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(11/09/04 5:33am)
During IU's 26-22 loss to Illinois Saturday afternoon, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio ran out of the pocket for 10 yards and picked up a first down while getting injured and possibly suffering a concussion. Redshirt freshman Blake Powers relieved LoVecchio for the remainder of the game.\nLoVecchio was unavailable for comment after throwing for 207 yards on 15 of 17 passes.\nThis isn't the first time LoVecchio has suffered a concussion playing for the cream and crimson. Last season, during the second half against Ohio State, LoVecchio got hit and later left the game. He subsequently sat out the next one against Minnesota.\nWhether or not LoVecchio suffered a concussion or not is still unknown, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"It's a head thing, but I don't know (if it's a concussion)," DiNardo said. "I think that's a tough thing to diagnose quickly. I don't know whether it was from contact or if it happened when he hit the ground."
(11/08/04 5:18am)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Late in the third quarter with the Hoosiers driving downfield, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio ran for a first down, putting IU in the red zone and in position to increase its lead. Instead of getting up, LoVecchio laid dazed and confused on the turf, the same emotions the team felt after letting another fourth quarter lead and any hopes of a bowl bid slip away in a 26-22 loss to Illinois Saturday afternoon. \nThis isn't the first such collapse for the Hoosiers this season. In IU's Big Ten opener against Michigan State, the Hoosiers squandered a 20-7 lead as the Spartans outscored IU 23-0 in the second half en route to a 30-20 victory.\nThe Hoosiers had a similar episode against the Northwestern Wildcats. Clinging to a 17-14 lead, IU had the ball with 3 minutes, 24 seconds left, and needed to run out the clock. Instead, the Hoosiers went three and out. The Wildcats would eventually tie the game on a field goal in the waning moments of regulation and go on to win in overtime.\nHaving another debacle during Big Ten play is disheartening, junior linebacker and Illinois native Paul Szczesny said.\n"The same thing happened against Michigan State and it is just disappointing. We had high expectations for the rest of the season," Szczesny said. "We had a chance to make plays and we didn't. That's the bottom line. No matter where the ball was, they were running the ball and all we had to do was stop the ball and the game would have been over."\nStopping the ball was a problem in the fourth quarter for the Hoosiers, as the Illini doubled IU in yardage in the final period, 110-55. \nThe running game for Illinois had mild success through three quarters, tallying 106 yards. In the fourth quarter, Illini sophomore running back Pierre Thomas provided the spark for Illinois, gaining 94 yards in the period, including a 44-yard scamper that cut the lead to two with five minutes left.\nThe breakout quarter from Thomas wasn't a surprise, Illinois coach Ron Turner said.\n"He doesn't like being tackled," Turner said. "When Pierre (Thomas) is on, he is on. I could see it coming this week in practice." \nThough the defense couldn't hold the Illini out of the end zone, the IU offense struggled in the fourth quarter as well, once LoVecchio was knocked out of the game with a possible concussion.\nInserted into the game was Blake Powers, a redshirt freshman from Brandenburg, Ky. Powers had thrown just 11 passes coming into the game, before being summoned off the bench in the third quarter.\nAfter being considered a viable candidate to start the season at quarterback, throwing two interceptions in the fourth quarter wasn't how Powers envisioned his first significant playing time, he said.\n"I was called on to step up and lead. I was mentally ready and I don't think it was nerves," Powers said. "Those plays weren't anybody's fault but mine, because everybody did what they were supposed to do but me."\nLosing to Illinois is more than just another painful loss for the Hoosiers; the loss takes IU out of bowl contention, even if the team wins its last two games.\n"We saw a trophy in the distance and that trophy isn't there anymore," sophomore tight end Chris Rudanovic said. "We'll play hard, but now just for pride. We had our eyes on finishing out the season and making it to a bowl game. That was our goal, but not anymore."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(11/05/04 5:41am)
The last time the Hoosiers came off a win against a Top 25 team they followed it up with a bad loss against the University of Kentucky, which started a five-game losing streak. IU hopes to avoid another letdown after a 30-21 victory against then-No. 24 Minnesota when the Hoosiers travel to Champaign, Ill., to play the Fighting Illini 2 p.m Saturday at Illinois' Memorial Stadium.\nIllinois (2-7, 0-6 Big Ten) comes into the game struggling losing six of its past seven while giving up and average of 33 points per Big Ten contest. \nThe Hoosiers (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) will have to watch out for the Illini as they have the ability to surprise a team with two drastically different performances.\nIllinois showed it is capable of hanging in with top teams by almost knocking off Purdue in a 38-30 loss, and leading No. 9 Michigan at half before falling 30-17. The same Illini team lost to Minnesota 45-0.\nIU doesn't know which team it'll get, but it knows Illinois will be motivated on Senior Day, senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said.\n"We are not going to overlook Illinois, our record isn't too much better than theirs, so how can we overlook them," Jones said. "It isn't about ruining their Senior Day, it is just about winning." \nAgainst Minnesota, IU rejuvenated its running attack amassing 238 yards on the ground -- which was the most production for the team all year. The Hoosiers will be looking for similar results against Illinois as the Illini currently rank 10th in the conference in rush defense, allowing an average of 202.9 yards per game.\nUsing mostly one back this season, sophomore BenJarvus Green-Ellis, IU used three running backs against the Gophers, using juniors Chris Taylor and Yamar Washington. The three-back system is something that could continue this weekend against the Illini.\nAiding the revamped rushing attack is the improved play in the offensive line. After having to rotate players for a couple of weeks, the same front five have started the past four games for the Hoosiers.\nHaving the same offensive line the past few weeks is helping the rushing attack, Green-Ellis said.\n"It is a great thing that they are gelling," Green-Ellis said. "It helps that we've all been together now for about three or four weeks, so it is about that time now that we should start clicking and gelling."\nThe IU defense will again have its hands full as the Illini boast two sophomore running backs in E.B. Halsey and Pierre Thomas. Behind center Illinois has been rotating quarterbacks with senior Jon Beutjer and redshirt freshman Brad Bower taking the snaps. \n"Offensively, (Illinois has) a balanced attack. It is a true traditional West Coast attack," said IU coach Gerry DiNardo.\nWhile the team is three games away from reaching the magic number of six wins to reach a bowl game, the Hoosiers continue to take the one game at a time approach, senior wide receiver Courtney Roby said.\n"We have to take every game serious, Illinois' record is deceiving, they are a good team," IU's leading receiver said. "We have to go into every game with the same confidence and the same intensity."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(11/03/04 4:19am)
