IU coach Bill Lynch addressed the media Tuesday afternoon at his weekly press conference.Much of what Lynch said was repeated from last night's radio show, so I will try not to repeat myself. Check out the radio show recap here.
Injury update
The preliminary injury report looks better than last week's report. LB Will Patterson and CB Donnell Jones were upgraded to questionable after both missed the Northwestern game. However, neither player is listed in the depth chart. CB Chris Adkins is listed as out for the third straight week. RG Pete Saxon is probable after battling with an ankle injury.
Thoughts on Iowa
"We have a tremendous challenge and a bigger opportunity on Saturday against Iowa," Lynch said.
"Our guys are here because they love Indiana University, but also because they wanted to play Big Ten football. They wanted to play in Big Ten, big-time games. That is what this opportunity is about on Saturday."
Lynch mentioned Iowa's phyiscality, ability to create turnovers, solid quarterback play and strength in all aspects of their play.
For Lynch's thoughts on Northwestern, follow the jump.
Thoughts on Northwestern
Second-half adjustments
Lynch mentioned several defensive adjustments, especially in the secondary, for the second half. He credited Northwestern's comeback to sustaining long drives (especially in the fourth quarter) and converting fourth downs. "They executed and we didn't," Lynch said.
Lynch said the team played with effort the entire game and put the 25-point Northwestern comeback in perspective. "We got our 28 points too early," Lynch said. He said anyone would consider a 28-17 halftime score as a competitive game.
Play calling
"I don't second guess one call that was made in that football game," Lynch said.
Lynch defended offensive coordinator Matt Canada and mentioned how people were talking about the team's successful play-calling in previous games. He said play-calling is a very organized effort by the coaching staff.
"In play-calling, you don't just all-of-a-sudden pull something out of the air, you know 'I think it's a good time for a double reverse pass' - you have all those things calculated the best you can on the sidelines," Lynch said.
On the fourth-and-goal play with Mitch Evans, Lynch said the team decided to run the Wildcat formation because the team had run power formations the previous few plays. He said they chose from a handful of options and thought the Evans' play was the best option to score.
Players' reaction to game
"I do not want guys hanging their heads or feeling sorry for themselves," Lynch said. "I do not want them moping around. There are too many people in this world who are negative and I do not want to see our guys being negative. They know how fortunate they are because they are Big Ten football players who get to play undefeated Iowa on national television."
Roster moves
CB Adrian Burks was listed as the starter above Richard Council on this week's depth chart. Lynch said the position was still open for Saturday and the players will compete for the spot this week in practice.
Backup kicker Mitch Ewald was removed from the depth chart and will be redshirted this season, barring any disasters.
Game captains
The game captains for this week's game against Iowa will be Rodger Saffold, Austin Thomas, Jammie Kirlew and Matt Mayberry.
