Spring Practice Thoughts

15 spring practices certainly aren't enough to master new formations, but at least there's some instruction before summer. In fact, I thought this spring looked a hell of a lot better than last. Remember the negativity and questions surrounding the football program in 2008 - Kellen Lewis was suspended, Greg Middleton was having issues with coach, Ben Chappell was running an offense he wasn't sure if he'd work with in September and IU introduced the no-huddle offense (which, did not work out at all).

Lynch revamping public image

Like most coaches, IU football coach Bill Lynch casts a tame poker face during the most uncomfortable situations.

Lynch Meets with Students

On Monday, I hopped along the Bill Lynch tour bus and visited two sororities and one fraternity with Coach. He spoke for about 10-15 minutes at each house while students were eating dinner. He gave out prizes, touched on the upcoming season and even tested the brothers and sisters' knowledge about their houses. Each house clapped for Lynch and the students were very attentive while he spoke. Never did Lynch beg for support but he said the greek system can help get more students involved. Stay tuned for Wednesday's IDS with a column about Lynch meeting students, not just in the greek community, but in residence halls and other organizations as well.

Spring Game is only a glimpse, that’s it

Whether you’re a critic, a fan or a love-to-hate sports columnist, don’t don the John Madden costume when analyzing IU’s spring football game.

Crimson defeat Cream 28-27 in Spring Game

Leno's Standout Stars:

Offense will look new, but so will defense

Last season, IU suffered the injury bug so bad, it was almost OK to use it as an excuse for the disappointing 3-9 record. Not this year, though – not with this rigorous schedule that boasts many bowl teams. The Hoosiers’ defense must step up even more than the offense.

4/14/09 Spring Practice

Wide receiver Terrance Turner was, in my opinion, the best at Tuesday's practice. Turner caught some long passes and almost broke some defenders' ankles. He has some great moves, especially in the open field.

2nd Spring Scrimmage Analysis

Before I start with the analysis, here's a refresher on the main changes:

Dave Leno Explains IU's Pistol Offense

Darius Willis Update

After Saturday's scrimmage Willis said he is still battling some injuries and is 80%. He carried the ball 4 times totaling 20 yards. When asked about Willis' role on the 2009 squad, IU coach Bill Lynch said Willis will compete for a spot like the rest of the running backs. Right now, the backfield looks like this: Bryan Payton, Demetrius McCray, Trea Burgess and Darius Willis. Shawn Major-Winston is getting some touches as well. The official order is yet to be determined.

Behind-the-scenes look at the new north endzone

Rosenthal - New Spring Football Beat Reporter

Jeremy Rosenthal, formerly one of the women's basketball beat reporters, joins this spring's football coverage. Rosenthal had two articles in Friday's IDS. Here are the links:

Pistol offense excels at spring scrimmage

If IU has any shot to beat any conference foes in its challenging schedule, Chappell, Lewis and Payton must set the tone early and take control when things go into disarray. Don’t be alarmed if you see the ball in their hands when the game is on the line, either.

1st Scrimmage Analysis

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).

Lynch Meets with Student Leaders

IU coach Bill Lynch met with various student leaders on Thursday at Memorial Stadium's Hoosier Room. They discussed how to get the stands filled with students. Here are some of the ideas that were discussed:

Student Rewards Program

An IU Athletics Release -

One bright hope

NORMAL, Ill. – Coaching sometimes is so black and white, everyone seems to think they can to do a better job.

Lynch vows to make offense more productive

IU coach Bill Lynch vows to improve the Hoosier offense. Among his new implementations, Lynch said  the Hoosiers must gain respect in its running game. Bolstering the backfield attack will alleviate a lot of pressure off quarterbacks Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell.

Spring Football Press Conference

Bill Lynch hosted his kick-off to spring practice press conference on Monday. Here are some interesting things the man-in-charge said:

No pity here

Seniors Kim Roberson and Whitney Thomas deserved better. Last Monday, the NCAA selection committee turned its back on IU and offered Minnesota – the other Big Ten bubble team – an at-large bid to the Big Dance instead.