illinois game, as well.
- Starting RG Pete Saxon was listed as the backup behind Mike Reiter as Saxon continues to recover from an ankle injury. Saxon is listed in the preliminary injury report as questionable.
- Here are the other players on the preliminary injury report: OUT: DE Darius Johnson (shoulder), DE Fred Jones (foot), DT Jarrod Smith (Back); DOUBTFUL: RB Zach Davis-Walker (foot); PROBABLE: RB Darius Willis (ankle), LB Leon Beckum (ankle)
Illinois recap
Lynch was pleased with the effort and intensity of his team against Illinois. In last week's press conference, Lynch mentioned three statistical areas - big plays, turnovers, and third down conversions - as areas in which his team needed to improve.
- Big plays: IU had seven 20-plus yard offensive plays against Illinois. Against Ohio State and Virginia, IU had three 20-plus yard plays on offense. "They don't have to be touchdown plays, but we have to get some explosive plays because it's just so hard to drive the ball five to six yards a crack," Lynch said.
- Turnovers: IU forced three turnovers last week. Lynch said the turnovers were especially crucial in stopping Illinois from scoring in the red zone.
- Third-down conversions: IU converted 50 percent of its third downs. That's an improvement from 6-of-16 against Virginia and 3-of-14 against Ohio State.
Follow the jump for Lynch's thoughts on the Northwestern game, adjusting to injuries, a bowl possibility and more.
Previewing Northwestern
Lynch always has high praise for the upcoming opponent, but he seemed especially enamored with Pat Fitzgerald's Wildcats. "Northwestern is a team I have great respect for," Lynch said. "I don't know a football program out there that I have more respect for than Northwestern with what Pat Fitzgerald and his staff have done and the way his team plays."
Lynch mentioned the past two games against Northwestern. IU won last year 21-19 against the then-ranked No. 22 Wildcats and lost 31-28 in 2007 on a last-minute touchdown pass by the Wildcats.
Adjusting to injuries
Lynch said not much will change scheme-wise defensively, despite the injuries. He said LB Justin Carrington, who will replace Patterson, is essentially the team's fourth starting linebacker since he sees significant playing time each game and is a 5th-year senior. LB Leon Beckum also will return from injury this week to work as a backup.
Lynch was pleased with the play of Collin Taylor, who filled in as the extra man in the secondary on nickel packages. Lynch plans to use Taylor again this week.
The Hoosiers will be challenged by proficient Northwestern QB Mike Kafka, especially with a thin secondary. "The next guy is a play away from playing," Lynch said, adding that he was pleased with how his team adjusted mid-game to injuries against Illinois.
Practice intensity
Last week, the coaching staff emphasized intensity and fundamentals in practice, utilizing more live tackling drills. Lynch said he plans to have similar practice this week. He said practice intensity varies from team to team - some go all season without any hitting while other teams scrimmage each week. When asked if he weighs the risk of live tackling drills that could lead to possible injuries, Lynch said it was something that must be considered.
Game captains
The IU game captains for this Saturday's game will be LB Matt Mayberry, S Austin Thomas, QB Ben Chappell and WR Mitchell Evans.
