Coach Griff’s Pre-Game Primer: Indiana vs Howard — What to Watch Saturday
Indiana returns to Memorial Stadium Saturday for a 12:30 PM kickoff against the Howard Bison, and before the Hoosiers take the field, Coach Griff’s Pre-Game Primer will go live at 10:30 AM ET.
The focus this week is not simply on whether Indiana wins.
It is about how Indiana plays.
After opening the season with a win over North Texas, the Hoosiers have another opportunity to sharpen their identity, clean up mistakes, and build momentum before the schedule gets more demanding.
For a team with championship expectations, games like this are about standards.
What Indiana Needs to Improve
Indiana handled North Texas, but there were still areas that need attention.
Defensively, the Hoosiers allowed North Texas to move the football too consistently at times. That puts a spotlight on tackling, communication, run fits, leverage, and third-down execution against Howard.
Week 1 often reveals problems.
Week 2 shows whether a team can correct them.
That will be one of the biggest things to watch Saturday.
Josh Hoover’s Next Step
Josh Hoover was highly efficient in his Indiana debut, completing roughly 81 percent of his passes.
Now the challenge is consistency.
Against Howard, the evaluation should go beyond yards and touchdowns. Watch his command of the offense, decision-making, protection checks, ball placement, and ability to keep Indiana ahead of the chains.
The Hoosiers do not need Hoover to chase big plays.
They need him to continue operating the offense at a high level.
Establish the Run
Indiana should have an opportunity to control the line of scrimmage.
That makes the running game an important part of Saturday’s evaluation.
Can the Hoosiers create movement up front? Can the backs generate yards after contact? Can Indiana stay physical and efficient without becoming sloppy against an opponent it should control?
Those are the questions that matter.
Defensive Response
The Indiana defense may be the most important unit to evaluate Saturday.
Howard provides an opportunity for the Hoosiers to show that the issues from Week 1 were corrected.
- First-down defense
- Tackling in space
- Run fits
- Communication
- Explosive plays allowed
- Third-down defense
The standard should be simple:
Make Howard earn everything.
Do not extend drives with mistakes. Do not give away hidden yardage. Do not allow a less talented opponent to stay on the field because of poor execution.
Special Teams Still Matter
Indiana’s special teams made a major impact in the opener, and that remains an important part of the equation.
Saturday is another chance to evaluate the return game, coverage units, field-goal operation, and the younger players who may get meaningful reps if the game is controlled early.
Hidden yardage matters every week, regardless of the opponent.
Coach Griff’s Five Goals for Indiana
- Protect the football
- Limit explosive plays
- Win the line of scrimmage
- Play clean, disciplined football
- Get meaningful reps for the second and third units
And one more that always matters:
Come out healthy.
Indiana should win this football game.
The more important question is whether the Hoosiers leave Memorial Stadium looking sharper, cleaner, and better prepared for what comes next.
Watch the Pre-Game Primer
Join me Saturday morning at 10:30 AM ET for Coach Griff’s Pre-Game Primer as we break down:
- What Indiana must clean up from Week 1
- Indiana offense vs Howard defense
- Howard offense vs Indiana defense
- Players to watch
- Special teams and hidden yardage
- Keys to the game
- Coach Griff’s prediction
The scoreboard will tell us whether Indiana won.
The film will tell us whether Indiana got better.
Fast. Physical. Relentless.
