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(12/03/04 5:59am)
Dollar signs, W's and L's; three basic symbols the Bloomington Faculty Council's Athletics Committee are contending with in the wake of IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan's decision to fire former IU football coach Gerry DiNardo. \nDaniel Maki, chair of the Athletics Committee, said the organization approved of the decision to fire DiNardo. Former committee member Jim Sherman said the university has been reluctant to sign big-name coaches because of the amount of money such coaches demand from an already beleaguered athletics department. \n"What the University has tried to do with the last few hires was trying not to hire the power coaches who command an awful lot of money," Sherman said. "I'm not sure if Indiana wants to get a high-profile coach now because there's still some uncertainty that he won't be able get the program off the ground."\nNow with the official search for a new coach set to kick off, Greenspan said his department's recent monetary concerns will indeed have some bearing on the decision. But Greenspan was unwilling to specify about any budget ceiling at this time. \n"There are always a limit on the amount of money the University is willing to spend," Greenspan said. "The only time there isn't a spending limit is when my wife goes shopping."\nWith the athletics department still $1.33 million in debt, Greenspan's decision to fire DiNardo with two years left on his contract has drawn some criticism because IU will still have to pay him his $225,000 salary for the next two years, as well as his contract's buyout. But Sherman said the only true remedy for the Hoosiers' money troubles is a viable football program.\n"Until the football program here is successful, the athletics department will simply be in the red," Sherman said. "It will indeed cost more money in the short run. But this is the only Division I-A university program where the basketball team brings in as much or more than the football team. Michigan brings in more in one football game than a whole season here at IU. Realistically, the fact that we're not even more in the red is amazing."\nEven with the lack of funding, IU has improved its situation, as the athletics deficit has fallen nearly 60 percent from $3.27 million in the 2001-02 year to the current level of $1.33 million.\nAthletics committee member Rosann Spiro said the firing was directly tied to IU's lackluster 8-27 record over the past three years. Spiro defended the decision and said the window of opportunity for results had closed for DiNardo. \n"I don't think there was one reason for the decision, but it was mostly related to the performance of the team," Spiro said. "Anyone can look at the numbers and see. How long do you wait until you start to expect results? Rick Greenspan thought it was time to make a change, and there really wasn't a strong reason against his decision."\nGreenspan himself said the decision was based purely upon DiNardo's performance as a coach -- not by any intent to tailor the athletics department to his own tastes. \n"This isn't about me trying to put a mark on the program," Greenspan said. "This is about me discharging the duties of my position, and I would not be presumptuous enough or have that kind of ego that I'm trying to make that kind of statement. My position is that I have to represent to the president what I think is the best interests of the program, not putting a mark on my program."\nSpiro said she does not believe IU's lack of leadership will hurt the recruiting process for next year's class -- so long as a new leader is found in due time. \n"It obviously makes (recruiting) a little bit harder until you have somebody in that position, but the plans are to get somebody in the position as quickly as possible," Spiro said. "I think it can only be possible for us to improve. Coaches are judged on wins and losses. ... It was a pretty clear-cut record, and the subcommittee felt that a change was necessary."\nWith the Hoosiers unable to break into a bowl since 1993 and the athletics department still in the red, Sherman said IU must walk a fine line in order to find a coach who can produce results and not put IU further in debt. As for the skeptics, according to Sherman, it all has been done before. \n"What IU wants to do is get someone with credentials who could be very good but who also doesn't cost much money," Sherman said. "I don't think it's true that you need five years to really turn a program around. You need the right person who can deliver new recruits and coach well. When Joe Tiller came to Purdue, that program turned around a lot faster; the Minnesota program turned around faster; and Northwestern also improved in a shorter time." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(12/02/04 6:37am)
While there are typically five stages of grief, there only seems to be two in the Hoosier locker room after the Gerry DiNardo coaching era passed Monday night -- disbelief and acceptance. \nSenior tackle Jodie Clemons said he was shocked by the firing, but he also understands the decision because of the business aspect of the game. Clemons said the money the team brings in is directly related to the wins and losses, and because DiNardo could only deliver an 8-27 record during his tenure, he was let go. \n"Well, it's a business and while it's unfortunate that it happened, the team just has to move forward," Clemons said. "I was definitely surprised by the decision, but the team has to start a new chapter."\nClemons, who experienced a coaching change firsthand when DiNardo replaced former IU coach Cam Cameron in 2001, said the unknown factor can be especially trying for players; however, he also said comfort can be found in fellow teammates during such uncertain times.\n"It's going to be tough because the guys are going to have to learn a new system, and you're in your comfort zone and that gets broken," Clemons said. "It's really challenging because you never know what's going to happen. At this point, the guys just have to stick together because there's just no telling who they're going to bring in."\nJunior running back Yamar Washington said the change also caught him off-guard because he was told about the decision not by a teammate, coach or IU official, but by his own mother. Still, he remains optimistic about the program despite the change. \n"It was a big shock, my mother called me last night and said that she heard about it from another parent," Washington said. "But it's a chance for us to move on and do something for the program, re-energize and keep moving forward."\nRegardless of the player's reaction to the firing, IU athletics director Rick Greenspan said the change was a necessity to take the Hoosier football program back into the relative prominence it enjoyed during the late 1980s and early '90s. \n"I believe a change in leadership of our football program is needed at this time," Greenspan said. "While there has been some progress made within our program, we live in a highly competitive environment and we need to compete more successfully to achieve many of our goals."\nDiNardo, who inherited a team with few scholarship players, brought the team back into competitive form this season. During the 2004 run, three games were decided by a touchdown or less.\nThis season, IU lost to Illinois, Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan State by a total of 25 points. During the 2003 campaign, the Hoosiers were bested by the same teams by a margin of 76 points, even when the 2003 17-14 win against the Fighting Illini is taken into the equation. \nGreenspan said DiNardo's firing would set an example of what he is looking for in head coaches -- wins. Greenspan also said he would do whatever it takes to create a successful athletics program -- even if at the expense of coaches such as DiNardo. \n"I said early on during my tenure here that I like a sense of urgency," Greenspan said. "We're going to have some urgency. We're going to work aggressively to get ourselves better. We're not going to be capricious, but we're going to be aggressive and we're going to pursue excellence."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/22/04 5:09am)
