Freshman QB stellar in game

IU freshman quarterback Blake Powers lived up to his surname, as the signal-caller led the Crimson squad back from a 13-point deficit in the second half to take the 20-19 victory for his squad over the Cream in the annual Cream and Crimson game.\nPowers was instrumental in the Crimson squad's comeback win, as he completed 14-of-26 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Powers wasn't the only player to shine on the Crimson team, as senior Travis Haney caught two of Powers' three touchdown passes for the victory.\nPowers praised Haney for his performance and cited his physical attributes as one of the reasons for the Crimson squad's success. \n"Travis Haney is a tall, athletic receiver, and we try and take advantage of him on the go-route as much as possible," Powers said. "When we called the go, I knew I just had to put it up there and let him make a play, and he did."\nAfter Friday night's performance, Powers was named as the Hoosiers' Most Outstanding Freshman for the spring. While he is happy with the distinction, Powers said there is still work to be done before the beginning of next season. \n"I'm just looking forward to learning. I learned a lot last year, and I've learned a lot this spring," Powers said. "(IU quarterback coach Matt) Canada is really teaching me a lot. I'm just looking forward to learning more come August."\nWhile the Crimson squad moved the ball through the air, the Cream squad chose a ground-based offensive. Junior Chris Taylor was the Cream's most effective weapon, as the 210-pound running back logged 161 yards in 19 carries and notched two touchdowns for his efforts. \nIU coach Gerry DiNardo said Taylor's performance in the scrimmage was one of the best he has turned in since last season.\n"It was probably the best he has had this spring," DiNardo said. "These kinds of games allow a guy that kind of opportunity. He had his best day, which is good." \nOverall, DiNardo was happy with both teams' offensive performance and wants similar play to carry into IU's fall campaign. \n"One of our goals offensively is to be more explosive, and it looks like we're there tonight. We just have to carry it out in the fall," DiNardo said. "We have to make sure we have the schemes to allow them to be explosive, and then when they have the opportunity to be explosive, we have to make sure they do."\nSenior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said he has been pleased with the Hoosier program's progress since the conclusion of the 2003 campaign.\nAs a result of IU's offseason efforts, LoVecchio said he thinks the program should have some success in 2004. \n"The guys that have been here have matured, and we had a good winter. We had a great spring," LoVecchio said. "As we continue to build within our offensive scheme and put guys in position where they can succeed, we will be successful."\n-- Contact senior writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.