It’s never easy replacing a “Heisman Trophy-winning” quarterback. Josh Hoover will attempt to accomplish that this season at Indiana. Taking over for Francisco Mendoza, who won a national title last season, Hoover will be expected to maintain a high level of success as a player and be held responsible for the success of the team.
During his three seasons at TCU, Hoover was one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. He can absolutely sling it all over the field, and that was proven when he became the single-season passing leader for the Horned Frogs. Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan has worked wonders with Mendoza running the offense, and he should have similar results with Hoover taking over.
How Shanahan’s Offense Unlocks Hoover’s Potential
Shanahan’s offense scored points in bunches last season, averaging 41.6 points per game. There is reason to believe that Hoover will be more effective in Shanahan’s system than he was in a pass-heavy TCU offense that relied on tempo. Instead of throwing the ball 60% of the time, Hoover will take over a system that runs the ball 60% of the time.
A quarterback with elite arm talent like Hoover’s will be in a prime position to flourish in Shanahan’s spread-based offense with RPO reads, allowing him to have multiple options on a single play. Hoover was plagued by turnovers in TCU’s pass-happy attack, but will find multiple levels of protection in Shanahan’s system.
Hoover’s interceptions increased in each season he was a starter for the Horned Frogs, but the RPO will give him options to check down, hand off to the running back, or take matters into his own hands. Despite losing a decent amount of weapons to the draft, the Hoosiers have reloaded with talented playmakers. Charlie Becker returns as an explosive option at receiver and should develop great chemistry in the short passing game with Hoover. Newcomers Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston are talented receivers who come in with big expectations as well..
Hoover’s Path to Defining His Own Success
Despite them being two completely different players, the comparisons between Hoover and Mendoza are inevitable. While Mendoza was a calm, calculated field general, Hoover was more of a gunslinger. Mendoza relied on processing and poise, while Hoover depends more on his explosive arm talent. The two dynamic quarterbacks will be compared when it comes to leadership and efficiency. The TCU transfer will enter the season under pressure that few quarterbacks ever experience, but he was built for this moment and deserves this opportunity.
If the Hoosiers are going to replicate the success they had last season, Hoover needs to play like himself, not like Mendoza. He has dangerous backs and receivers, not to mention the three returning starters on the offensive line. He won’t have to carry the team, but Hoover will need to be elite to keep Indiana among the nation’s elite college football programs.