WEST LAFAYETTE -- The Hoosier football team suffered a spanking in the Old Oaken Bucket game Saturday as IU gave up 763 yards of total offense in a 63-24 thrashing at the hands of arch-rival Purdue. With the loss, the Hoosiers end a disappointing 2004 campaign at 3-8 and 1-7 in the Big Ten. \nWhile the 763 yards set a new record for total yards given up in IU history and sets a new record in a conference game, it actually could have been worse with the Boilermakers putting up 42 points and 512 yards of offense in the first half alone. Purdue senior quarterback Kyle Orton led the attack with 522 passing yards and six touchdowns -- both tying Purdue records with former Boilermaker quarterback Drew Brees. \nThe only blemish in Orton's game came in the second quarter when junior defensive end Victor Adeyanju forced a fumble that was picked up by junior safety Will Lumpkin and returned 74 yards for the Hoosier touchdown. \nOrton wasn't the only Purdue player breaking records. Boilermaker senior Taylor Stubblefield is now the owner of the NCAA career receptions record with 309, after a 14-catch outing against the Hoosiers. Stubblefield was one of three players with more than 100 receiving yards, including 6-foot-9-inch sophomore wide receiver Kyle Ingraham, who gained 209 yards from 11 catches.\nPurdue coach Joe Tiller said the wide receiver core was instrumental in the big win. \n"We made some big catches today; Kyle Ingraham's physical play caused some problems for them," Tiller said. "As a whole, the offense had more drops in the first half than we had in the past two games combined, but I feel we had a good performance."\nDespite the huge loss, IU senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said he didn't think the Boilermakers were unsportsmanlike in their dismantling of the Hoosiers. \n"It's a game and they just played," Jones said. "I don't believe in going into a game and not trying to score even when you're up a lot. You can't tell a guy who comes in to not play hard just because you're embarrassing the other team."\nPrior to Saturday's game, the Hoosiers looked as if they had made major improvements over last season with the team losing three games by a touchdown or less. IU coach Gerry DiNardo said the Purdue game was a major step back from the relative strides the team has made during the season. \n"We certainly played the worst that we've played all year," DiNardo said. "I think it does (take away from the progress) on a day like today. The worst thing about ending a season with a day like today is that you tend to focus on today. It was ugly, there's no doubt about it, but the world's not caving in, although at times it looked like it was."\nOn the IU side of the ball, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio finished the game with 239 passing yards and one touchdown. However, the Notre Dame transfer was sacked six times in the game, including four sacks from junior Rob Ninkovich who tied a Purdue record for the most sacks in a single game. \nLoVecchio was noticeably shaken after the tough loss, but expressed his thanks to both DiNardo and the Hoosier program as a whole for giving him a chance after his transfer in 2002. \n"We got spanked today and words can't really describe how I feel right now," LoVecchio said. "I just look back on my career and I'm just so grateful for everything that Indiana has given me. I'm thankful for the opportunity that coach DiNardo gave me." \nWith such an embarrassing ending to what could have been a very promising season, many of the returning Hoosiers said they are anxious to come back next year and correct some of this season's troubles. Junior linebacker Kyle Killion said he is desperate to come back next season in order to forget about this game. \n"It makes me want to come back for next season," Killion said. "This is a bitter taste and I want to get rid of it." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/18/04 5:22am)
The clock will tick down and the end will inevitably come. For the 2004-05 IU senior class, that time is now and the battles fought on the football field will soon be relegated into the annals of memories and war stories. \nHow appropriate that the seniors' final stand will come against Purdue University. Senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said he understands the magnitude of the game even though he has only played against them as a Hoosier one time. \n"Since I've been a freshman, Purdue's been on my college schedule every year," LoVecchio said. "As you get older, you kind of learn what it's all about ... It is befitting, my last Notre Dame game was against Purdue at Purdue and my last Indiana game will be against Purdue. We've got to give it our all." \nRiding a 3-7 record into the Old Oaken Bucket game wasn't exactly in most seniors' ideas of a great season. Nevertheless, there is an inalienable faith in the program and the direction it is headed that is instilled within the outgoing Hoosiers.\n"IU football is on the rise right now and coach (Gerry) DiNardo has done a great job," senior tackle Jodie Clemons said. "I just want guys to realize that just because the win-loss record doesn't show it, people shouldn't underestimate this program."\nBelief is strong within these players -- both of the Hoosier program as a whole and the legacy their class will leave behind. However, as much as these players believe in IU, there is disbelief the end has finally come after so many years of donning the cream and crimson. \n"It's going to (be) really tough to suit up for that last time because you never see the end coming so fast," Clemons said. "Now I'm in the last days of my college career here and it's going to be a bittersweet day. I came here to grow as a person and as a player and I think I've achieved that and you can't ask for more than that." \nFirsts are always some of the most memorable moments in people's lives -- things such as the first day of school to the first kiss are always some of the most cherished snapshots of the past. Safety Herana-Daze Jones said his experience at IU was no exception to this rule, as his most fond memories come from many of his career's firsts. \n"My strongest memory is my first game playing against N.C. State. I remember the first play, and I remember my first start against Northwestern," Jones said. "Those are memories that will stick with you for the rest of your life." \nFor Clemons, retrospect is a very personal endeavor because the memories he has gained as a Hoosier are very dear to him and will never go away.\n"I'm just fortunate to be a part of something like this and thankful that I was able to contribute to the team," Clemons said. "The personal relationships and the memories of being together as a unit -- nobody could ever take that away from me and that is what I'm going to take away from here." \nFor some, the road through IU football has been paved with success -- despite the team's lack thereof. However, wide receiver and the Hoosiers' all-time leader in catches and receiving yards Courtney Roby said the numbers and accolades were never the focus because he just played and let the judges do what they do best.\n"Anybody who plays wants to be one of the greats, but that's a title people give you," Roby said. "If people consider me the greatest, then that's definitely an honor."\nThe years have gone by, the weights have been lifted, the hits were made and after years of playing together, Roby said all the seniors feel tied together. For most of them, the relationship has grown so strong that it has surpassed the ranks of friendship and grown past the confines of Memorial Stadium to something larger -- brotherhood. \n"It's a big bond, a very strong bond," Roby said. "These guys have become like brothers to me because I've been with them for the last four years of my career. We've hung out, we've cried, we've sweated, we've been through a lot together."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/18/04 5:00am)
There has been a cardinal rule within gaming that has stood since 2001 -- if you own a Microsoft Xbox and have a pulse, you also own "Halo." \nThe first-person shooter masterpiece released by Bungie with the original launch of the Xbox has stood as the quintessential game to own in the Microsoft lineup, and its sales have shown that, with the game ranking in the top 10 in sales figures for the last three years -- an eternity in video games. \nThe original "Halo" brought a complete package of graphics, playability and plot not seen in the first-person shooter genre since venerable PC titles such as "Half Life." It also established the console as a legitimate platform for the FPS.\nAs high as the first "Halo" set the bar, its sequel sets it that much higher. Everything from the graphics and sound to the game's AI has been improved. If there was ever a reason to buy a high-end sound system, this is it, as the sound is so detailed, individual snowflakes actually refract sound within the game. \nOf course "Halo 2" also includes more weapons, vehicles and enemies, along with returning favorites such as the Warthog and Scorpion. In the end, the game hits you like an Elite's light sword (a weapon you can actually use this time around), and this rendition of the Master Chief's quest never fails to impress. \nMinor changes have been made including the use of dual-wielding guns -- a feature that has been poorly carried out in other titles, but is well done within this game because the technique has both pluses and minuses. Another feature carried out beautifully in the game is multiplayer, with extremely customizable players and multiplayer favorites such as Capture the Flag, Deathmatch or "Slayer," among other game options. The games are easy to set up between multiple systems and extremely entertaining with a large group of people.\nThe only flaws in the game are extremely minor gripes about the graphical textures popping in (which is actually due to the Xbox's architecture and nothing to due with the game's programming) and the fact that all of the female characters seem to be voiced by the same person. \nAll told, the game will leave you in awe of both its immaculate storyline and addictive gameplay. Frankly, an A+ is far too low of a grade for a masterpiece of this caliber, but it'll have to do.
