Another week, more takeaways added to the total for the Indiana defense.
In Indiana’s 27-11 victory Saturday, Kane Wommack’s unit came up with three interceptions and helped turn the tide in a game that featured Indiana’s offense struggling at times.
According to Indiana defensive back Tiawan Mullen, the success can be traced back to film study and something the Hoosiers saw about Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
“They gave us three games that they played, and we went off what we seen. He was a one-read player. Wherever he looked, that’s where he was going to throw the ball. We watched a lot of film,” Mullen said.
It worked for Indiana, as the Hoosiers have created 18 takeaways through six games in the 2020 season and have recorded a takeaway in 35 of the last 37 games. The win over Maryland marked the eighth straight game with at least two takeaways.
Furthermore, Indiana has 16 interceptions on the season, the best among FBS schools. Indiana has picked off at least two passes in seven straight games and amassed three interceptions for the third straight game and fourth time this season, the longest streak in the Big Ten since Wisconsin managed the same feat in 2016.
The statistics and notes are nice, but for Mullen and linebacker Cam Jones, erasing any memories of what happened in the 42-35 loss to Ohio State and getting back in the win column was all that mattered.
“We had to bounce back and respond from Ohio State. We moved on from that and had to respond in the right way and get a w,” Mullen said.
Jones said despite getting off a slow start defensively, Indiana was able to raise its level of play and did a good job of limiting Tagovailoa, who finished 17-of-36 for 241 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. He rushed eight times for minus 12 yards.
“We knew we needed to stop the quarterback scramble. He’s a great quarterback. I feel like we started off slow, things didn’t go the way we wanted them to, but we knew we had to step up. Everybody just needed to do their job and stay locked in,” Jones said.
Head coach Tom Allen acknowledged the defense made some adjustments at the half that helped, as well.
“Defense continues to get takeaways," Allen said. "Did really good on third downs, did good job. You make adjustments and things they were doing, we had to get a few things corrected with the run game and those were addressed. The thing that was so impressive was the red zone defense. They got some opportunities down there early and we just kept snuffing them out. Got to play great defense if you are going to have a chance each week. Ticked off about last touchdown, had young guys in there, but no excuse."
As for the takeaways, they are not the result of chance or luck, according to Allen.
“It's not by chance, I promise you that. Just watch the film. These takeaways are created. We work extremely hard to create takeaways. Talk to the quarterbacks after they play us,” Allen said.
Junior linebacker D.K. Bonhomme, recorded a safety after sacking Tagovailoa in the end zone. It marked Indiana’s first safety since 2017, which also came against Maryland. On the day, Bonhomme ended with four tackles and a tackle for a loss.
Jones said that play got the team going.
“We told him where the play was going and he made the play,” said Jones, who finished with a team high six tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries.
Junior linebacker Micah McFadden accounted for an interception and added three tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and a hurry. Jerome Johnson added a sack, while Jaylin Williams had a tackle and interception. Johnathan King had two tackles, including a sack and tackle for a loss. Mullen had four tackles and an interception.
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