After a win over then-No. 23 Minnesota 30-21 Saturday afternoon, two IU football players were arrested for criminal mischief and resisting law enforcement early Halloween morning.\nThe altercation took place at the 1400 block of North Lincoln Avenue around 2 a.m. Sunday.\nBloomington Police Department officers were made aware of the incident in attempts to prevent a potential fight in front of the residence, according to reports.\nOnce BPD officers arrived on the scene, the crowd fled the area. Left behind were sophomores Troy Grosfield and Tyson Beattie of the IU football team.\nGrosfield and Beattie didn't get too far from the location, as both were apprehended within a block or two of the initial incident. Grosfield was stopped at the 100 block of East 18th Street; Beattie at the corner of 19th and Washington Streets.\nGrosfield, 20, and Beattie, 23, were arrested on charges of criminal mischief and resisting law enforcement. Grosfield was charged additionally with illegal consumption.\nOnce arrested, both were transported to Monroe County Jail.\nAccording to a BPD report, the incident started when 20 to 30 individuals believed to be members of the Hoosiers' football team came to the residence cursing and attempting to start a fight while kicking the door in.\nThe report also states that someone then threw a pumpkin through a window, breaking the window and a lamp in the process. \nA lawn chair was the next object to be thrown into the house, breaking a second window. Grosfield was later identified as the thrower of the lawn chair.\nIn statements to the police, the residents said they believed all the people involved were part of the football team; however, there was no way to link them with the football team. Two people were identified wearing IU team football shirts during the disturbance. Whether Beattie or Grosfield were wearing the shirts is unclear.\nResidents of the house didn't cite why members of the team would come to the house or specifically how they knew all the perpetrators were members of the IU football team.\n"There is more to this initially than we know right now," said Detective Sgt. David Drake.\nThere will likely be no further investigation into the crime as the matter is now in the city prosecutor's hands. If more information is needed, the BPD will investigate further, Drake said.\nGrosfield, a Denver native, moved from kicker to safety, where he has recorded 13 tackles this season. Last season, as a kicker, Grosfield notched 13 touchbacks.\nBeattie, the starting punter the last two seasons for the Hoosiers, has a punting average of 40.7 yards per punt with 14 punts inside the 20-yard line this season. In his freshman year, the Attadale, Australia, native booted an 80-yard punt, the fourth longest in IU history.\nIU Athletics Media Relations Director Pete Rhoda said football coach Gerry DiNardo "is aware of the situation and is handling it internally."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at
(11/01/04 6:08am)
Things were looking scary for IU's football team following Saturday's first quarter. The Hoosiers fell behind 14-0 to No. 24 Minnesota in front of a Homecoming crowd at Memorial Stadium. But then the Hoosiers put on the mask of the team that started the season 2-0, and treated the crowd to a 30-21 upset win against the Golden Gophers.\nBehind a strong defense and improved rushing attack, the Hoosiers (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) snapped a five-game losing streak and continued their home dominance against Minnesota (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) as the Gophers haven't won at Memorial Stadium since 1985. Saturday also marked the first time IU has won on Homecoming since 2000, showcasing the same victim, Minnesota. The attendance for the Homecoming game was 22,282, the lowest single game attendance mark at Memorial Stadium since 1964.\nGetting a win at home against a ranked opponent is just what the team needed, said senior wide receiver Courtney Roby.\n"It is a big game, it keeps everything alive. Minnesota is a good team and we were able to come out and bring it to them," Roby said. \nThe Hoosiers weren't feeling good when the game started as the Golden Gophers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.\nBehind a strong second quarter, the Hoosiers scored 20 points -- the most points scored by IU in a single quarter this season -- and carried a 20-14 lead going into halftime.\nIU had been in this situation before in its Big Ten opener against Michigan State. The Hoosiers carried a 20-7 lead into the break before a second half meltdown resulted into a 30-20 loss to the Spartans.\nThe ground game would prove to be the difference in Saturday's win as the Hoosier defense contained the two-headed rushing monster of junior Marion Barber III and sophomore Laurence Maroney, limiting the duo to 154 yards combined. IU sophomore running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis broke out of his slump, gaining 110 yards on the ground.\nGreen-Ellis, with only 32 yards going into the fourth quarter, racked up 78 yards in the final stanza, including a 27-yard touchdown run early in the quarter down the left side that cemented IU's lead for good, 30-21.\nThe Hoosiers continued their rushing prowess throughout the fourth quarter including the last possession of the game. IU gave Minnesota a heavy dose of vitamin run, rushing the ball every snap of the final possession. The Hoosiers sealed the game with a bootleg run by senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio for a first down.\n"We steered away from the power early in the game, but once BenJarvus (Green-Ellis) busted that one to the left we could feel it," sophomore offensive lineman Justin Frye said. "It was a big monkey off the back."\nThe Hoosiers dominated the running game, out-gaining the top running team in the Big Ten and third in the nation 238-169. IU's defense held the Gophers under their rushing average per game by more than 100 yards.\nHolding Barber III and Maroney in check proved to be the difference, senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said.\n"We know that is their bread and butter, that is the key to their game," said Jones, who led the team with 15 tackles. \nAfter forcing Minnesota to go three and out on its first possession of the second half, IU didn't waste any time extending the lead, pushing the ball all the way to the Gopher six-yard line before senior kicker Bryan Robertson split the uprights pushing the Hoosiers' lead to 23-14.\nMinnesota marched down field on a five-play, 80-yard drive resulting in a sophomore connection between quarterback Bryan Cupito and tight end Matt Spaeth in the end zone bringing the Gophers to within two points of the lead, 23-21. Minnesota would get no closer, as they were held to three three-and-outs in the final period. \nThe second quarter, which has been one of IU's strongest all year, proved true again Saturday.\nThe IU defense, which has made a living all season creating turnovers, answered the call when the team needed it most, as junior safety Will Lumpkin intercepted a pass from Cupito and took it 42 yards to the end zone, putting the Hoosiers on the board and igniting a fire in the team. \nThe forced turnover sparked a 20-point quarter, en route to a 20-14 halftime lead. LoVecchio threw two touchdown passes in the quarter, one a 13-yard pass to Roby, the other a six-yard toss to sophomore tight end Chris Rudanovich.\n"We haven't gone into a game this year where we didn't feel like we can be competitive," DiNardo said. "The story of the game is that we played four quarters against a good football team."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/28/04 5:34am)
Doing it humbly and through hard work is the only way senior wide receiver Courtney Roby has gotten as far as he has, and where he is at is on top of the IU receiving marks for both receptions and yards.\nRoby began the season in seventh place in the Hoosier history books with 115 receptions and fifth in all-time yards with 1,714.\nThe Indianapolis native surpassed former IU receiver Thomas Lewis with his 149th catch, a seven-yarder across the middle in the second overtime in the Hoosiers' 31-24 loss in double overtime against Northwestern.\nSitting only 59 yards away from the all-time yards mark, Roby didn't waste anytime moving up to first in the next game against Ohio State by catching an eight-yard route late in the second quarter. The catch moved him into first place, ahead of former IU wide receiver Ernie Jones with 2,385 yards.\nThe idea of becoming the most prolific wide receiver in Hoosiers' history wasn't one that crossed Roby's mind when he came to IU out of North Central High School in Indianapolis, he said.\n"I was just a snotty-nosed freshman who decided to play Division I, Big Ten football," Roby said. "All the other stuff never really crossed my mind; I just tried to find my niche and tried to fit in."\nFitting in on the field hasn't been a problem for Roby as he has been an impact player from his first days in Bloomington.\nStarting three games as a freshman in 2001, he caught one touchdown pass to go along with his 171 yards. Roby didn't suffer through the sophomore slump as he became a go to target for the Hoosiers as he went for over 1,000 yards receiving in addition to his four touchdowns. Last season, Roby didn't have the same kind of success, suffering from an injury he was limited to 45 receptions while starting the entire season.