(11/18/04 2:28am)
There has been a cardinal rule within gaming that has stood since 2001 -- if you own a Microsoft Xbox and have a pulse, you also own "Halo." \nThe first-person shooter masterpiece released by Bungie with the original launch of the Xbox has stood as the quintessential game to own in the Microsoft lineup, and its sales have shown that, with the game ranking in the top 10 in sales figures for the last three years -- an eternity in video games. \nThe original "Halo" brought a complete package of graphics, playability and plot not seen in the first-person shooter genre since venerable PC titles such as "Half Life." It also established the console as a legitimate platform for the FPS.\nAs high as the first "Halo" set the bar, its sequel sets it that much higher. Everything from the graphics and sound to the game's AI has been improved. If there was ever a reason to buy a high-end sound system, this is it, as the sound is so detailed, individual snowflakes actually refract sound within the game. \nOf course "Halo 2" also includes more weapons, vehicles and enemies, along with returning favorites such as the Warthog and Scorpion. In the end, the game hits you like an Elite's light sword (a weapon you can actually use this time around), and this rendition of the Master Chief's quest never fails to impress. \nMinor changes have been made including the use of dual-wielding guns -- a feature that has been poorly carried out in other titles, but is well done within this game because the technique has both pluses and minuses. Another feature carried out beautifully in the game is multiplayer, with extremely customizable players and multiplayer favorites such as Capture the Flag, Deathmatch or "Slayer," among other game options. The games are easy to set up between multiple systems and extremely entertaining with a large group of people.\nThe only flaws in the game are extremely minor gripes about the graphical textures popping in (which is actually due to the Xbox's architecture and nothing to due with the game's programming) and the fact that all of the female characters seem to be voiced by the same person. \nAll told, the game will leave you in awe of both its immaculate storyline and addictive gameplay. Frankly, an A+ is far too low of a grade for a masterpiece of this caliber, but it'll have to do.
(11/16/04 5:00am)
During Saturday's game against Penn State, IU was on the wrong end of eight penalties. The Hoosiers have been plagued with penalties all season long, as they racked up 15 total flags in the last two games alone. \nThe most costly penalty came in the fourth quarter when senior lineman Chris Voltattorni hit Penn State senior Michael Robinson with his forearm deep in the sidelines after Robinson caught a 12-yard pass. However, the major problem wasn't necessarily the late hit -- it was the fact that Voltattorni was not even in the game. \nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said he was especially agitated with Voltattorni's action and said the issue would be immediately addressed within the program. \n"We had a 15-yard penalty by someone who wasn't even in the game," DiNardo said. "We don't tolerate that, and that is not how Indiana plays football."\nOLD OAKEN BUCKET OBSESSION\nAfter losing a prospective bowl bid with two-straight close losses, the Hoosiers are now looking for redemption in next week's game against in-state rival Purdue. While the Old Oaken Bucket game is the oldest series in the IU football program's history and represents the strongest rivalry, numerous players said the Hoosiers' recent losses have added importance to the upcoming contest.\nIf there is any question about the magnitude of the game, there is a game clock that hangs in the IU locker room that has the time to the Purdue game down to the second. Senior tackle Jodie Clemons said next week's game is now not only about the Bucket, it's also about pride within the Hoosier football program. \n"The Purdue game is always important because they're a big rival and everybody knows that," Clemons said. "This game is about pride, I'm looking forward to that game because it's my last game in an IU jersey, and if we execute, we can come out with the win."
(11/15/04 5:22am)
Two minutes left, first down, one yard to go. \nTrailing by a mere six points, the Hoosiers were knocking on Penn State's door with a chance to beat the Nittany Lions for the first time in 10 tries. \nIn a scenario that has become all too familiar for IU this season, the Hoosiers were unable to punch the ball in the end zone in four straight running plays, and gave the Hoosiers their seventh loss of the season.\nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said the four-down failure could be used as a decent stand-in for the program this season, as the Hoosiers have also dropped three hotly contested games against Michigan State, Northwestern and Illinois. While the close losses have been trying on the team, DiNardo said the troubles are indicative of better times in the future for the Hoosier program. \n"It is very frustrating, but it is better than being blown out," DiNardo said. "Us being close in games is a sign of progress for this program, but we are still making mistakes. I definitely do think that we are better than we have been."\nDiNardo's thoughts were echoed throughout the Hoosier locker room after the game. Junior running back Chris Taylor had an especially tough day; he was unable to put the ball in the end zone in the final drive. \n"I just feel sick, it's absolutely sickening," Taylor said. "We fought hard the whole game and with only one yard to go and we didn't get it." \nDisappointment is not a new feeling for the Hoosiers with the program's last winning season now a decade in the past. While there is some familiarity to the situation, junior linebacker Paul Szczesny said the emotion still hurts every time.\n"I'm just very disappointed," Szczesny said. "Everything that could go wrong went wrong for us. We didn't execute and we had our chances to win the game just like other games, but we just didn't come through."\nThe loss was especially bitter for seniors who have now suited up at Memorial Stadium for the last time in their careers. Senior defensive tackle Jodie Clemons said the close loss was tough, but he can find solace in the seemingly positive direction of the program. \n"We know that whatever we do is going to determine the future of this program and the seniors have to think like that," Clemons said. "We have to keep fighting and lead these guys because there's a good group of guys who are coming back."\nThe Penn State game did have its bright spots as junior linebacker Kyle Killion and senior wide receiver Travis Haney had career days. Killion garnered his first career touchdown off of a 46-yard interception return two minutes into the second quarter. Killion said the return not only marked his first touchdown donning the cream and crimson, but it was also the first touchdown since he first put on a set of shoulder pads.\n"I saw this guy that was kind of wide open and the (quarterback) was looking at him. I knew that he had some pressure on him and the ball came right to me," Killion said. \nHaney also made an occasion out of the final home game of his career. Haney finished the game as IU's top receiver with three catches for 74 yards including a 29-yard reception in the fourth quarter that brought the ball to the 1-yard line before the goal-line stand. Haney's day could have been statistically better. He caught an 18-yard pass in the third quarter that was initially ruled complete, but was called incomplete after a five minute play review by the referees.\nSenior safety Herana-Daze Jones said the loss could also be blamed on IU's lack of experience in close game situations. While the team has come up with a variety of reasons for the tough loss, the crestfallen feeling remains as uniform as the colors on their jerseys throughout the locker room. \n"Obviously, we've come close in a bunch of games and it gives you a disgusting feeling when you get so close but you can't pull it out in the end," Jones said. \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/12/04 5:43am)
