Big performances from lesser known Hoosiers

Having standout performances all the way down the depth chart and from many different positions is the mark of a good team. It seemed like Indiana was relying on the same few guys to come up big last season, but should be a deeper team, now.

While all eyes were on already recognized players such as Richard Lagow and Devine Redding, some other unexpected Hoosiers had noteworthy performances in their 34-13 win against Florida International on Thursday.

Danny Friend

Earning Indiana Football’s Offensive Player of the Game, Danny Friend stepped up in the fourth quarter, catching the go-ahead touchdown and rallying the team. He caught two passes on the evening totaling 27 yards. Indiana’s offense always produces talent at the TE position, such as

NFL’s Ted Boler, and he could quickly become one of Lagow’s best friends if he continues to be a reliable target in the red-zone. With Jordan Fuchs now suffering from an ankle injury, Friend will receive almost all of the reps and will only improve with experience.

Joesph Gedeon

As Punter Chris Kluwe always said, “Punters are people too.” Well, after Joseph Gedeon’s punting performance against Florida International, no one would make fun of his contribution to the team. Gedeon stuck punts inside the opponent’s 20 yard line on two separate occasions, one time pinning them inside their own one yard line. Any college football fan would tell you that good punters and kickers are hard to come by, but can be extremely effective. Starting a drive with your back against the goal-line is almost a guaranteed drive killer, and can sometimes lead to turnovers. If Gedeon continues to punt consistently, he can be a great asset for the Hoosiers.

A’Shon Riggins and Marcelino Ball

Two freshman performances that Kevin Wilson brought attention to were from cornerback A’Shon Riggins, and Marcelino Ball. Riggins played 38 snaps, which is impressive for a debut, and came up big with a couple of crucial coverage plays in the fourth quarter. Ball was recognized due to his mental toughness. He was caught way out of coverage on one play, and then the next blew up a blocker and made an excellent solo tackle. With Indiana’s defense having the reputation it does, and Tom Allen stressing the importance of physical play and aggressive energy, having bench players, especially freshman, come up big in late game situations is huge. Knowing that Riggins and Ball can get the job done when the first stringers need a breather is a safety net that Allen will be glad to have.

Marcus Oliver

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Junior outside linebacker Marcus Oliver came up huge for Indiana throughout the game. He had eight total tackles, four assisted and four unassisted. He also forced two fumbles, as well as breaking up a pass. With Allen putting so much emphasis on taking the ball away, he was surely pleased with Oliver’s performance. As well as contributing an impressive number of tackles and causing turnovers, he also broke up a pass that ended up saving Indiana four points. He disrupted a throw that surely would have ended up as a touchdown, which forced FIU to kick a field goal instead. These types of point saving plays were lacking last season, and were a big part of why they could not close out games.

Tegray Scales

Another junior linebacker, Tegray Scales was on the other side of the line-backing core causing problems for FIU. He had six solo tackles, and assisted on another. He contributed on the pass rush, hurrying the quarterback a few times and disrupting his rhythm. He also came up big in the fourth quarter, intercepting a pass and breaking a tackle to take it in for a touchdown. It was the second touchdown scored from an interception by Indiana’s defense on the night, which is the first time it’s happened since 1966. With Oliver and Scales dominating on the outsides, it will be touch for opponents to string drives together.

In Kevin Wilson’s game recap, he marked plenty of points for improvement from the Hoosiers, but also had some positive things to say as well. They certainly looked sloppy for three quarters, but looked more like a team, and had great performances coming from all kinds of positions. The overall effort is something that was lacking last season, and proves that they have a core of guys that trust each other to do their individual responsibilities. They will continue to grow the more they play alongside each other, and should prove to be a worthy opponent come Big Ten season.