\nRoby has already surpassed his mark in yards last season with 671 and his five touchdown receptions this season are as many as his first three seasons in Bloomington.\nBringing good habits to the field and going full force is one of the reasons Roby is on track to becoming one of the top receivers in IU's history, Hoosiers' wide receiver coach Bob McConnell said.\n"He really loves the game, loves to compete, he knows and understands that there are things he needs to work on to make him better," McConnell, the first year assistant coach, said. "(Roby) is a complete player and has tremendous pride in what he does and doesn't want to do things halfhearted. You always autograph your work; he puts an exclamation point behind his work."\nDespite all the records he is setting, Roby continues to remain grounded about his situation.\n"One thing that I've always learned is to be humble," Roby said. "I realize that I do have talent, but at the same time as fast as I have gotten that talent it can be taken away."\nBeing a senior and a captain, Roby has answered the call of leading the team and the wide receivers. Though he can be vocal when necessary, Roby's forte is leading by example. Trying to teach the younger players to do the right thing is important to him. Roby said he tries to do this by going to class everyday and listening to the coaches.\nWatching one of the best receivers in IU history is an advantage junior wide receiver Jahkeen Gilmore is taking advantage of, he said.\n"For the ones who came before you, you look to see what they did and when it is your time to step up you take advantage of it," Gilmore said. "Right now is (Roby's) time to shine and I enjoy watching him play."\nThrough all the 154 catches Roby has caught in his three-plus years, the one that sticks out the most was during his sophomore season when he caught a pass on a short route and had to jump over a player for the first down in the game winning drive against No. 23 Wisconsin in 32-29 win.\nRoby doesn't typecast himself as a certain type of receiver, though both McConnell and Gilmore feel he is a yards after catch receiver because he can turn dead plays into large ones.\n"I just try to make plays whenever possible," Roby said. "If I have to make the short catch I can do that or catch the long ball. I have the speed to go deep and the guts to go across the middle."\nFans won't have to suffer from Roby withdrawal -- at least in name. Courtney's younger brother, Brandon Walker-Roby, has verbally committed to play for the Hoosiers in 2005.\nWith his hard work, Roby is preparing himself for a shot at the NFL, but he is remaining humble in his quest, continuing to maintain a team first attitude.\n"I'm just focusing on team goals, after the season they will definitely sink in a lot more," Roby said. "(The records) would mean a lot more, I can't express that enough. A goal of every individual on this squad was to go to a bowl game. We are going to have to win out the rest of the season, but everything would mean so much more."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edi.
(10/25/04 5:02am)
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The lack of an efficient ground game reared its ugly head as IU was out-rushed by Ohio State, 282 yards to the Hoosiers' 53 yards, in a 30-7 loss to the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.\nThe Ohio State rushing attack was led by true freshman running back Antonio Pittman, who got extended playing time after senior running back Lydell Ross was suspended for breaking team rules. Pittman rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown in Ross' absence.\nIU's attempt at a rushing game garnered more frustration than yards as the Hoosiers managed only a yard and a half per carry all day.\nHoles that appeared to be open were quickly filled with scarlet-clad defenders; 13 times IU either rushed for no gain or were thrown back for a loss.\nThe speed of the OSU defense and lack of a ground game resulted in a bad mix for the Hoosiers, said IU coach Gerry DiNardo.\n"We have struggled most of the year (in the running game)," DiNardo said. "We are trying to devise some ways to generate a running attack."\nThe Buckeyes had no problems establishing a running game. They had 11 plays of 10 yards or more, the Hoosiers had just two.\nThis isn't the first time in recent memory that a freshman running back from OSU has had his way with the Hoosiers.\nIn 2001, Ross, at just 17-years old, rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns, keying the win for the Buckeyes 27-14.\nIn 2002, it was much of the same, as former OSU running back Maurice Clarett gained 104 yards and punched the ball in the end zone three times in a 45-17 rout in Ohio Stadium.\n"We knew what to expect, we made too many mistakes. When you try to do more than your job that is what happens," said senior safety Herana-Daze Jones, who led the Hoosiers with 14 tackles. "They broke a lot of tackles and they weren't going down on the first hit."\nWhile the Buckeyes had success with multiple players running the ball, IU's success was limited to one player, junior Chris Taylor. Taylor, who had been used in a limited role throughout much of the season, came through rushing for 40 yards on seven carries, averaging nearly six yards a run. Starting running back sophomore BenJarvus Green-Ellis didn't have as much success, managing just 15 yards on the afternoon.\nWith the game well in hand, the Buckeyes continued their rushing attack on the Hoosier defense. With a steady rain beginning to fall with five minutes left in the game, Pittman capped off his day with a 28-yard scamper down the left side in front of what was left of the Homecoming crowd of 104,538.\n"That touchdown run in the fourth quarter felt so good and that is why I dove in the end zone," Pittman said. \nGetting everyone in the same mindset will help with the problems the Hoosiers have suffered during their five-game losing streak, Taylor said.\n"We just need to come together as a team -- linemen and running backs we need to get on the same page and we'll be alright," Taylor said.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/22/04 6:05am)
Since the inception of the IU-Ohio State Big Ten rivalry in 1901, the Buckeyes have dominated, leading the series 62-12-3. The Hoosiers will look to reverse the prevailing trend of the series when they do battle with the Buckeyes at 11 a.m. Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, at Ohio Stadium.\nBoth IU (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) and Ohio State (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) come into the game struggling. The Hoosiers have lost their past four games, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of Northwestern, 31-24. Ohio State has faced similar woes since entering conference play, dropping three straight and falling out of the top 25. This is the first time since 1999 the Buckeyes have dropped three straight. A loss to IU would take OSU back to 1943 and World War II for the last time the scarlet and gray were mired in such a skid.\nDespite the Buckeyes struggling this season, they are still a team that has to be respected, said junior cornerback Buster Larkins.\n"It is still an opponent, there is no such thing as a weak team in our league," Larkins said. "Regardless if it is Ohio State of two years ago or this year's Ohio State team, they are still a good football team, and they've still got players that played in the national championship game."\nThe Buckeyes are, however, a different team from 2002: The team is averaging only 20 points per game and is last in the conference in turnover margin. During the losing streak, the defense has allowed 90 points in its last three games, which was one of its staples during the team's national title run. OSU is spearheaded by junior linebacker A.J. Hawk, a semifinalist for both the Butkus Award, awarded to the top linebacker, and the Lombardi Award, given to the top college lineman. Hawk leads the team and the conference in tackles with 79, averaging 13.2 per contest.\nOhio State's woes don't end on defense, as the offense has struggled, as well, ranking last in yards per game, mustering only 284. The Buckeyes are led by sophomore signal caller Justin Zwick, and seniors Santonio Holmes and Lydell Ross at wide receiver and running back, respectively.\nDespite their youth, the Buckeyes will be a tough opponent on the road in front of a homecoming crowd of 104,000, said IU coach Gerry DiNardo.