The Indiana football program will face a familiar non-conference opponent in the University of Idaho this Saturday.
The Hoosiers defeated the Vandals 56-14 last season, but Idaho has made many changes to its staff and players coming into 2022. Indiana head coach Tom Allen took the podium Thursday to take a look at the Hoosiers’ week two opponent.
“You have a new scheme in all three phases, and not a lot of film,” Allen said. “There’s no question you go back and evaluate the coach, Jason Eck, who comes from South Dakota State, which is one of the top FCS programs. He does a tremendous job offensively, and they have a really talented young offense.”
Idaho head coach Jason Eck began his coaching career with the Vandals back in 2004 as an offensive line coach, but 18 years later, he has taken over at the helm of the program after moving up the national coaching ladder.
Idaho faced Washington State University in its first week of the 2022 season and lost 24-17. Redshirt freshman starting quarterback Gevani McCoy threw for 212 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in his first game of the season. Allen emphasized how some facets of the Vandals’ play were impressive, despite a loss.
“I saw athletes on defense flying around,” Allen said. “They caused a lot of trouble for Washington State’s offense, causing three fumbles, one of which went for a touchdown.”
[Related: Trio of Indiana football players take home weekly honors after Illinois win]
Allen said he is looking for the Hoosiers to play fundamental football on Saturday and to give their best effort on both sides of the ball. He compared the program’s preparation for games this year to the routines and habits of years past.
“I would say the preparation felt pretty good, and we have gotten into a sort of rhythm over the years that we feel we have gotten back to,” Allen said. “I felt the communication was smooth. My biggest concern was the sideline — with all the different coaches we have this year — but I thought that was good.”
As a team, Allen said he is looking for the defense to do a better job of stopping the run this week and to continue the good red zone defense displayed in week one. Coming off a big win against Illinois, Allen said he expects the team to come out motivated in week two to avoid a letdown.
The game is set to kick off 8 p.m. Saturday from Memorial Stadium and will be available on Big Ten Network.
Follow reporters Garrett Newman (@GarrettNewman20) and Jacob Spudich (@spudichjacob) and columnist Will Foley (@foles24) for updates throughout the game and the rest of the Indiana football season.
