Marcelino Ball
FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, file photo, Indiana head coach Tom Allen is seen on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, in Bloomington, Ind. The Big Ten will start playing football at what normally would be midseason. The coronavirus pandemic limited or eliminated most spring practices. Positive COVID-19 tests and precautions, along with uncertainty about whether there would even be a season, caused disruptions in summer workouts and preseason practices. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler, File)
Indiana seeks signature win in opener against No. 8 Penn St.

By Michael Marot Oct. 22, 2020 02:07 PM EDT

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, Indiana defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) reacts after sacking Eastern Illinois quarterback Johnathan Brantley (11) during an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers could be headed to a second straight bowl game despite a brutal schedule that begins with Penn State visiting Bloomington, Indiana, on Oct. 24.(AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Ball's injury forces Hoosiers to scramble to fill void

By Michael Marot Oct. 19, 2020 06:04 PM EDT

In this photo taken on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, Indiana offensive lineman Harry Crider (57) blocks during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers could be headed to a second straight bowl game despite a brutal schedule that begins with Penn State visiting Bloomington, Indiana, on Oct. 24.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Hoosiers hoping extra weight keeps Penix healthy in 2020

By Michael Marot Oct. 14, 2020 10:10 AM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Indiana defensive back Marcelino Ball (9) chases a play as during an NCAA football game against Ball State in Indianapolis. Indiana coach Tom Allen announced Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, that Ball, a fifth-year senior, tore an anterior cruciate ligament during workouts last week and will miss the entire 2020 season. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Hoosiers lose key defensive starter Ball as practice begins

By Michael Marot Sep. 28, 2020 05:53 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, file photo, Indiana wide receiver Nick Westbrook (15) warms up before an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind. Westbrook senses this season will be different at Indiana. He hears coaches debating how to use their suddenly deep roster. He sees players holding teammates accountable and brimming with confidence. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler, File)
Hoosiers pin bowl hopes to finding knockout punch in 2019

By Michael Marot Aug. 13, 2019 02:12 PM EDT

Ohio State receiver Terry McLaurin, right, catches a pass as Indiana defensive back Andre Brown defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Allen still impressed with Indiana's improving defense

By Michael Marot Oct. 08, 2018 06:42 PM EDT