\n"The one thing that is different from this year's team is experience," DiNardo said. "Even though they are young, they have had success in the background. They know what it is like to win."\nEven though the Hoosier offense ranks 10th in the Big Ten.IU had a breakout game against Northwestern in which the offense gained 430 yards, the bulk coming from a passing game where senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio passed for 329 yards. LoVecchio's popular target for the day, and much of the year, was senior wide receiver Courtney Roby, who stands only 59 yards away from becoming the all-time leader in receiving yards at IU. Roby became the leader in pass receptions against Northwestern, grabbing his 149th reception.\nThe passing game could be important for the Hoosiers to establish against the Buckeyes, as IU has struggled in Big Ten play on the ground, gaining just 89 yards per game. Ohio State ranks dead last in pass defense, giving up more than 250 yards a game.\nGetting the passing game on track will be important for IU to pick up its first win against OSU since 1988, Roby said.\n"We've always had the tools; we didn't always execute," he said. "You have to have that confidence. If you don't have it, you have nothing. We are going to go in there and play hard and do whatever it takes."\nFor six players, there will be an extra incentive to pick up a win against Ohio State, since they hail from the Buckeye state, said junior offensive lineman Adam Hines.\n"It is nice, especially growing up in the shadows of Ohio State, and it will be a good atmosphere," said the Vandalia, Ohio, native. "A win is a win is a win. They are all precious. Winning a football game is one of the best things in the world; it would be a big momentum boost for our team and the program."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu
(10/19/04 5:39am)
The hopes of making the NCAA tournament for the Hoosier women's basketball team hit a major roadblock when senior guard/forward Jenny DeMuth tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and subsequently ended her 2004-05 season.\nThe injury happened within the opening minutes of the first practice of the season. During a half-court scrimmage while on defense, DeMuth stepped the wrong way and went down on the court. After DeMuth came off the court in pain, she had an MRI test Saturday confirming the bad news for the Hoosiers. \nIU coach Kathi Bennett addressed the team during practice Monday about the senior's injury. \nThough DeMuth will be out for this season, the team is planning on applying to the NCAA for a medical redshirt, which would grant DeMuth one more year of eligibility for the 2005-06 season.\nThe team was looking for the preseason All-Big Ten first team member to make significant contributions for a squad that retained every member from last year's 12-17 team. DeMuth led the Hoosiers in scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest.\nLosing an important cog this early in the season is a tough way to start the season, Bennett said.\n"Jenny is the heart and soul of our team. There is no doubt that she will be missed tremendously," Bennett said in a statement. "But we still have everyone back from last year, and I have faith that our remaining players will step up and make up for the loss."\nIn addition to leading the team in scoring and rebounding, DeMuth was also named to the second team All-Big Ten by the media and third team by the coaches last season. She finished the season achieving the 1,000 point mark Feb. 19 against Michigan and currently sits at 15th on the all-time scoring list with 1,088 points. \nDeMuth was named Big Ten Player of the Week twice during the 2003-04 season -- the first came after leading the Hoosiers to a come from behind win versus Western Illinois, highlighted by 17 unanswered points to lead IU to victory. The second time occurred when she led IU to an Indiana Classic championship in route to earning tournament most valuable player honors.\nDespite being out for the remainder of the season, DeMuth's spirits are high about returning in the future, she said.\n"It is disappointing, but I am very thankful to have a lot of support from my family, teammates and coaches," DeMuth said. "I am confident with the help of our athletic training staff; I will be back in full strength for next season. Our team still has a lot to be excited about for the upcoming year; we have some great returning players that can really contribute. I still look forward to being their leader and helping them out in anyway I can."\nOther members of the team were unavailable for comment.\nThe Hoosiers will continue with practice until their first game of the year, an exhibition game against the Australian Institute of Sport at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in Assembly Hall.\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/18/04 5:11am)
As the clock began to tick off the final seconds until midnight, a new season with new optimism awaited the Hoosier women's and men's basketball teams. \nThat optimism quickly wavered less than two hours into the new season, as senior guard Jenny DeMuth, first team all media pre-season Big Ten, cried in pain while she was helped off the court with a left knee injury. DeMuth had a MRI test done Saturday, with results expected late Sunday evening.\nThough the team suffered a blow early Saturday morning, that didn't prevent them from enjoying the festivities during Midnight Madness in front of 13,000 fans, including IU President Adam Herbert, new Athletics Director Rick Greenspan and Rupert Boneham from the hit television show "Survivor."\nAfter the slam dunk competition, which concluded with men's sophomore Pat Ewing Jr.'s winning for the second straight year, the spot shot contest began.\nOn the court there were different areas ranging in points from one to five.\nThe contest involved a player from both the men's and women's teams and a contestant from the crowd.\nIn the end, a pair of sophomores, Roderick Wilmont and Sarah McKay, came away victorious in the finals.\nTo come away with the championship without a strategy was a great feeling, McKay said.\n"It was fun getting to play with a regular person. We were lucky and got a good person," she said. "(Wilmont's) a good person, we worked together and pulled it off."\nUp next was the three-point shooting contest. Junior Cyndi Valentin was aiming to take home her third overall three-point contest championship.\nAnd she did. Valentin won the women's championship, despite having to shoot an extra rack because of a tie-breaker between her fellow teammate, senior LeeAnn Stephenson, during the opening round.\nEventually knocking off Stephenson five to two and advancing to the women's championship, Valentin defeated sharp shooting freshman Nikki Smith to take on senior Ryan Tapak of the men's team in the overall championship.\nUnlike the previous time when they met, Valentin couldn't hold off Tapak at the end. He won 13-10 to capture the title.\n"It felt good (to win the women's championship), it would have been nice to win the overall, but Tapak is a good shooter," she said. "(Being tired had no effect) as the shots were getting better at the end for me."\nHaving the opportunity to practice in front of the large crowd was a great opportunity for the team, Bennett said.\n"(The team) was really excited for this," Bennett said. "It was an amazing environment, and it shows the love fans have for Indiana basketball."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/14/04 6:28am)
After two weeks of sputtering against Michigan State and Michigan, the IU offense woke up against Northwestern, tallying more than 400 yards of offense for the second time this season. Both 400-yard offensive games were squandered by IU as the Hoosiers fell to Northwestern 31-24 in double overtime and to the University of Kentucky, 51-32. \nLeading the charge for the Hoosiers was senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio. Despite the loss, LoVecchio set career highs in completions, pass attempts and yards. The senior from Franklin Lakes, N.J., was 27 of 50 for 329 yards with three touchdown passes. The difference between the Michigan game and the Northwestern game was considerable on both sides of the ball, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"We were better than we were a week ago, for sure," DiNardo said. "My impression was that we were better offensively than we were a week ago, and I think our defense was a bit better than they were a week ago."
