Curt Cignetti has one more week to sort through a quarterback situation that looks less settled by the day.
Indiana turned to Grant Wilson at halftime of its overtime win over Minnesota on Saturday after Josh Hoover struggled and appeared to be dealing with an injury. Wilson finished 9 of 17 for 156 yards and delivered the winning touchdown on the first play of overtime, finding Charlie Becker to end it.
Hoover’s recent stretch has raised more questions than answers. Over his last three games, all while playing through an unspecified injury suffered after a hit against Ohio State on Oct. 17, he has completed 46.8% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Indiana lost to Ohio State 19-15 before surviving overtime games against Michigan and Minnesota.
On the Cover 3 podcast, former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell said he thinks Hoover is “hurt way worse than they’re letting on.”
Kanell pointed to Indiana’s handling of the situation, noting Hoover has been on the Hoosiers’ availability report for the past two weeks even though there was never much doubt he would suit up.
“That’s Cignetti going, ‘I’m not telling you guys anything. Screw you guys,’” Kanell said, adding that he viewed several of Hoover’s throws as “awkward,” and “I think Hoover’s pretty banged up.”
Hoover was hit by a Minnesota defender late in the first half after an interception and did not return. Kanell didn’t see that play as the kind of blow that would normally force a quarterback out.
“I don’t think it was violent enough to knock a player out of the game,” Kanell said. “That reaction, when he falls on his shoulder, tells me he is way more hurt than they’re letting on.”
Fox lead college football analyst Joel Klatt also weighed in, saying shoulder-area injuries can affect accuracy and confidence. He said, “He’s missing high, particularly over the middle,” and added, “When you lose accuracy, you lose confidence. And that’s what we’re seeing with Josh Hoover right now.”
Kanell said Hoover’s confidence could be part of the picture too.
“I think Indiana ‘s run is going to be dictated by how healthy he can get,” Kanell said. “I do worry a little bit about his confidence because there is so much speculation.”
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Indiana Backcourt Depth Already Facing A Troubling Early Setback
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For a Hoosiers team trying to build out its perimeter options, the timing makes the setback sting even more. Moody was one of the freshmen penciled in to supply depth and energy in the backcourt, and now Indiana has to wait for a clearer picture before it knows how much of that plan will need to be adjusted. [Read more 🡒]
Philip Rivers Could Leave Alabama For A Job That Changes Two Programs
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Indianas Easy Win Came With One Backcourt Concern Fans Will Watch
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