2017 Opponent Preview: Indiana State

Continuing along with our 2017 game previews, the next team on the skid is one the Flames met with three seasons ago.

Week 3-September 16: VS. Indiana State
Head Coach: Curt Mallory (1st year)
2016 Record: 4-7

The Indiana State Sycomores are an FCS team apart of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The MVFC is one of the tougher conferences in the FCS as it is home to a number of notable teams like South Dakota State, Youngstown State, and North Dakota State. Last season the conference had 5 playoff teams, although Indiana State was not one of them. It was in 2014 that the Sycomores last saw the FCS postseason. That was the same year that the then ranked No. 22/23 Flames traveled to Terre Haute where they lost 19-38.

ISU was formerly under the direction of Mike Sanford. In his four seasons there, the Sycomores went 18-30. Apart from 2014, Sanford saw little success with the Sycomores and was relieved of his duties following the 2016 season. Since then, Curt Mallory was named the new head coach for Indiana State. Mallory has a notable resume as he has worked with Michigan, Indiana, and most recently Wyoming where he served primarily as a secondary coach. During his tenure with the Cowboys, his pass defense was ranked 26th (2015 season) and 88th (2016 season) nationally.

With Coach Mallory coming on, things are shifting for the Sycomores, specifically defensive mentality. Defensive Coordinator Brad Wilson has implemented a greater ‘attack’ emphasizes and is relying heavily on a veteran linebacking group as the team transitions into the Mallory-era. Even with the lack of defensive depth, Wilson is pushing his guys to outlast offenses. Under Mallory’s guidance, Indiana State will take on the pro-style dropback offense. The offense also has a crew of running backs that the team will be a focus in the coming season. After numerous years of below-average play, no doubt Indiana State is ready to rise back to prominence in the FCS.

Important Points

Liberty is a different team with the sea of red behind them. Their traveling troubles are no secret and that made a difference in this 2014 game. Being in the Hill City for this one will be a plus.

The Sycomores are deep at running back. While teams struggle to find dependable guys in the backfield, they have as many as five backs they are confident in. This could loom large as the game progresses throughout the evening.

Considering Liberty is placing a greater emphasis on a faster game speed this season, Indiana State’s defensive depth could be an issue.

It will take some time for ISU to adjust to the new scheme under Curt Mallory. This will be the third game under his direction and follows a match up against SEC opponent Tennessee. The Blue and White will still be sanding out their game which could amplify mistakes.

Following their home opener, the Sycomores have three straight road games. Liberty is smack dab in the middle of that.

Players to Watch

QB Isaac Harker-Harker threw for 2,559 yards in his first year as a starter. He will now be seasoned and more experienced.

RB Dimitri Taylor-While there are a number of RBs to consider, Taylor looks to be a steady option for the Sycomores this coming season. He rushed for 486 yards last year.

RB LeMonte Booker-Before missing the 2016 season, Booker was set to be the starting RB for ISU. He displayed impressive speed and talent as both a RB and returner. Should he return to his form in 2015, he will be a great offensive weapon.

LB Katrell Moss-In his first year with the team, Moss had 47 tackles which was sixth on the defense.