(10/11/04 5:15am)
EVANSTON, Ill. — For the second straight year, IU and Northwestern needed overtime to decide the outcome. This time the location was Northwestern's Ryan Field. Unfortunately for IU, the result was the same, as the Hoosiers fell to the Wildcats 31-24 in double overtime.\nAfter taking a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter on senior kicker Bryan Robertson's 35-yard field goal, the Hoosiers (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) were looking to hold on to get their first conference win and in the process evening out their overall record.\nNorthwestern (3-3, 2-1 Big Ten) wouldn't have it, as they started on its own 36-yard line and moved the ball down field with ease to the IU 15-yard line.\nWildcats senior kicker Brian Huffman lined up for the game-tying field goal with 34 seconds left. Huffman missed his first two attempts, a 48-yarder and 27-yarder, earlier in the game. He appeared to have missed his third attempt on the day as the 32-yard attempt was shanked left, but ricocheted off the left cross bar and bounced through, tying the score at 17.\nForcing the defense to try and come up with another stop was a lot to ask, junior offensive lineman Adam Hines said.\n"In the four-minute drill we should have gotten a first down and taken a knee and the game would be over," Hines said. "We had a job to get done and we didn't do it, the defense shouldn't have even been out there. In the last two minutes you hate to put your defense on the short field and they did their best. You can't ask for any more."\nIn overtime, IU didn't waste any time as senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio hit junior Jahkeen Gilmore for a 25-yard touchdown pass, one of the three touchdown passes for LoVecchio on the day, giving the Hoosiers a 24-17 lead.\nBut the Wildcats' luck continued as Northwestern junior quarterback Brett Basanez was chased by Hoosiers' junior linebacker Kyle Killion outside the line of scrimmage. He was forced to throw a pass off his back foot from the 25-yard line, which landed in the arms of junior wide receiver Taylor Jones amongst a swarm of IU jerseys.\nNorthwestern continued its rushing assault on the Hoosier defense in the second overtime. On fourth down and one, Wildcats' senior running back Noah Herron scampered to the outside for a 16-yard touchdown giving Northwestern a 31-24 lead. On the day, Herron rushed for three touchdowns and 197 of the team's 247 rushing yards.\nIn IU's attempt to match the Wildcats' score, the Hoosiers tried a quarterback draw on fourth and three, but the play dissolved quickly leaving LoVecchio on his back and the Wildcats celebrating at mid-field.\n"It's devastating. Last year and this year were two really close games and we just couldn't find a way to win," LoVecchio said. "We had opportunities; they just passed us by. It is such an emotional game and a heartbreaking loss." \nDespite the emotional loss, many Hoosiers set personal or career marks. LoVecchio had a career-high in completions with 27 and yards with 329. LoVecchio's favorite target on the day was senior wide receiver Courtney Roby. Roby collected eight catches for 150 yards. Roby's final reception of the day made him IU's all-time leading receiver with 149 career receptions.\nDespite the Hoosiers' success through the air, the rushing attack experienced problems, managing just 100 yards, 57 which came from LoVecchio.\nBecause of the lack of a ground game it was important for everyone to step up their play, Roby said.\n"It is a team sport, if one side is lacking the other side has to pick it up, you got to balance it out," he said. "You have to have a short memory; we have the bye week and try to prepare for Ohio State that is our focus now."\nIn a first half that ended with score tied at 7-7, the theme for the third quarter was nine. Both teams put nine-play drives both of 90 yards or more for touchdowns.\nIU responded first with a 92-yard drive that ended on a Roby touchdown in which the Indianapolis native slipped through the grasp of a Wildcat defender and ran down the left sideline untouched 48 yards for the score.\nNorthwestern had its third quarter drive go 94 yards, and end on a Herron 49-yard run to square the game at 14-14 going into the final stanza.\nDespite the loss, the Hoosiers' fourth in a row, the team remains confident about the second half of the season, senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said.\n"We've just got to continue to believe and the only way you can do that is to keep playing," said Jones, who led the team with 15 tackles. "The season's not over, we've still got five games left."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/08/04 5:39am)
Rods, reels, camouflage, shotguns and shells -- not exactly a description of football, but for a select few on the IU football team, that is how they spend their time after the drills and whistles end and the final horn sounds.\nFinding an activity away from the hard-hitting life of a football is important, junior defensive lineman Russ Richardson said.\n"There is so much mental and physical exertion you put out (in football)," Richardson said. "It is nice to get your mind off it and have a little time to relax and do something not mentally or physically fatiguing to you and sit back and relax."\nWith practice five days a week and Saturday game days, time off the field is limited for football players. Some players can't escape the game, spending their free time either studying more film or dueling it out with fellow teammates in the most recent football video game. A handful of players leave the couches and the Playstations to explore nature, going to a 200-acre farm about 20 minutes north of Bloomington.\nAs the autumn colors begin to color the myriad of trees, deer-hunting season commences.\nWith much of their time consumed by football, a group of players focuses on relaxing in nature and enjoying each other's company rather than fourth-down scenarios.\nThe bonds formed from the hunting experiences have resulted in more than just trophy bucks.\nFor junior linebacker Kyle Killion, finding Richardson was a hunter himself was a real treat his freshman year.\n"It was cool that he and I got to be roommates off the bat. We hit it off like that," Killion said. "We've become almost like brothers right now. It is so cool to go out there and kind of have a brother in the field with you to go hunting with."\nOnce the fall season ends, the thaw of winter passes and spring fades into summer, fishing becomes the sport of choice.\nThough hunting is limited to a select few, more players pick up a rod and reel during the time between classes and weight lifting. The group of outdoorsmen are always looking to show other teammates a good time on the water, sophomore offensive lineman Justin Frye said.\n"We'll take people who haven't been before," Frye said. "There is nothing better than sitting out on the bank with a Coke ... and fishing with your friends, nobody to bother you, and you're just having a good time."\nFor sophomore linebacker Jake Powers, finding a school with the right mix of academics and athletics was important, but finding players with outdoor interests like his was a consideration, he said.\n"One of the big things that drove me to go here was there were guys into the same things I am into," Powers said. \nThe players' competitive natures on the field aren't lost in the woods or by the pond, as there are always challenges to see who can nab the big buck or the largest bass. Currently, Powers has the upper-hand in the turkey standings, with one, while Killion and Richardson still await their first. During the summer, Killion won in fishing by catching large bass on a regular basis, Frye said.\nThough most of the outdoor activities between players happen in Indiana, players go back home during breaks to continue hunting and fishing.\nKillion, who was more accustomed to shooting a rifle than a shotgun prior to coming to IU, brought Richardson home to Kingwood, Texas, last winter break.\n"We went on a little hunting trip last Christmas break, and he got a really big buck, a 14-pointer; it scored a 160. It was huge, and he has it on video," Killion said. "I was really glad that I was able to take him down there, and for him to be able to do that was real special."\nA side effect of the players' sharing a common interest off the field leads to more trust and confidence in other players during the game, Frye said.\nThough many of the teammates don't understand the rationale behind hunting and being outdoors in their precious spare time between the tackling dummies and sprints, it has a special feeling for those who partake, like making a blind side sack on a quarterback on third and long, Powers said.\n"It can get your heart going just as much as if you are running into a packed house."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/04/04 5:55am)
