Indiana Hoosiers Fall 26-24 to Utah Utes in Foster Farms Bowl

Well, the Indiana Hoosiers’ first football game under hear coach Tom Allen ended in a loss. However, they played fairly well against one of the more underrated Top 25 teams in the No. 19 Utah Utes.

The Hoosiers jumped out to a great start thanks to a fumble recovery by Donavan Hale on the opening kickoff on Utah’s 11-yard line. As a result, Indiana jumped out to a 7-0 lead within the first minute of the game.

The Utes would respond by scoring 17 unanswered points and took a 17-7 lead in the second quarter as a result. Luckily, the Hoosiers responded and tied the game at 17 before the end of the half.

In the second half, both teams flex their defensive strength. This should come as no surprise as Utah is traditionally a tough and rugged team while Indiana’s Allen best work is on the defensive side of the ball.

More from Ink on Indy

• Still Searching for Their Groove, Pacers Take on Struggling Magic Thursday Night
• Pacers Travel to the Nation’s Capital to Begin Four Game Road Trip
• Update on Pacers’ Oladipo’s Serious Leg Injury
• Has Romeo Langford Been a Disappointment for the Hoosiers?
• The Indianapolis Colts Have a Brutal Road Schedule in 2019

The Hoosiers did score a touchdown in the fourth to give them a 24-23 lead, and their defense did an excellent job not allowing the Utes into the end zone.

Unfortunately, the Utes’ offense did just enough to ink out three field goals. The third one gave them the lead with 1:24 left in the game. Also, the Hoosiers had missed a field goal right before that game-winning drive.

Statistically, the Hoosiers were not fantastic on offense. Quarterback Richard Lagow only completed 14 of his 39 passes for 188 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Backup quarterback Zander Diamont also got in on the action. He was responsible for one of the Hoosiers’ three touchdowns Wednesday.

This was Diamont’s only pass of the game. He said retiring after the bowl game so that is a great way to remember his last collegiate pass.

The Hoosiers also had solid ground support from their running backs. Devine Redding ran for 72 yards and one touchdown. Backup Ricky Brookins added 53 more yards on the ground.

However, there is a reason why Utah is now 9-1 in bowl games under head coach Kyle Whittingham. His teams are know for their power run game and their defensive prowess. oth were on display throughout the game.

Utes’ running back Joe Williams ran for 222 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. He also had one catch for 56 yards. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley got some playing tim

e, and he scored a touchdown on the ground too.

Utah’s defense suffocated Indiana’s all night. They got constant pressure on Lagow; hence Lagow’s low completion percentage. The unit forced three Hoosiers’ turnovers, which helped even out the Utes’ four turnovers.

Overall, it is a disappoint loss for the Hoosiers as they finished the season with a 6-7 record. However, there should be some optimism about the program moving forward; even with Kevin Wilson gone.

Next: Wilson Resignation Revolves Around Player Treatment

The Hoosiers hung in there against a Top 25 team and could have won if a couple of plays go their way. Also, their top offensive players Lagow and Redding are set to return. 2017 could be a very positive year for Indiana.