Indiana Football: Can the Hoosiers return to the postseason in 2020?

Defensive improvement looks to continue

Indiana’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme improved drastically from 2018. They surrendered five fewer points and 71.3 fewer yards than they did in 2018. Nearly everyone is back from last season’s defense as well.

The Hoosiers gave up 400 yards of offense or more only five times last season. This defensive improvement might have something to do with Tom Allen relinquishing play call duties to coordinator Kane Wommack.

This scheme relies on the defensive line. This season, the line is not only talented, but they are also deep. Last season’s leading pass rusher Jerome Johnson returns. Both he and last season’s starter De’Marcus Elliot are joined by another Stanford transfer, Jovan Swann who totaled 10 sacks the last two seasons.

All three will be pushed for snaps by sophomore Sio Nofoagototo’a. Expect to see a rotation of defensive linemen for the Hoosiers this season. Both linebackers — Micah McFadden and Cam Jones — are sure tacklers.

They are just as deep at defensive back as they are upfront. Tiawan Mullen took his lumps and matured as a true freshman. According to his head coach, Mullen is as talented as any defensive back he’s ever coached.

Look for continued improvement defensively. It will be interesting to see how they measure up against the top of their division.