Plays come in all ranges and sizes, from small plays that net a few yards to medium plays that keep the team on the field. But Saturday, it was Michigan's "big plays" that resulted in the Hoosiers losing their third straight game, 35-14.\nThe Wolverines didn't squander their opportunities -- scoring five touchdowns either based off a big play or as a result.\nPlays weren't limited to one side of the ball as Michigan's special teams contributed with two big plays, including one for a touchdown off a 76-yard punt return by sophomore Leon Hall in the first half. The second was a 97-yard kickoff return by Grant Mason.\nGiving up big plays throughout the game wasn't the only reason for the team's loss Saturday, IU Coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"There were five big plays -- the two in the kick game and we had the ball thrown over our head three times," DiNardo said. "That and our inability to convert on third down was the biggest difference in the game."\nWhen IU came up with its first big play of the game, Michigan (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) struck quickly back. Following junior Kyle Killion's fumble recovery and sequential sophomore BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown run from two yards out cut the Michgan lead to 14-7 going into halftime, Michigan's Mason brought back the kickoff to the Hoosier 3-yard line.\nFreshman running back Michael Hart had a big play of the short variety by giving the Wolverines a 21-7 lead on a one-yard touchdown run after IU had held Michigan out for three plays.\n"We didn't stop them, but for four downs we gave our all and we were put in a bad situation," senior defensive lineman Jodie Clemons said. "They scored but, all we had to do was make them take another snap, it would have been a major play if we would have stopped them. But we didn't."\nOne of the best wide receiver's in the country, Braylon Edwards, hadn't shown his big play potential -- yet. \nAwakening the do-everything senior wide receiver Edwards proved to be the demise for IU during the third quarter.\nEdwards struck twice in the quarter on back-to-back possessions, first on a 69-yard pass from freshman quarterback Chad Henne and again on 38-yard touchdown strike that pushed the lead to 35-7.\nEdwards had a highlight real day as he caught eight balls for a career high 165 yards.\nTrying to contain Edwards all day was a tough challenge for the IU secondary, junior cornerback Buster Larkins said.\n"(Edwards) is a good athlete, he's on scholarship just like the rest of us. He made a good play, but on a lot of catches, we beat ourselves," Larkins said. "We've just got to get better by keeping the ball in front of us and come out and play a better second half."\nDespite the abundance of game changing plays by the Wolverines, the Hoosiers have to convert on the opportunities when they are given, senior Matt LoVecchio said.\n"Obviously in our offense we just have to play hard and do whatever it takes to move the ball down the field. We did that in the first half because we get in the redzone a couple of times," he said. "When you play a team like Michigan and you're moving the ball and get inside the redzone, it is a critical situation and we have to capitalize on those opportunities."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(10/01/04 5:47am)
The IU football team is looking to make a statement -- again.\nAfter knocking off then-No. 24 University of Oregon, 30-24, and moving to 2-0, hopes for a successful season began running high around Hoosier football. Two disappointing losses later, IU faces an important battle against No. 18 Michigan at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.\nThe battle figures to be a tough one, as the Wolverines (3-1, 1-0) boast one of the top defenses in the country. Michigan leads the nation in forced turnovers with 19, including five in its conference opener in a 30-17 win against Iowa. \nHaving depth and gifted players at multiple positions gives the coaching staff a lot to prepare for, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"This Michigan team is the most talented team we have played this season," DiNardo said. "We're in conference play and we have our work cut out for us."\nFor the Hoosiers (2-2, 0-1) the first-half has been a strength as IU has outscored its opponents 80-37 in the opening stanza.\nCarrying over the same first half consistency has been an issue in the second half as the Hoosiers have allowed the opposition to roll-up yards and points, putting up 35 more points than IU.\nGetting off to a fast start could be critical if the Hoosiers hope to pull off the upset, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said.\n"(The turnovers) are totally a big factor in any game. We have to work hard on protecting the football and play smart and get ready to play a physical game on offense," LoVecchio said. "It is always important to get off to a good start. (Michigan) has good personnel and a good scheme on defense, it will be important for us to get in and play good defense."\nMichigan comes into Memorial Stadium with a bevy of players that have been causing its opponent's defenses fits all season.\nThe signal caller for the Wolverines is true freshman Chad Henne. After a rough start against Notre Dame, resulting in a 28-20 defeat, Henne has guided the maize and blue to a come from behind win over San Diego State University, 24-21, and a win against Iowa.\nAnother freshman joins Henne in the backfield: running back Michael Hart leads the Wolverines in rushing at 4.4 yards per carry.\nThe first downfield option for Michigan is senior wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Edwards ranks fifth in the nation in receiving yards, averaging 125 yards per contest, grabbing five touchdowns in the process.\nVictor Adeyanju said having to deal with so many weapons on offense will be a test for the Hoosier defense.\n"It is tough challenge, we just have to stay positive, know what we have to do and hope that we come out with a W," Adeyanju said. "It is always motivation (playing a team like Michigan); we're just trying to stay positive and know that we can compete with teams."\nWith a big game on tap in front of a large regional audience on ABC, the first network appearance for IU since October 2000, the IU athletics department had a three day "Student Ticket Special" slashing prices from the normal $15 to $5. Mike Roberts, the ticket manager at the IU ticket office, said over a thousand tickets have been sold due to the promotion and Michigan is expected to fill its allotment of 4,000 tickets as well.\nPutting the bad second half play in the past behind them, the team is refocusing on Michigan and establishing a consistent intensity level, said senior wide receiver Courtney Roby, who is leading IU with 372 yards and three touchdowns.\n"It is completely up to us to make sure our head and focus is in the game at all times," Roby said. "We are definitely looking forward to the challenge, they are a great Michigan team and they have a lot of tradition, if we can't get up for this game something is wrong with us."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(09/27/04 4:49am)