One last hurrah. \nThe 2004 class of Hoosier football players will suit up for the final time at Memorial Stadium Saturday against the 2-7 Penn State Nittany Lions. While 18 players will say goodbye to their home turf, all the players remain vigilant in their quest to beat Penn State despite the lack of a bowl bid.\nSenior safety Herana-Daze Jones said the team still has high expectations for Saturday's game, and he fully believes the Hoosiers can pull out a victory.\n"We still have a lot of pride on this team, and that's what we're feeling," Jones said. "We're just going to go out and play hard, and we're going to try and get the 'W.'"\nWhile the team intends to give its all on the field, Jones said the realization of this being his last home game has not fully registered with him. \n"In anything you do, there's always a time to move on, but it is sentimental as the last time I get to play. But I think the last game will be a bit more sentimental than the last home game," Jones said. \nFellow senior Courtney Roby had some of the same sentiments about the game. However, for Roby, the game will stir up a mixture of emotions. \n"It'll definitely hit me after the game on Saturday," Roby said. "I don't think it has really hit me that much yet, but I'm looking forward to it ... At the same time, it's going to be emotional to not be able to play on our home turf anymore." \nUnderclassmen also remain vigilant in their goal to give the Nittany Lions a loss for the first time in series history. Sophomore tight end Chris Rudanovic said his game will be dedicated to injured senior tight end Aaron Halterman, who sustained an injury in last week's game against Illinois.\n"It's huge, especially for Aaron (Halterman)," Rudanovic said. "Aaron went down, and he's a senior ... This is his last home game, even though he's not even playing in it, and I want to play as hard as I can for him. And I definitely want to win for the other seniors because they deserve it after not going to a bowl game in their careers."\nAs for Penn State, the team brings a talented core of defenders to the table. IU coach Gerry DiNardo said their talent level on defense belies their 2-7 record with complete players at every defensive position. \n"Their talent level is extremely high, and they play very well," DiNardo said. "The other thing that makes them very good is that they have at least one playmaker at each position. They have at least one difference-maker at defensive line, linebacker and secondary."\nDefensively, the Nittany Lions are led by sophomore linebacker Paul Posluszny, who comes into the game with 76 tackles and eight tackles for loss. On the offensive side of the ball, Penn State has struggled this season, as the team only averages 15.1 points per game. \nWhile the Nittany Lions rank last in the Big Ten in total offense, Jones said he is taking nothing for granted in the contest because of their past success against the Hoosiers. During the Gerry DiNardo era, IU has been decimated by Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have outscored the Hoosiers 110-32. \n"All I have to say about their offense is that every time they play us, they seem to do really good," Jones joked. "I am really worried about their 'struggles' on offense -- just like Ohio State was struggling on offense, and they had a good offensive game against us."\nAs much as Penn State has been plagued with troubles on the offensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers have suffered the same fate on the defensive side. Thus far, IU has given up 434.3 yards per game and has been hurt on the ground with opponents averaging 5.2 yards per carry. IU currently ranks second to last in total defense and rushing defense.\nRegardless of the outcome, the IU underclassmen are hoping to pay some homage to the leadership the 2004 senior class has shown. Junior linebacker Paul Szczesny said the seniors will be greatly missed, both for their leadership on the field and their friendship off the field.\n"We're going to miss them a lot," Szczesny said. "They've really been some great leaders, and they helped us out a lot this year with both their work ethic and their play. They lead by example, and we're going to miss those guys." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/08/04 6:09am)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Add another year to the IU football team's postseason drought. The Hoosiers waved goodbye to any remaining hopes of becoming bowl eligible with Saturday's 26-22 loss to Illinois. \nFor the first five drives of the game, it was all IU. The Hoosiers rocketed out of the gates scoring on each of their first three drives while preventing Illinois from getting a single first down on the Illini's first two possessions. \nFacing a 19-0 deficit and what looked to be three consecutive three-and-outs, Illinois coach Ron Turner had different ideas as he called for a fake punt on 4th and 11. The play worked as junior punter Steve Weatherford kept the drive alive with a 12-yard scamper, jump starting the Illinois offense. The drive concluded with a score on the very next play with a 56-yard touchdown pass from Illini quarterback Brad Bower to Kendrick Jones, the first of two scores for Jones. \nFrom that point on, it was all Illinois as the Fighting Illini stole Saturday's game 26-22. \nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said the fake punt was the momentum shifter in the hard loss. \n"I thought the momentum change came when they faked the punt," DiNardo said. "We were in position, but we just didn't make the tackles. Otherwise, we would've put our offense back on a short field, which is what we were doing in the first half. We just didn't play well enough in the second half." \nTurner agreed that the punt was the main play of the game, however, he also gave credit to the 41,458 Illini fans on hand for the Hoosier loss. \n"We had folded several weeks ago after the Minnesota game. There are lots of opportunities to fold and to go out there without a lot of energy and fall behind 19-0," Turner said. "The crowd was great. After the fake punt they really got into it and helped us find our energy."\nWhile the team was unable to come up with the win, IU actually had control for most of the game. After a high-scoring first quarter that left the Hoosiers with a 19-14 lead and both teams with a combined 310 yards, the scoring essentially stopped for the next two quarters. \nIU reopened its scoring account when the team tacked on a Bryan Robertson 37-yard field goal in the third quarter to give the Hoosiers the 22-14 advantage. \nWith an eight-point lead, things looked good for the Hoosiers who needed to win their final three games to become eligible for a bowl. IU last appeared in postseason play in 1993's Independence Bowl under former IU coach Bill Mallory.\nHowever the injury bug bit the Hoosiers as senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio was hurt while running a quarterback carry. LoVecchio was stellar in the game leading up to his injury, an apparent concussion, with 209 yards and one touchdown after completing 15 of 17 passes. LoVecchio's touchdown pass came on the first play of the game as he completed an 80-yard connection to junior receiver Jahkeen Gilmore for a score.\nLoVecchio's loss proved to be especially tough on the Hoosiers as freshman backup quarterback Blake Powers threw two interceptions during his stint as the IU signal caller, including an interception that left Illinois on IU's 30-yard line with only a two point deficit with 4 minutes, 22 seconds remaining in the game.\nSenior lineman Chris Jahnke said IU was prepared to play without LoVecchio, but were unable to carry out the game plan.\n"Any loss of any player is a tough one," Jahnke said. "But we all had faith in our backup. We knew he could come in because he's been practicing with us all week, but we just couldn't keep the system going."\nThe Hoosiers were rendered useless against Illinois as the Fighting Illini outscored IU 12-0 in the final quarter. The Hoosiers were able to keep the Illini at bay until 5:21 left in the game when sophomore running back Pierre Thomas ran for the 44-yard touchdown to place the score at 22-20 in IU's favor. \nAfter Powers' second interception, Illinois was able to whittle down the clock with Thomas rushing for 28 of the 30 yards the Illini needed to seal the victory. The final death blow to the Hoosiers came with 30 seconds remaining in the game when Illinois senior backup quarterback Jon Beutjer completed a two-yard pass to Jones who was all alone in the end zone, giving Illinois the 26-22 lead -- Illinois' only lead of the game. \nIU's close loss comes at an especially high price as the Hoosiers no longer have any chance at a postseason bowl bid. In order to reach a bowl, IU would have had to beat Illinois and the Hoosiers' next two opponents Penn State and Purdue. \nJahnke found the loss especially tough because he is now out of chances to make a bowl game. \n"A loss is a loss and they're always tough to swallow -- especially this one because it took us out of bowl reach," Jahnke said. "But there's really nothing you can do about it so we've just got to come back next week." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/05/04 6:07am)
Like father, like son. \nFor many young boys, there is the inherent dream to be like their fathers, if only for a short while. The picture is common and crystal clear: A young boy suits up in his father's attire and pictures himself following in his footsteps. Sophomore lineman Justin Frye and senior long snapper Kyle Warriner's childhood aspirations took a similar path; however, their fathers' footsteps were formed by pairs of football cleats.\nFrye and Warriner are second generation Hoosier football players who not only seek to do their fathers' legacy justice, but make their own marks in the annals of IU football lore. Warriner's father, Tom, played on the 1967 Rose Bowl team while Frye's father, Kevin, played fullback and tight end with the Hoosiers from 1977-1981, including the 1979 Holiday Bowl squad. \nWhile Frye and Warriner's lineages are united in the cream and crimson, their reasons for attending the University differ. \nFrye said his paternal links to IU had some bearing on his decision to play for his father's alma mater - that and an undying love for Hoosier sports. \n"It did have some influence in my decision," Frye said. "It's nice to be the second generation and carry on the tradition and knowing what he went through and listening to his stories. But, growing up through the years with my grandfather and my dad, it was always 'Hoosiers this and Hoosiers that.'"