Indiana Football: 3 takeaways from Ball State win

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 31: Riley Miller #86 of the Ball State Cardinals reaches for the ball as Marcelino Ball #9 of the Indiana Hoosiers breaks up the receptions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Indiana’s secondary needs work

Yes, it was just the first game of the season and working with a new defensive coordinator can be a lot to work with, but the secondary struggled yesterday.

Not only did they struggle with missed tackles, but also in their communication. Both of which were major points of emphasis this offseason, seemed to be forgotten once on the field.

LET'S GO!!!

We've got a one-possession game with 6:28 to play after Plitt squeezes this one in to Yo'Heinz who does the rest.#ChirpChirp | #WeFly | #OTM pic.twitter.com/a4GoFGYsIH
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) August 31, 2019

Ball State did return six of its top seven receivers from 2018 so the secondary was going to be tested, but the Hoosiers DB’s were completely dominated for the most part. 298 yards through the air for the Cardinals also saw two touchdowns of over 35 yards.

Jaylin Williams, sophomore DB who could have a coming out party this season, had the lone interception for the Hoosiers, coming late in the fourth quarter to ice the game. However, outside of that, Indiana had just two passes deflected and one from a defensive back (Andre Brown). Last season that group combined for 23 out of the 33 on the year.

With the young defensive line that the Hoosiers have, and the lack of pressure they put on Ball State yesterday, means the Hoosiers secondary will need to play much better than they did yesterday.

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