In a battle for ownership of The Old Brass Spittoon, the trophy turned from IU crimson to Michigan State green in a matter of 30 minutes Saturday as a flat second half saw the Hoosiers squander a 20-7 halftime lead and fall to the Spartans 30-20.\nFor the half-empty Memorial Stadium crowd of 24,471, the Hoosiers (2-2, 0-1) went from stellar to in the cellar in the second half as the team gained just 41 yards compared to the 200-plus IU recorded in the first half in route to a 20-7 lead.\nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said the reversal of fortunes were to blame for the defeat.\n"We obviously played two different halves, two drastically different halves," DiNardo said. "We just didn't make the plays; you just can't play like that in this conference and expect to win if you don't play two halves. First half was good second half was bad." \nDespite the bad second half the Hoosiers led throughout much of the game and were ahead 20-17 in the fourth quarter when the Spartans (2-2, 1-0) broke through with a one-yard run by junior running back Jason Teague to take the lead 24-20.\nWith over nine minutes remaining in the game, IU had time to rally for a game winning score, but the inability for IU to get anything going continued as the Hoosiers went three and out -- one of five times in the second half IU failed to get at least one first down.\nSpartans' senior kicker Dave Rayner added a 39-yard field goal to make the score 30-20.\nAny hope of coming back ended when senior Matt LoVecchio threw his second interception of the day to seal the loss for the Hoosiers.\nThe lack of offense in the second half has plague IU all year as teams have put big numbers on the Hoosier defense after halftime, LoVecchio said.\n"We need to keep our defense off the field for a little while and the bottom line is we need to move the ball in the second half," LoVecchio said. "We have the ability to compete well against these teams. We need to go out and play smart efficient football on offense."\nIt wasn't all bad for IU, as the Hoosiers raced out to early lead by putting together solid drives, something the offense couldn't establish in the second half.\nBoth drives totaled 80 yards or more, the first took 12 plays and ended with senior Bryan Robertson nailing a 23-yard field goal. The second ended on the ninth play as LoVecchio hit sophomore Chris Rudanovic wide open in the endzone for a 12-yard touchdown pass to put IU up 10-7.\nThe IU defense mirrored the offense's solid first half performance by allowing only 103 yards. Two interceptions by cornerbacks Tracy Porter and Buster Larkins keyed the defense.\nThe Hoosier special teams also contributed. A defensive stand past the midway point in the second quarter forced a MSU punt, a 65-yard bomb by sophomore punter Brandon Fields resulted in sophomore Lance Bennett receiving it deep in IU territory. Bennett wiggled his way through the defense and out-raced Fields the last 50 yards for the touchdown while giving IU the 17-7 lead.\nIn the process of racing down the field, Bennett set the school record for a punt return for a touchdown and marked the first time since 1993 IU returned a punt for a touchdown.\nMuch of the credit Bennett owed to his team for giving him the room to run, he said.\n"We talked on the sideline that during (Fields') first punt he out kicked his coverage, but I slipped so I couldn't take advantage of it," Bennett said in reference to his first punt return. "My teammates did a great job of blocking and they couldn't get down there in time and it was just wide open for me."\nA field goal by Robertson capped the scoring for the first half giving IU the 20-7 lead going into the break.\nMuch like the offense in the second half, the defense had problems playing consistently in the closing half. After a first half of allowing only a shade over 100, the Spartans woke up by gaining over 300 in the second half led by sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton. Stanton led MSU with his arm and legs. He had three runs of 35 yards or more, two in the second half when the Spartans were making their comeback. Stanton passed for 174 yards, adding two rushing touchdowns in his starting debut.\nThe intensity from the first half didn't carry over to the second half, and was a factor in the come from behind victory for the Spartans, Larkins said.\n"(Michigan State) definitely used some of things Kentucky used against us to exploit us," Larkins said. "The defense was feeling high after the first half, the energy coming out of the locker room was high, and I just don't think we matched Michigan State."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(09/23/04 4:39am)
Junior linebacker Paul Szczesny had a choice. When it came time to choose a school to continue his football career he had options: He could have been a Trojan, a Sooner, a Bruin or a Badger. Instead he decided to become a Hoosier, and the coaching staff and he couldn't be happier with the decision, he said.\nSzczesny (pronounced Skez-nee) thought about staying out West, but his Niles, Ill., roots brought him back to the Midwest as he began to consider schools in the heartland of America.\nSzczesny's long-standing relationship with the IU staff -- former defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tim Kish recruited Szczesny at Niles Notre Dame high school -- is one of the reasons he decided on coming to Bloomington, he said.\n"IU was one of the first schools to offer, so I decided to take one of my visits there," Szczesny said. "I love the atmosphere on campus and I wanted to play Big Ten football. One of the main reasons (I came) was because I thought I could come in and make a difference."\nSzczesny has been making a difference indeed.He is currently ranked third on the team with 22 tackles and 15th in the conference averaging 7.3 tackles per game.\nAs a three-star prospect by www.Rivals.com and after a standout freshman season at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., many top schools pursued Szczesny, including the University of Southern California and the University of Washington. In his freshman season, Szczesny registered 100 tackles, three interceptions and five sacks. In the process, he garnered first team All-West region honors and named to first team All-American by www.jcfootball.com.\nDuring his sophomore season he collected 89 tackles, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.\nBy graduating early from Pima CC, Szczesny got an advance start on the division one college scene by enrolling in classes at IU in January and playing in the annual Cream-and-Crimson spring football game.\nGetting a jump on the major college football scene has benefited him, allowing him to learn a defensive system, IU linebackers' coach Dino Mangiero said.\n"He has a pretty good understanding of the system, and having him in the spring was a big plus because it allowed him to learn quicker," Mangiero said. "Paul is 100 percent football all the time. Everything he does during the day is to make himself a better football player. From hydration to nutrition -- everything he does."\nThough much of Szczesny's focus revolves around epitomizing a Big Ten defensive player -- hard-nosed and blue collar -that doesn't mean he's all business, fellow junior linebacker Kyle Killion said.\n"Paul is a good guy, and he is funny," Killion said. "He's a jokester, he's got a little character to him and everyone likes him."\nGoing the junior college route has allowed Szczesny to become more mature on the field and off, which has added to his success through the first three games as a Hoosier.\nEach game has meant more success for Szczesny. Against Central Michigan University, he recorded two tackles; against the University of Oregon, Szczesny notched nine tackles in addition to a key fumble recovery; and last week, facing border rival University of Kentucky, Szczesny improved by collecting 11 tackles. \nWith Big Ten conference play beginning Saturday at 11 a.m. against Michigan State, having the intangibles to compete in the conference will be important, Mangiero said.\n"To be a linebacker in this league, you got to be an aggressive guy," Mangiero said. "(You) have to be a guy that really cares about football and doing all the little things right, and that is Paul."\nWith the 2-1 start going into the Big Ten schedule, it has surprised some, but Szczesny expected good things when he signed his letter-of-intent, he said. \n"Just talking to (IU) coach (Gerry) DiNardo, the direction he wanted to turn the program to and felt strongly to winning again, I wanted to be a part of that," Szczesny said. "Like I've been telling everybody when I came here and knowing the guys that are here and were coming back that we would be a good team. It is everything I expected so far."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu .
(09/22/04 4:51am)
Though the Hoosier football defense has been opportunistic, forcing 10 turnovers, teams have been getting up and down the field averaging 481.3 yards per game, ranking the defense at No. 108 in the country.\nThe past two games have been rough for the Hoosier defense, as they gave up 495 yards to the University of Oregon and season-high 560 yards in a 51-32 to the University of Kentucky.\nPlaying the Wildcats exposed an area of weakness for the Hoosiers -- the fundamentals -- as IU missed tackles and was caught out of position at times.\nRemembering the problems and results from the UK game will be important for the future, senior safety Herana-Daze Jones said.\n"We just have to execute. We got outplayed in the fundamental part of the game," Jones said. "We know what this feeling is like right now, and we'll remember this one and just get ready for the next game."
