Coach Griff’s Three Keys to Victory: Indiana Makes a Statement Against Minnesota
The Hoosiers return to Memorial Stadium for Homecoming with an opportunity to reestablish their offensive identity while continuing one of the most impressive defensive stretches of the season.
Indiana enters Saturday’s Homecoming matchup against Minnesota with a 7–1 record, a place among the nation’s top-ranked teams, and plenty still to prove offensively.
The Hoosiers survived Michigan last week, winning 13–6 in overtime at the Big House. It was a tremendous defensive performance, but it also exposed some concerns about Indiana’s offense that have persisted over the last three games.
For Curt Cignetti and his staff, the objective is straightforward: Get the offense back on track without sacrificing the physical, disciplined football that has made Indiana a championship contender.
Minnesota will not make that easy. PJ Fleck’s Golden Gophers have victories over Washington, Michigan and Iowa, demonstrating their ability to compete against quality opponents. But their struggles against physical rushing attacks provide Indiana with an opportunity.
Here are my three keys to a Hoosier victory.
Key No. 1: Establish the Run — 200 Yards Is the Target
Everything begins with Indiana’s ability to run the football.
The Hoosiers have relied heavily on inside zone and Duo concepts. Those plays remain important, but Indiana needs greater diversity in its rushing attack.
I want to see more power, counter, perimeter runs and opportunities to get the football outside the tackles. Make Minnesota defend the entire width of the field rather than allowing its defensive front to concentrate on the interior.
Turbo Richard, Lee Beebe Jr. and the rest of Indiana’s running backs must be decisive, physical and productive.
My offensive rushing target: 200 yards or more.
That kind of performance changes the entire complexion of the game. It creates manageable third downs, opens the RPO package and gives Josh Hoover opportunities to attack a defense forced to respect the run.
Just as importantly, it allows Indiana to control the tempo and impose its will.
The Hoosiers don’t need to abandon their offensive identity. They need to expand it and execute it with greater consistency.
Key No. 2: Make Minnesota One-Dimensional
Indiana’s defense has been outstanding over the last three games, particularly when considering the caliber of competition against Nebraska, Ohio State and Michigan.
The defensive front has consistently created problems for opposing offenses, and the secondary has benefited from improved pressure and more disciplined coverage.
Against Minnesota, the priority is taking away the running game.
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey is capable of making plays, but Indiana cannot allow the Golden Gophers to establish offensive balance.
The Hoosiers must control the line of scrimmage, eliminate explosive rushing plays and force Minnesota into predictable passing situations.
That’s where Indiana’s pass rush can take over.
Tyrique Tucker, Mario Landino, Joshua Burnham and the rest of the defensive front must continue winning individual matchups. Behind them, Indiana’s linebackers and secondary need to remain disciplined in their fits and coverage responsibilities.
My defensive targets:
- Hold Minnesota to 70 rushing yards or fewer.
- Limit total offense to 275 yards or fewer.
- Keep Minnesota below 35% on third down.
- Force at least two turnovers.
If Indiana accomplishes those objectives, Minnesota will have a difficult time sustaining drives, much less scoring touchdowns.
This defense has been carrying the Hoosiers through their recent offensive struggles. I expect another strong performance Saturday.
Key No. 3: Turn Opportunities Into Touchdowns
Perhaps the most frustrating element of Indiana’s recent offensive performances has been its inability to capitalize consistently on favorable field position.
The defense has created opportunities, but the offense hasn’t always turned those possessions into touchdowns.
That must change.
Indiana needs better execution inside the red zone, particularly inside the 10-yard line. The Hoosiers cannot afford missed assignments, negative plays or predictable play-calling when the field gets compressed.
Josh Hoover must make decisive reads, the offensive line must win at the point of attack, and Indiana needs to be more creative with its personnel and formations.
I also want to see the Hoosiers generate explosive plays rather than relying exclusively on long, methodical drives.
Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker need opportunities to stretch the field, while Indiana’s running backs can become weapons in the passing game.
My offensive targets:
- 200-plus rushing yards.
- 250 passing yards.
- 450 total offensive yards.
- At least seven explosive plays.
- Zero turnovers.
- Touchdowns rather than field goals in scoring territory.
The Hoosiers have too much offensive talent to remain stuck in this recent funk. Saturday is the opportunity to make a statement.
The X-Factor: Josh Hoover and Indiana’s Offensive Line
There has been plenty of discussion surrounding Hoover’s throwing shoulder following the Michigan game.
Indiana needs its quarterback healthy, confident and comfortable in the pocket.
The best way to help him is to establish a productive rushing attack and improve pass protection.
If the offensive line creates movement up front, Indiana can use play-action, RPOs and quick throws to create favorable opportunities.
Hoover doesn’t need to win this game by himself. He needs a complete offensive performance around him.
Coach Griff’s Prediction: Indiana 34, Minnesota 10
I expect Indiana to come out with a different offensive mindset Saturday afternoon.
The Hoosiers have spent three weeks battling through offensive inconsistency against quality defensive opponents. At some point, a talented football team has to play its way out of that situation.
I believe that happens on Homecoming.
Indiana establishes the running game early, creates better balance with its passing attack and finally begins finishing drives with touchdowns.
Defensively, I expect more of what we’ve seen in recent weeks: physical football, relentless pursuit, pressure on the quarterback and very few explosive plays allowed.
Minnesota is dangerous enough to make this competitive early, but over four quarters, Indiana’s defensive front and improved offensive execution should take control.
Final Score: Indiana 34, Minnesota 10.
The Hoosier offense makes a statement, the defense keeps rolling, and Homecoming in Bloomington becomes another celebration for Indiana football.
Go Hoosiers!
— “The Coach” Shannon Griffith, Hoosier Football Tailgate
Catch Hoosier Football Tailgate’s Pregame Primer LIVE at 1:30 PM ET, two hours before Indiana and Minnesota kick off at 3:30 PM on CBS.
