Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Football: Report card grades from Ball State win

By Alec Lasley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 31: Ronnie Walker Jr. #23 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half as Jacob White #2 of the Ball State Cardinals misses the tackle at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 31: Ronnie Walker Jr. #23 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half as Jacob White #2 of the Ball State Cardinals misses the tackle at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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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)
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) /

Defense

This was probably one of the more disappointing parts of the game on Saturday and it all stemmed from their inability to tackle.

With numerous missed tackles, drives were extended and the Ball State offense seemed to wear down the Hoosiers at certain times.

Though IU was able to get into the backfield and finished the game with three sacks, four quarterback hurries, and seven tackles for loss, it took them some time to assert themselves in the game and provide a dominance that Tom Allen and Kane Wommack want to see.

The defensive backs, however, were probably the worst part of the defensive unit.

A group that has a lot of talent and experience showed a lot of inexperience. Led by Marcelino Ball, who had two personal foul penalties himself, the secondary had numerous pass interference penalties and broken coverage plays.

Whether it was just bad communication or they really just struggled to contain the wideouts of Ball State, it was a bit concerning.

They did make up for it with a Jaylin Williams interception late in the game to ice it, but outside of that play, it was a lackluster performance from the back unit.

Overall Grade: C

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