Iowa 42, Indiana 24: a closer look.

by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Nov 1, 2009 8:14 AM EST Comment 1 comment

Here are the stats. In a game like this, where one team dominated a portion of a game and the other team dominated the other part, it's often hard to draw much information from overall stats. Still, in the end, Iowa dominated as thoroughly in total offense (480 to 306) as in the final score. Of course, a big part of that yardage advantage is based on empty possessions that ended in Iowa turnovers, but the two long touchdown passes in the second half played a role as well. Iowa average 7.6 yards per offensive play compared to 4.5 for IU. Both quarterbacks were atrocious, of course. There were eight interceptions in this game: five by Ricky Stanzi and three by Ben Chappell.

Statistically, the story of this game was the story of the season: lack of offensive production in the second half. IU gained only 121 yards in the second half and only 20 yards in the fourth quarter. IU now has scored 145 points in the first half of games this season and only 68 points in the second half. IU has scored 52 points in the last two weeks, and only three have come in the second half. This is a problem that really manifested itself in 2008 and has continued to be a huge issue in 2009. To succeed at IU, Bill Lynch and his staff must find a way to produce points in the second half.

Individuals:

Darius Willis averaged only 2.6 yards per carry and netted 54 yards.
For once, Tandon Doss was overshadowed. Damarlo Belcher caught 6 balls for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Collin Taylor intercepted two passes, made seven tackles, and forced a fumble.
Adam Replogle recorded 1.5 sacks. IU had three sacks on the day but none by Greg Middleton or Jammie Kirlew.

I don't have much else to say about this one. IU had chances, faced poor officiating, but ultimately, the story of this one is the story of the last two seasons. Now, IU has to beat either Wisconsin or Penn State to keep bowl hopes alive heading in to the Bucket game. Neither seems likely, but IU has been able to compete with apparently more talented teams, and needs to find a way to compete all day at some point.

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You guys have gotten screwed over by the refs

so many times this year. Not that it helps, but I really hope you get some karmic payback, preferably next year to help you get to a bowl.

It never gets to be easy

by chitownhawkeye on Nov 1, 2009 9:12 AM EST reply actions

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