Practice Report (10-29-03)
Hoosiers Prepare for No. 19 Gophers
Bloomington, Ind.- The Hoosiers prepared for Saturdays matchup with No. 19 Minnesota under the lights of Memorial Stadium. Indiana will travel to Minneapolis to square off with the Golden Gophers at 2:05 p.m. in the H.H.H. Metrodome.
Junior quarterback Matt LoVecchio had an efficient practice, as he was able to find different receiver and on multiple occasions hit on the long ball. LoVecchio hit three passes over 20 yards to three different receivers. During the first-and-10 drill, he found Glenn Johnson along the left sideline for over 20 yards. LoVecchio hit junior wideouts Courtney Roby and Travis Haney for long touchdowns. Roby made a nice grab in the back of the end zone and was able to get his feet in from 35 yards out. Haney made a similar catch from 20 yards out for a TD. Roby caught another TD pass during practice, this one for 10 yards. The Hoosier running game looked solid during the third-and short drills. On every attempt sophomore running back Chris Taylor and freshman back BenJarvus Green-Ellis got a first down. Both backs broke for over 10 yards on a few plays, while Taylor had the biggest run popping off for a 20-plus gain. IUs defense will face a stiff task in the Big Tens highest scoring offense on Saturday. The Hoosier defense looked solid in preparation for the task. The defensive line was able to put pressure on the quarterback. On two occasions the line was able to knock passes down. Junior defensive tackle Jodie Clemons and junior defensive end Eli Radke both recorded knockdowns. The secondary had two picks during practice as well. Sophomore cornerback Courtney Clency made the first interception. He stepped in front of the intended receiver, stretched over his left shoulder and made the pick. Freshman safety Will Meyers also had a pick on the day. Meyers made a diving stab and interception along the goal line. The Hoosier-Gopher matchup will be the first between the two schools since the 2000 season. The game can be heard on the IU Radio Network with Don Fischer (p-b-p), Dan Thompson (analysis) and Joe Smith (pre game, halftime and post game) on the call. Follow @HoosierFootball