The IU defense was run over this week. Wisconsin thumped the Hoosiers 55-20. The second half was the back-breaker. Wisconsin scored 31 points, the Hoosiers none.
I've said it for several weeks: teams cannot win without at least a little defense. IU has a couple defensive linemen who are playing well, namely Jammie Kirlew, but a sack here and there is not enough. The IU defense gave up 601 total yards, including 443 yards rushing. Wisconsin rushed for almost twice as many yards than the entire IU offense.
The lack of offense can be attributed to injury once again. Ben Chappell was hurt on a QB sneak late in the first half. He was near the goal line, took a hard hit and fumbled. Instead of the Hoosiers taking the lead (they were down one point at the time), they gave up a field goal and trailed by four at halftime.
Wisconsin running back David Gilreath averaged 21 yards per rush, including a 90-yard run in the third quarter that really ended the game. He ran for 168 yards on 8 carries and P.J. Hill ran for another 127 yards, scoring three touchdowns.
Now the Hoosiers have allowed 400 total yards or more in six of their seven losses. Hopefully the coaching staff knows what to look for on the recruiting trail.
No comments:
Post a Comment