\nWarriner said his decision to play in Bloomington had nothing to do with his father or any real desire to play football specifically for the Hoosiers. Instead, his inspiration to come to IU stemmed from the average student's source of decision -- academics. \n"Actually it started off as a straight academic situation," Warriner said. "I really only got looked at by (Division III) schools, but I had decided no matter where I was going, I was going to decide whether I was going to play football."\nThe elder Warriner said he never pushed his son to play at IU or play football in general, but is extremely proud of his son's accomplishments. Tom said seeing his son on the Memorial Stadium field takes him back, and he wants to have his son enjoy his tenure as a Hoosier football player.\n"I think back about walking out in front of large crowds of people and how he's doing that, but once in a while I think back and I realize that it's a completely different era," Tom Warriner said. "He's adapted well with all that, I'm really proud of him because he had a goal and he strived to attain that and he's done very well. To see him on the field for his first snap was one of my proudest moments as a father."\nSwapping war stories has also become a staple within the Frye household since both father and son have the common ground of Hoosier football to talk about. \n"He talked about what it was like school-wise and I'll say something and he'll just nod, knowing exactly what I'm talking about," Frye said. "The big basis of it hasn't changed much because it's still hard-nosed Big Ten football so it's kind of nice for him to come back and kind of live through me now."\nFor both Frye and Warriner, safety nets also come along with the familiarity. Whenever there is a problem, both players can find solace in their fathers' past experiences. \n"There's rough times. Just like anything, there's adversity and there's always something to go through," Frye said. "It's just nice to know that if I've had a bad day and need someone to kick me in the butt to get me going again, I know I can call him and he'll be there to console me." \nWith both Frye and Warriner, their fathers did more than just inspire them on the football field - they took care of them in life.\n"He's taught me that it's not just about football, it's about life," Frye said. "He's probably my best friend off of the field as well and him playing here and playing college football in general, he knows what it's like and because of that, we can lean on each other." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(11/02/04 4:46am)
Rush defense has long been a sore spot for the IU football team this season as the team gave up an average of 213.1 yards per game on the ground, ranking them next to last in the Big Ten. The situation was especially foreboding coming into Saturday's Homecoming game against a Minnesota ground game that averaged 278.4 rushing yards per game.\nComing into the game, Golden Gopher running backs sophomore Laurence Maroney and junior Marion Barber III averaged 117.6 and 102 yards per game, respectively. However, the IU defense stepped up to the challenge and limited Maroney to 89 yards and Barber III to a mere 65 yards. \nJunior safety Will Lumpkin said the turnaround was due to a larger amount of time spent in the film room studying the Golden Gopher scheme.\n"We really had a good scheme and the coaches did a great job," Lumpkin said. "We stayed after practice 30 minutes to an hour every day to get special film work in. Our guys were just really prepared so we could have a good showing for Homecoming."\nThe Hoosiers' overall defense also improved as the team, which had given up an average of 458 total yards per game, limited the No. 7 offense in the country to only 351 yards. Senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said the change in play was also due to pent-up frustration from last year's 55-7 manhandling when the Gopher rushing game gained 435 yards on the ground.\n"That's their bread and butter. If they can run, then they are just going to run down your throat, which is what they did last year against us," Jones said. "We knew we had to get in there and set the tone. You can't shut down their running game, but you can prevent them from getting the big play. Let them get bits and pieces every run, and if you can do that, you have a better chance of slowing their offense down."
(11/01/04 5:13am)
The Hoosiers came away with one of the most emphatic wins of the season against the heavily-favored No. 24 Minnesota Golden Gophers. However, IU had an improbable 12th man on the team -- strong winds. \nThroughout the afternoon, the Hoosiers and Gophers played through winds averaging nearly 25 miles per hour with gusts of up to 40 mph. IU coach Gerry DiNardo said the wind was certainly a factor when drawing up the Hoosiers' scheme for the game.\n"The wind changed the game plan," DiNardo said. "Before the game in the locker room, we talked about how this wind favors a running game. So, we decided we were going to come out and try to run."\nLuckily for the Hoosiers, the run worked as IU gained a total of 238 yards on the ground while sophomore running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis came away with his first 100-plus yard game since the Hoosiers' Sept. 4. win against Central Michigan University with 110 yards on the ground. Green-Ellis said the wind took away some opportunities for big plays and effected the trajectory of the game. \n"It had a bit of an effect because it took a few of our long balls away that would have gone for touchdowns," Green-Ellis said. "But we bounced back, we came back and did what we had to do to win the game."\nWhile IU's rush offense prospered, Minnesota's vaunted ground game faltered as IU's rush defense which had given up an average 213.1 yards per game, was able to stop a ground offense that averaged 278.4 ypg coming into the contest. When it was all said and done, the Hoosiers kept their opponents to a mere 169 rushing yards.\nJunior linebacker Kyle Killion said the wind allowed IU to stop the run because the defensive unit was able to better predict and scheme against the Gopher offense. \n"The wind was huge ... It really changed the game because they couldn't throw it with the wind against them," Killion said. "It really helped us see what they were going to do because all they could do with the wind against them was run." \nThe lynchpin of the Hoosier victory came in the second quarter with IU down 14-0 when junior safety Will Lumpkin picked off a Gopher pass and returned it 42 yards for the touchdown. Again, the wind could not keep its hands out of the fate of the game as Minnesota's sophomore quarterback Bryan Cupito threw the ball into the wind and made it loft into the air. Lumpkin said the interception was one of a kind, both because it was the first of his career and because of the magnitude of the game. \n"It was what you dream about," he said. "It keeps you going when I got hurt last year. When you think about the opportunity to get the big play at Homecoming, in a home game, get a big win for us is just a dream come true."\nMinnesota coach Glen Mason said the wind certainly was a large aspect in the game, but stopped short of saying it was the reason for the Golden Gopher loss.\n"The wind was definitely a factor in the game today; I think that it affected the kicking game more than anything. But you could see in the first quarter how some of passes made by (IU quarterback Matt LoVecchio) were effected by it," Mason said. "There's no doubt that it was strong and it was one of those swirling type winds so it was a factor, but that is not where we got beat today. We got beat because we didn't tackle well, we didn't block well, we didn't catch the ball and we made some bad decisions"\nLoVecchio said the wind only affected the team that threw against it, as both of Minnesota's first quarter scores came with its back to the wind whereas the Hoosiers also scored with the wind in their favor. \n"In the first half the wind was really a factor," LoVecchio said. "We were against it in the first quarter, but we were able to throw the ball a little more efficiently in the second quarter, and we put some points on the board."\nSenior wide receiver Courtney Roby said the ball was especially tough to reel in at times due to the wind. However, he congratulated his team on fighting through the adversity and coming out with its first win in six tries.\n"In the first quarter, it was like the ball went every which way and you had to really concentrate on it," Roby said. "But it's just something that you've got to fight through, it definitely does effect how the ball is caught ... but we just came out with intensity and came out with the 'W.'"\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/29/04 5:11am)
