Indiana coach Tom Allen knows all too well how important Friday night’s comeback win over Illinois in its season opener could be in how the season ultimately plays out.
Two years ago, a dramatic win over Penn State launched the Hoosiers to their best season in a half a century.
Last year, a blowout loss at Iowa sent the team spiraling downhill to one of its worst.
So, after Indiana snapped a nine-game Big Ten losing streak with a 23-20 win over Illinois, you can forgive Allen for having a smile on his face Monday.
“Got to get better, but it’s a whole lot more enjoyable correcting those issues after a big conference win to start the season,” Allen said.
A win was anything but guaranteed when, down 20-16, the Hoosiers took over possession on their own 25 with a little over two minutes remaining in the game and no timeouts.
But in his IU debut, quarterback Connor Bazelak marched the Hoosiers down the field, and Shaun Shivers capped the drive with a 1-yard run with just 23 seconds left.
“This group has something special to it; I really believe that, and I think it showed,” Allen said.
Who was going to be behind center was unknown until just before kickoff. Bazelak, a transfer from Missouri, and incumbent Jack Tuttle had battled for the starting spot since the spring.
Allen apologized Monday for keeping everyone in the dark about his decision. But Bazelak’s play showed, for now, Allen made the right call.
“I think the things that showed up on Friday night, to me those were the big factors – the poise he showed in that moment when you just have to have ice in your veins and just go make plays,” Allen said.
“His accuracy and getting the ball to the receivers, throwing the ball down the field with that accuracy is another thing. And just has a really good command of what we're doing. And, to me, even though it was a tough decision and we've got two really good quarterbacks, that was a decision we decided to go. And, obviously, he came up big for us, you know, and I wasn't surprised.”
Bazelak became the first Hoosier to throw for more than 300 yards in his debut since Antwaan Randle El in 1998. He completed 28 of 52 passes for 330 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Indiana returns to action Saturday night at 8 when the Hoosiers host Idaho. The Vandals lost their opener, 24-17, at Washington State.
INJURY NEWS: Starting right tackle Matthew Bedford suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. JUCO transfer Parker Hanna replaced Bedford and played 44 snaps. Allen said Hanna will move into the starting lineup. “Hate it for one guy, but it’s an opportunity for the next,” he said. … Defensive end James Head did not play Friday and remains day-to-day.
