UW defensive staff bracing for a more diverse running game from Indiana, particularly with a new face at quarterback
Jeff Potrykus
MADISON – Indiana's coaches, saddled with a rushing attack that had generated a paltry 2.3 yards per carry and 76 yards per game in the first five weeks of the season, were determined to pound the ball down the collective throats of the Maryland defenders.
"Coach Darren Hiller and the entire offensive staff really challenged us and we took that to heart," Indiana guard Dylan Powell said, referring to the Hoosiers' offensive line coach/run-game coordinator.
"I think we had the best technical game of the season, just getting in combinations, moving guys, and getting to the right people. We have to hone in on that each and every day and just keep improving."
The Hoosiers entered the Maryland game last week with 380 rushing yards on 159 carries. Incorporating a Wildcat package into the game plan, the Hoosiers rushed 48 times for 248 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-11 victory.
The use of the Wildcat, which featured tailback Stevie Scott III and kick-returner/running back David Ellis, provided an effective complement that has drawn the attention of Wisconsin's coaches and players.
"They did a nice job with it," said UW coach Paul Chryst, whose team hosts Indiana at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. "Some big plays and they had a couple different guys doing it. It is one more wrinkle...
"In many ways they are the same plays and they're doing it with talented backs. They do a lot of things and I give them a lot of credit in what they do and how they go about it."
Ellis, 6-foot and 213 pounds, is a speed back. He rushed three times for 19 yards out of the package. Scott III, 6-2 and 231, is a hammer. He managed only 13 yards on six carries out of the package but three of the runs were touchdowns. They covered 3, 1 and 2 yards.
The Hoosiers ran out of the Wildcat with the quarterback lined up out wide from the start of the play or after the quarterback motioned out of the backfield.
"I love the running back," UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said of Scott, who has eight rushing touchdowns this season. "I think he runs physical, downhill and causes problems for your defense."
Maryland's defense doesn't compare favorably to UW's unit. The Terrapins are last in the league against the run (228.8 ypg, 12 touchdowns). UW has the league's stingiest run defense (67.3 ypg, 0 touchdowns).
Yet knowing the Hoosiers want to run the ball more effectively and that backup quarterback Jack Tuttle is making his first start with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) out, the UW staff expects to see the Wildcat this week.
"As a defense you've really got to be aware of and account for who is playing quarterback," said outside linebacker Noah Burks, an Indiana native. "You've really got to be smart and what it comes down to is making sure that everyone's got their gaps held, their assignments done, especially out on the edge.
"Because we know they are a team that is able to bounce the ball to the edge. Everyone's got to be locked in and you know most likely we're going to be seeing run."
From the infirmary
Chryst confirmed the Journal Sentinel's Wednesday report that quarterback Jack Coan, who underwent surgery on his right foot Oct. 7 and has yet to play this season, has been cleared and will be available Saturday.
"Each week Jack has bee able to progress," Chryst said Thursday during a Zoom session. "It's been a little bit of a long road for him."
Tight end Jake Ferguson who appeared to suffer a shoulder injury in the loss to Northwestern, should be available as well. The status of wide receiver Danny Davis, who suffered an apparent concussion at Michigan and did not play at Northwestern, remains uncertain.
"Of all the guys Danny has probably done the least," Chryst said, referring to practice workload. "But he has been feeling better each day so we'll continue to see how the week finishes out."
Kayden Lyles draws praise
Joe Rudolph, UW's offensive coordinator/line coach, praised the work of center Kayden Lyles. UW's staff rarely volunteers injury information, but Rudolph noted Lyles underwent two surgeries in the offseason.
"He is working his butt off and he is doing a great job communicating and helping guys to be in the right spots," Rudolph said. "He came off two surgeries in the offseason to play virtually every snap. We've been banged up at center behind him so we haven't been able to rotate anyone in as the plan would have it.
"I've been proud of him. He has been tough as nails. He is a fighter and that is what we need."