Halloween is here, and for some it means costumes, pranks and festivities. While most IU students will be partying and dressing up as monsters, the 2-5 (0-4 in the Big Ten) IU Hoosiers will be facing a different sort of boogey-man in the No. 23 Minnesota Golden Gophers. \nThe Golden Gophers are coming into the contest with a 6-2 overall record and a 3-2 record in conference action and are fresh off of a 45-0 spanking of Illinois. As hot as the Gophers are, the Hoosiers are equally cold, as IU seeks to snap a five-game losing streak that includes last week's 30-7 letdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes. \nDespite the tough loss, the Hoosiers remain vigilant in their goal to win more games before the end of the 2004 season. Sophomore running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis said the team needs to correct on-field miscues that have plagued IU all season. \n"We've just got to fight back," Green-Ellis said. "We've got to stop making small mistakes and beating ourselves with penalties."\nHalloween isn't the only notable day in the cards for the Hoosiers, as this weekend also marks IU's Homecoming. While this weekend will be the last homecoming of his career, senior defensive tackle Jodie Clemons downplayed the event as just another game. \n"It's my last (Homecoming), and any game at home is special for me," Clemons said. "I just want to go out there and play hard."\nIU has been fighting through a disappointing ground game with Green-Ellis averaging 67.3 yards per game and an anemic 3.0 yards per carry on the ground. However, not all of the blame rests on Green-Ellis' shoulders as the offensive line has been riddled with injuries and has had its fair share of mental miscues, including six false starts against OSU. \nSenior lineman Chris Jahnke said one of the team's major goals for this week was to correct any miscues within the line to better protect the backs. \n"As a line, we've just go back to our basics," Jahnke said. "We're working on our footwork, our techniques, our aiming points and trying to correct the situation and just start firing off of the ball."\nAs much as the Hoosiers are plagued on the ground game, the Golden Gophers are robust with one of the strongest ground attacks in the country. Minnesota's impressive run game is carried by the legs of sophomore Laurence Maroney and junior Marion Barber III, who average 117.6 yards per game and 102.0, respectively. Maroney's average of 6.5 per carry is among the best in the Big Ten, while Maroney's own 5.9 yards per carry average also ranks him among the conference elite.\nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said one of IU's biggest concerns is Minnesota's running game, especially since the Hoosiers rank 10th in the 11-team conference in rush defense, giving up 213.1 yards per game on the ground.\n"I think that the running game starts with players," DiNardo said. "The offensive line is one of the best in the conference, perhaps in the country." \nClemons said one of the main reasons why the Gophers are so successful on the ground is their use of cut-blocking. \n"All we can do is practice against (cut-blocking)," Clemons said. "We've drilled it, and it's very important for us to contain this run. It's going to be hard for us because they've got one of the best offensive lines in the country."\nThe Hoosiers have been plagued by penalties within recent games. During the Ohio State game, IU gave up 10 penalties including seven in the second half. \n"Offensively, we need to work on holding penalties and procedure penalties," DiNardo said. "Our offensive line didn't play very well (against Ohio State) ... If they can't remember the cadence, or if they can't block someone without holding, then I'm going to get someone who can."\nRushing schemes and penalties aside, the Golden Gophers destroyed IU last year at Minnesota with a 55-7 lambasting of the Hoosiers. Clemons said one of the team's main goals is to never let such a loss happen again.\n"It was embarrassing to us and, we don't want that outcome to happen to us again," Clemons said. "They're coming into our house this time, and we're just going to come out there with a different mentality this year, and that's going to help us play better and play faster."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/28/04 6:14am)
With each strike, with each out, the room crescendoed with "Let's go Red Sox" chants and cheering. By the time the third out in the ninth inning had been called, the room exploded with volume as the Boston Red Sox threw an 86-year old monkey off of its back. \nWhile the fanfare surrounding the game didn't rival past Bloomington bar classics such as the 2002 Final Four run, the Cubs' 2003 playoff run and the Hoosiers' football upset of the Oregon Ducks, the Boston win made up for the lack of people with pure volume. By the end, the Boston faithful made their presence known with noise rivaling any Major League park. While the fans would have preferred to be in Boston, Bloomington was a fine place to be for most of the fans.\n"If I could of been in Boston, I would have been, but this is alright by me," said senior Nathan Gilbert. "It feels so great to see them finally get the win. I was in Bulgaria last year and watched them from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. only to see them lose. It wouldn't matter where I am, so long as I get to see them win." \nAfter 86 years of trying and six blown chances at closing out the World Series, the Boston Red Sox have finally done it and in the most improbable of settings -- eight straight wins and have become the only team in well over a century of Major League Baseball to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a seven game series with their ALCS win against the Yankees. \nThe supposed "Curse of the Bambino" has now been blasted into oblivion by impressive play throughout the lineup. The Babe's bat has been eclipsed by Damon's sweet swing and his mighty pitching arm has been replaced by Curt Schilling and his gimpy ankle. \nMost of the attendees of the bar were among the ranks of the Red Sox fans, but there were some St. Louis fans in attendance. While Cardinal fan senior Ryan Pfeiffer was unhappy to see his team lose, there was some respect for the Red Sox' accomplishment. \n"It's one of the teams that are hard not to root for," Pfeiffer said. "While it's tough to see my team lose, I wouldn't rather lose to anyone other than the Boston Red Sox."\nHowever, there were fans who were a little harsher toward the Red Sox and their newfound Bloomington fan base. IU alumni Matt Warner said many of the Boston fans were nothing more than bandwagon jumpers who were inspired by the Red Sox only when they began to win. \n"I think all these Boston fans were wearing Cubs' hats last year," Warner said. "Most of them are nothing more than people jumping on the bandwagon now that they've won the series."\nBandwagon jumpers aside, there were people in attendance who have proclaimed their allegiance to the Red Sox for most of their lives. Boston fan and Lexington, Mass., native Stephen Hodson said the win was one of the happiest moments of his life.\n"I'm beside myself, I'm very happy, (Boston fans) are on top of the Prudential Center" Hodson said. "I'm so happy for everyone in Boston, everyone in New England and I'm so happy for my grandfather who died 10 years ago, he was a beautiful man and he would have loved this." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/28/04 4:17am)
For the average IU student, most weekday trips through Dunn Meadow are purely for utilitarian purposes such as getting to class. However, students got something a little different Wednesday as the Union Board sponsored a gaming exposition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the edge of the meadow. \nIU gamers got the chance to play a number of titles, ranging from the gory fighter game "Mortal Kombat Deception" to sports-based titles such as "NCAA Football 2005" and "NBA Live 2005" to the highly awaited 3-D shooter "Goldeneye: Rogue Agent." \nMost current systems made appearances in the kiosks with Playstation2, XBox and PC games all available for public use. In total, 18 games from well-known publishers such as EA Games, Midway and Sierra were available for sampling.\nGame Live Events Manager Thad McKenney said the event was part of a 20-school tour that brought the games to numerous schools across the country. \n"It's basically a promotion to let students know what's out there and what's coming out, especially with the holiday season just around the corner," McKenney said. "We do tours for pretty much the entire year all over the country. After this college tour is up, we're going to start a mall tour with the games."\nThe event brought established gamers and new gamers alike, and allowed people to sample games without having to shell out the usual $40-$50 for a game. \nJunior Martin Cox said he enjoyed the event because it allowed him to sample a game that he could potentially buy in the near future. \n"It's pretty cool; it's always nice to see games out for people to play and try out some new stuff," Cox said. "I was a fan of the original "Need for Speed Underground" game and now I've had the chance to play the second one without having to go through the trouble of downloading the demo."\nThe five-hour event drew a total of about 250 people throughout the day, McKenney said. However, the turnout was not exactly what the Game Live staff had been used to. Game Live Promotional Marketing Representative Autumn Marisa said the usual turnout at other colleges ranged in the thousands, but blamed the lack of attendance both on the muddy conditions and the relatively obscure placement of the kiosks on the edge of Dunn Meadow. \n"We usually have several thousands that come through because we're usually in a very highly populated area like a lunch area or a dorm," Marisa said. "This isn't our usual turnout because we were supposed to be in your student union, but the kiosks were too big and couldn't fit in the building and this was the only other option that we had."