Field Level Media
21 Sep 2023, 09:55 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
Indiana head coach Tom Allen expects more from his defense.
The Hoosiers (1-2) had one takeaway in a 21-14 loss to Louisville last week, which is short of the ask from Allen. He wants three per game to help Indiana protect its young quarterback from being overburdened in tight games.
"Still not enough takeaways. Got a goal of three every game," Allen said. "Needed another one; and three, it would be ideal to get what we need to get to be able to set up our offense in a better way."
Quarterback Tayven Jackson does benefit from dynamic running back Jaylin Lucas, the team's leading rusher (141 yards, two TDs) and second on the team in receiving (15-138-1). Still, Allen noted teams are loading the box with eight defenders and forcing Jackson to make decisions and plays off-script. The only route to wins from this point forward is better blocking up front, he said.
"To me, it's about executing and executing at a high level of confidence, and being able to play at the speed I want us to play at from the opening quarter on," Allen said. "That's going to be the emphasis, and like I said, we'll know more next weekend where we feel after the first few games."
Akron (1-2) hasn't found much to like offensively this season, ranking 129th in total offense (262.7 per game) and 130th in rushing offense (42.3).
Akron is coached by former Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, with whom Indiana has familiarity, and vice versa. The Zips were in the game last week at Kentucky despite 77 total yards in the first half.
Akron trailed only 14-3 in the third quarter before the Wildcats rattled off 21 consecutive points to close it out.
"I thought it was a much better performance from the inside to the 20s," Moorhead said of his quarterbacks.
Zips quarterbacks DJ Irons and Jeff Undercuffler Jr. have combined for 661 yards passing, three touchdowns and four interceptions.
"(Indiana) is tough, physical, blue collar. They've got a scheme that makes you really have to prepare. It's going to be another really big challenge," Moorhead said.
Indiana is 3-0 all-time in the series and meets Akron for the first time since a 35-20 victory in 2010 behind four touchdown passes from Ben Chappell.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Canada Standard news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Canada Standard.
More InformationISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
VENICE, Italy: Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters marched through the narrow streets of Venice to voice their opposition to billionaire...
PARIS, France: France is taking stronger steps to reduce smoking. A new health rule announced on Saturday will soon ban smoking in...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed Elon Musk's success has been built on government subsidies. Without...
EVERGLADES, Florida: Over the weekend, a diverse coalition of environmental activists, Native American leaders, and residents gathered...
BEIJING, China: China's national soccer team may struggle to stir excitement, but its humanoid robots are drawing cheers — and not...
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], July 2 (ANI): The much-anticipated LEGEN-Z T10 League will be played from August 7 to August 13 at the...
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ombudsman Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra has directed...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 2 (ANI): Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma is back with another episode of 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,'...
Birmingham [UK], July 2 (ANI): Former head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri didn't mince his words while expressing his discontent...
Birmingham [UK], July 2 (ANI): Indian and England players were wearing a black armband before the start of play on Day 1 of the second...
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Olympians Anjum Moudgil (also world championship silver medalist) and Saurabh Chaudhary and world...