(09/20/04 6:28am)
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Defense was the hot topic after the Hoosiers' upset victory over the University of Oregon last weekend. It will be issue No. 1 this week for IU after the University of Kentucky ran and threw all over the Hoosier defense in its 51-32 victory.\nThe win continued Kentucky's dominance in the series in recent years -- winning nine of the last 10 and three in a row and snapping IU's two-game winning streak in the process.\nFor the Hoosiers (2-1), giving up too many yards on defense was the problem as the Wildcats (1-1) put a season high 560 yards on the IU defense in front of more than 65,000 at the home opener for Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium.\nA big reason for giving up yards and losing the game was not executing the basic fundamentals of defense, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"The tackling was less than to be desired," DiNardo said. "The worst thing that we did today was we weren't very good tacklers. That's the glaring thing I noticed from the last two weeks."\nAfter a halftime score of 27-17 in favor of the Wildcats, the IU defense made a stand as sophomore defensive end Kenny Kendal pried the ball loose from Wildcats' senior quarterback Shane Boyd on second and 16 deep inside its own territory. Junior defensive end Victor Adeyanju corralled the ball and carried it in from four yards out to cut the lead to 27-24.\nGetting the play got the team's confidence up, Adeyanju said.\n"(The turnover) helped us tremendously," he said. "We thought we were going to rally around that and get back down to it."\nThe wheels came off soon after the score as the defense and special teams couldn't maintain consistent play and gave up 21 unanswered points that would prove too much for the Hoosiers to overcome.\nKentucky quickly drove the ball down the field for a touchdown, going 80 yards in six plays in a mere 94 seconds, highlighted by a 19-yard touchdown pass from Boyd to junior wide receiver Scott Mitchell.\nThe turning point in the game came on the ensuing kickoff when sophomore Lance Bennett fumbled the return with the Wildcats recovering on the Indiana 27-yard line and putting it in the end zone five plays later.\nKentucky finished its third quarter blitz on IU by scoring on a 12 yard pass from Boyd to junior wide receiver Glenn Holt, pushing the score to 48-24.\nIU cut the lead to 48-32, after seniors Matt LoVecchio and Courtney Roby connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass.\nOn the night, Roby caught seven passes for 184 yards with two touchdowns. Despite the lofty numbers, his mind was more focused on the loss than his impressive performance, he said.\n"That is all fine and dandy, but the main thing is we lost," Roby said. "I don't care how many yards I had or receptions I had. We lost."\nAfter the third quarter fireworks, the fourth quarter proved to be anti-climatic as Wildcats' junior kicker Tayler Begley ended the scoring with a 28-yard field goal.\nThe first half action was more positive for the Hoosiers, as IU jumped out to a 9-3 advantage at the end of the first quarter.\nBehind a balanced attack, the Hoosiers marched down the field behind 82 rushing yards from sophomore running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who finished the day with 115 yards for an average of five yards a carry.\nLoVecchio finished the period going 4-4 for 55 yards. A 27-yard field goal by senior kick Bryan Robertson and a 2-yard dash via the option by junior running back Chris Taylor capped the scoring in the first quarter.\nKentucky quickly countered in the second quarter on a 13-yard scamper by Boyd to put the Wildcats in front 10-9, marking the first time all season IU trailed.\nUK pushed the lead to 17-9 on a 67-yard run by freshman running back Tony Dixon, the Hoosiers responded in the back-and-forth first half by getting a touchdown pass from LoVecchio to Roby on a 44-yard catch falling backwards into the end zone.\nLoVecchio finished the day 12 for 24, with 236 yards and two touchdown passes.\nThe running game, which was a question mark for the Wildcats coming in, appeared not to be a problem when Boyd scored on a 9-yard run. Kentucky had two players with over 100 yards rushing, Dixon with 105 yards and Boyd amassing 130 yards, in addition to the 205 yards he compiled through the air.\nComing out of the border-war game with a disappointing loss, and finishing the non-conference schedule on a down note puts a sour taste in the team's mouth, as the team prepares for the Big Ten opener, junior linebacker Kyle Killion said.\n"We have to tackle better than that," Killion said. "We have to play better than that, and Hoosier football is better than that."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.
(09/17/04 5:33am)
After coming away with an upset victory versus then-No. 24 Oregon, 30-24, the Hoosiers continue the road swing by visiting the University of Kentucky at 6 p.m. Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.\nFor the second straight week, IU (2-0) will have to focus on something other than the opponent. Last week it was the crowd at Autzen Stadium; this week it will be the possibility of rain, as storms and the remnants of Hurricane Ivan approach Lexington, Ky.\nKentucky is expecting the possibility of six inches of rain this afternoon and showers on game day.\nAnticipating bad weather for Saturday, the team practiced with a "wet ball" this week to prepare for the conditions.\nThough the team might have to focus on factors outside of the Wildcats (0-1), it will be important for the team to look at the task at hand, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said.\n"(The rain) is out of our control," LoVecchio said. "All we can do is prepare for Kentucky on Saturday."\nInjuries could be a factor in the game, as the Wildcats have multiple players that are likely to be out.\nKentucky junior linebacker Dustin Williams is doubtful to play after starting last season and collecting 122 tackles. Kentucky will also be without the services of senior wide receiver Gerad Parker after crashing into a hydraulic lift while attempting to catch a pass during Tuesday's practice, requiring 30 stitches in his left leg. He was the Wildcats leading receiver in their season opener against the University of Louisville with three catches for 31 yards.\nTraveling to the Bluegrass state means IU is going to prepare for a variety of looks on both sides of the ball, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"They run a 3-4 defense, and not many teams now run that type of defense," DiNardo said. "Offensively they have the ability to run the option and pass, which is something else we haven't faced much. And in the special teams game, they are very good."\nLeading the charge for the Wildcats is senior quarterback Shane Boyd. As for the Hoosier defense, they will have to be concerned about both his arm and legs, as he can throw the ball and also get out and run in the plains.\nThere is uncertainty about who will start in the backfield after a lackluster performance from the rushing attack -- 26 attempts combining for 66 net yards. The running game's ineptitude is the reason why freshman running back Tony Dixon might get the nod as the starter.\nDespite UK getting shutout by Louisville 28-0 on Sept. 5, IU isn't taking its border rival lightly.\nLast year the Wildcats came into Memorial Stadium and pushed the Hoosiers around, winning 34-17. \nEven with the preparation being the same, things change in terms of facing a rival, including emotions and how the game is played.\nRevenge will be on the mind of the Hoosiers as they look to finish the non-conference schedule with an unblemished record, junior cornerback Buster Larkins said.\n"Our intensity level is going to be very high because they came into our house last year and embarrassed us," Larkins said. "We have to now go and return the favor."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.