\nMcKenney said the most popular games of the tour were the sports-based games and a new game called "Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude." "Leisure Suit Larry" is a sequel to the popular adult-themed PC games of the mid-90s that follows college-aged loser Larry Loveage through risque missions in order to reach his eventual goal of "scoring" a spot on a dating show. McKenney said the game's popularity on college campuses came mainly from its low-brow sense of humor. \n"'Leisure Suit Larry' is one of our most popular because it's one of our more risque games and that seems to appeal to college students," McKenney said. "The EA Sports games are also among our most popular and those are pretty much the hot ones, but everything's pretty popular."\nThe game even inspired some of the organizers' dress as Marisa wore a costume inspired by the women's outfits in the game. While the costume wasn't exactly Marisa's usual attire, she said it was par for the territory in her profession. \n"They originally wanted me to dress like on of the (Leisure Suit) Larry girls but you can't wear a costume like that on a campus, nor would I personally dress like that," Marisa said. "So they toned it down to a school girl type of look and with any promotional marketing, you always have a girl out handing out things." \nCox viewed the gaming kiosks as not only a shameless advertisement for upcoming games, but also as an opportunity to bond with other gamers and unwind after a hard day of classes. \n"It's a good opportunity to get together, meet some new people who are into games and beat their asses in Mortal Kombat," Cox said. "It's a fun diversion, I should be writing a paper, but, hey!" \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/25/04 5:01am)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was Ohio State's first drive of the game, and the Hoosier defense forced a fumble from freshman running back Antonio Pittman on the Buckeye 41-yard line. However, the play was called back after a replay, only to have OSU sophomore quarterback Troy Smith complete a 59-yard touchdown pass on the very next play. \nThat's how the game went for the Hoosiers as they were defeated 30-7 at Ohio State in front of 104,538 fans Saturday. The Buckeyes snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 4-3 (1-3 Big Ten) while the Hoosiers fell to 2-5 (0-4 Big Ten).\nThe only real bright spot in IU's game was the play of senior wide receiver Courtney Roby. With 49 seconds left in the first half, Roby became the Hoosiers' all-time leading receiver. Roby, who became the career leader in catches two weeks ago against Northwestern, now has 2,832 receiving yards in his career, breaking a school record that has stood since 1987. Roby's biggest play came in the first quarter when he caught a 42-yard pass from LoVecchio which led to IU's only score of the game. LoVecchio finished the game with 156 passing yards and completed 14 of 25 passes. \nRoby again downplayed his own production, but was optimistic with his team's ability to move the ball at times during the game. However, he was unhappy with IU's offensive consistency. \n"I thought we moved the ball well at times today and we did complete some good passes," Roby said. \nDespite OSU backups getting the start in both the quarterback and halfback positions, IU's defense was rendered useless against Ohio State's ground attack. Pittman had a career day against the Hoosiers, logging 144 yards and a touchdown on the ground while he only averaged 30 yards per game prior to the contest. Smith went 12 for 24 for 161 yards and two touchdowns in only his first career start with the Buckeyes. \n"I think Troy played with a lot of confidence," said OSU Coach Jim Tressel. "I think he knew most of the time what was going on around him, and what he needed to do. "\nIU has also made a career out of giving up big yards to mobile quarterbacks this season, and Smith's performance was no exception as the Buckeye added 58 yards on the ground, good for more yardage than any IU rusher. Ohio State completely owned the Hoosiers within the ground game as IU gave up 282 rushing yards while only producing 53 net yards on the ground. \nJunior defensive end Victor Adeyanju said he was especially disappointed with the Hoosier defense's inability to stop the run.\n"I thought we defended the pass well. However, we did not do a good job of stopping their running game," Adeyanju said. \nOhio State kicker Mike Nugent lived up to his billing as one of the premier kickers in the country. Nugent single-handedly outscored the Hoosiers with perfect 3-for-3 field goal accuracy. Nugent topped off the performance with a 52-yard field goal in the third quarter after IU's defense limited OSU's production to only 16 yards in the drive. \nSenior linebacker Cleo Harbison said OSU's first touchdown was especially hurtful because the Hoosiers have been working to contain big plays for some time. \n"It happens, but you've just got to eliminate some of the breakout plays and we've been trying to work on that in practice," Harbinson said. \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/21/04 5:46am)
Broken records, broken bodies and blown opportunities have characterized the 2004 Hoosier football season. As the 2-4 Hoosiers enter the second half of the season, IU coach Gerry DiNardo's team seeks to exorcise the demons of an injury-riddled offensive line and near-misses in the win-loss column.\nThe team remains winless in the Big Ten conference, but there have been bright spots during the season. Several Hoosier records have been redefined during the course of this campaign. Senior wide receiver Courtney Roby is now the all-time leader in career catches with 149 and is only 59 receiving yards short of gaining the yardage mark of 2,361 yards. Senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio also has broken some records of his own -- passing for his first 300-plus yard game of his career and having the sixth-highest total yardage game in IU history with 386 total yards. \nCareer marks aside, the Hoosiers still remain winless in conference games despite competitive contests against Northwestern and Michigan State. While the heartbreaking 31-24 double overtime loss in IU's last outing against the Northwestern Wildcats might weigh heavily upon the minds of Hoosier fans, IU players have already put the miscue behind them. \nJunior linebacker Kyle Killion said football players normally have short memories when it comes to wins and losses and the Northwestern game was no exception.\n"It's just like normal football, you've just got to focus on the next week," Killion said. "You can't look back on the past because there's really nothing you can do about it. You can only look ahead."\nThe week off gave the Hoosiers some much-needed time to repair the injury-riddled team. As IU entered the bye week, injuries had changed the face of the entire offensive line as only two starters were playing in their original positions. As of now, the offensive line is back to its original lineup with all five starters returning for this week's match-up against Ohio State. \nDiNardo said the bye week was extremely beneficial for the Hoosiers as they enter the twilight of the 2004 season. \n"The off-week has given us a chance to heal up," DiNardo said. "It has given us a chance to do some recruiting. It has also given us a chance to get back to some of the basic things that we have been doing, especially on offense with regard to some formations and plays we started the season with."\nAfter a 2-0 start in the season, the Hoosiers have dropped four games in a row, including tough losses against Michigan State when IU gave up a 20-7 first half lead and the aforementioned loss against the Wildcats. LoVecchio said that while the team could have been at 4-2 rather than their current standing of 2-4, the Hoosiers are optimistic about the rest of the season and cannot get bogged down by looking at the past. \n"You can always look back and think about what could've been, but we have to only look forward," LoVecchio said. "There were a couple of games that we could have won and we should have won, but as we progress through the schedule, there's no reason that we couldn't win some games that we're not supposed to win."\nWhile the team is keeping its focus upon the future, IU's past losses still serve a purpose within the Hoosier locker room. Senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said the tough losses have actually been a confidence booster for the team as the Hoosiers have shown their ability to compete with programs from around the conference. \n"If we were just to get blown out and not compete then you would be down," Jones said. "But if you're a competitor and play hard and doing the things you need to do to win, that makes you feel like it's not over."\nWith five games left in the season, DiNardo kept his textbook "one game at a time" outlook upon the rest of the season. As of now, the team's only concern is to prepare for the upcoming game and focus on the Buckeyes.\n"It's week to week. Our goal this week is to get ready and play the best we can against Ohio State," DiNardo said. "It's another away game in conference. When you get into conference play, its one game at a time."\nDespite the difficulty of the upcoming schedule, Jones said the team is still upbeat in its expectations for the rest of the season. \n"We just have to keep playing right now. We still have five games left and it's not the end of the world," Jones said. "We're still up, we still believe, and the game of football is still fun." \n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/11/04 5:14am)
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior defensive lineman Russ Richardson said it all, "Coulda, woulda, shoulda." \nThose were the words out of Richardson's mouth after he nearly picked off a Northwestern touchdown pass to junior Taylor Jones in the first overtime of Saturday's game. If Richardson would have picked off the pass, IU could have walked away with a 24-17 win; instead, the ball went into Jones' hands, sending the contest into a second overtime, and the 31-24 double overtime win went into Northwestern's column. \nAs for the aforementioned two-yard touchdown pass to end the first overtime, Richardson said he would have made the pick if he had a better foothold on the situation. \n"I saw the ball coming right over me and I just lost my footing and couldn't get a good jump and it just went right over my hands and right into (Jones)' arms and he got the touchdown," Richardson said. "I can't get it out of my head right now. I just wish I would have had my feet, because I know I could have got it. You know, it's 'Coulda, woulda, shoulda.'"\nCoulda, woulda, shoulda was the name of the game for IU as the Hoosiers drop to 2-4 on the year and 0-3 in the Big Ten despite records broken by seniors quarterback Matt LoVecchio and wide receiver Courtney Roby.\nLoVecchio essentially did everything in his power to get the win as he garnered career highs in five categories and passed for his first 300-plus-yard game of his career while Roby is now the all-time IU leader in career receptions with 149, passing a mark set by former Hoosier Thomas Lewis that has stood since 1993. \nIn total, LoVecchio finished the game with 329 passing yards, three touchdowns and 27 completions on 50 attempts and also ended up as IU's leading rusher with 57 yards on the ground.\nDespite the impressive statistics, LoVecchio belittled his own accomplishments because of the heartbreaking loss.\n"All of that really is irrelevant because we lost the game and whether we run it or throw it, kick it or punt it or do whatever, we're going to do what it takes to score touchdowns." LoVecchio said. "Today we had the passing game going but Northwestern won the game and I give them credit."\nRoby, LoVecchio's favorite target, caught eight passes for 150 yards and one touchdown, giving him not only the career receptions honor, but also moves him within 59 yards of breaking the career reception yards. Roby said he was proud of the distinction, but also felt his own accomplishments meant nothing compared to the team's loss. \n"It will mean a lot later on; it's an honor, but right now I feel like crap," Roby said. "We lost and it is just one of those games where you hate to see somebody lose. We have to give Northwestern credit."\nWhile LoVecchio and Roby both had career outings, they weren't the only ones having a good day. Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, Northwestern halfback Noah Herron also set career marks with 197 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Herron proved to be the linchpin of the Wildcat game as he scored the 16-yard game-winning touchdown in the second overtime. \nNorthwestern coach Randy Walker said the Wildcats intended to keep the Northwestern offense on his legs until it stopped working. Unfortunately for IU, his legs never did stop working.\n"We were going to ride him as long as he could go, and he was still going at the end," Walker said. "So let's saddle him up and let's go. He had a great game."\nCareer notes aside, Hoosier players were despondent after the backbreaking loss, but remain adamant about IU's will to fight in its remaining games.\n"There's no way around it, you're just sick to your stomach," Richardson said. "Tough people keep fighting through it and we're never going to get better unless we keep fighting. We've just got to be tough about it mentally and physically."\nRoby echoed his teammate's sentiments and promised that his team would keep their goals in mind for the entirety of IU's remaining five games.\n"We've just got to keep fighting. It doesn't matter what the scoreboard says. One thing that we won't do is just give up," Roby said. "That's not in our character and that's not in our system, so we won't give up."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.
(10/08/04 5:38am)
Same record, same offense, different momentum. The IU Hoosiers and the Northwestern Wildcats enter this weekend's contest on opposite sides of the momentum spectrum. While both teams have an identical 2-3 record, Northwestern is coming into the game off of a major 33-27 overtime victory against the then-No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes. \nThe Wildcats got the victory utilizing a stingy rush defense. During last week's contest, Northwestern held Ohio State to an anemic 97 rushing yards.\nIU coach Gerry DiNardo attributed the victory to both Northwestern's defense and special teams.\n"Offensively, their attack is one that really causes you a lot of problems," DiNardo said. "They ran back a kickoff versus Minnesota and brought one back ag ainst Ohio State, so they do some things in the kick game. I thought they really played well on defense against Ohio State. They played really aggressive."\nOn the offensive side of the ball, senior running back Noah Herron, who has garnered 475 yards and five touchdowns, leads Northwestern's ground attack. Despite Herron's efforts on the ground, the Wildcats have an air-based offense. Junior quarterback Brett Basanez is the general of the offense and has passed for 1,332 yards and seven touchdowns.\nIU senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said the Wildcats garnered a majority of their yards through short-yardage throws. Jones also said the Hoosiers have to be especially vigilant because of the momentum the team gained from the Ohio State upset. \n"Basically they rely on throwing the short pass," Jones said. "They're a great team, and they're coming off of a great win, so we have to emphasize on our defense and keep our same scheme."\nBasanez's two leading receivers are junior wide receivers Mark Philmore and Jonathan Fields, who have collected a combined 813 yards and four touchdowns. DiNardo complimented Northwestern both on the potency of the Wildcats' spread offense and Basanez's mastery of the offensive scheme.\n"The type of offense where you get spread out, it's a real concern. The more guys we get around the ball, the better," DiNardo said. "(Basanez) is the perfect quarterback for that system. He is incredibly efficient in the things that they ask him to do."\nAs for the Hoosiers, their 2-3 record comes from a three-game slide that was characterized by poor second-half performances where Hoosier opponents have outscored IU 68-22. While last week's loss against Michigan had a similar 21-7 second-half lambasting, Jones said the Hoosiers' second-half performance was much better than in recent games.\n"By no means was (last week's 35-14 loss against Michigan) the same as the week before," Jones said. "We came out and played the second half well, but it was just the big plays that hurt us, with the opening kickoff and then the long ball. It wasn't like the Michigan State loss, not at all."\nThe Hoosiers' offense rests on the legs of sophomore running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and the arm of senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio. Green-Ellis has gained 406 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, while LoVecchio has thrown for 720 yards and six touchdowns. LoVecchio's favorite target is senior Courtney Roby, who has garnered 442 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Roby is currently only eight catches and 209 yards shy of becoming IU's career leader in both categories.\nThe Hoosier defense is a bit of an enigma as the unit has allowed 456.2 yards per game, an average that places the team last in the Big Ten. However, the number of yards is a bit deceptive because the IU defense has forced 14 fumbles with seven recoveries and seven interceptions, forcing a total of 14 turnovers, good for No. 6 in the nation. \nJunior linebacker Kyle Killion has emerged as the leader of IU's bend-but-don't-break defense and currently ranks second in the conference in tackles per game with 10.8 and fifth in the Big Ten in sacks with three.\nDespite his impressive statistics, Killion and the rest of the Hoosier defense also have fallen prey to second-half meltdowns. Killion said the defense played a much better defense in the Michigan game and attributed the change to a difference in mindset.\n"We realized that there are two halves in football and that we've got to play both of them," Killion said. "You've got to play until the last whistle blows, and now I think we've started doing that."\nAfter starting the season 2-0 and knocking off the then-ranked University of Oregon, the Hoosiers have suffered through a three-game slide. While the Hoosiers are in a must-win situation to stop the bleeding, Roby said the players won't approach the Northwestern game any differently.\n"Every game is a must-win situation," Roby said. "We approach every game the same way, and we don't want to lose any game. Any game that we lost is just a failed opportunity."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.