Former Indiana football QB Connor Bazelak among ‘biggest busts’ last year

The 2022 season for the Indiana football program didn’t go as planned. After a big offseason that brought in a highly touted recruiting class and some key transfers, a 4-8 record was all to show for it.

The season was thought to go quite different after a comeback season-opening win against Illinois. But, that was nearly the highlight of the season.

One of the biggest reasons for that was inconsistent quarterback play. Not only was it a new offensive coordinator for the Hoosiers, but it was also a new face under center.

Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak transferred in to Indiana and immediately became a potential high-upside player. For an offense that needed big plays, his ability to throw the ball down the field was appealing.

He was the Co-SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020. The skillset was there. But, a disastrous offensive line and some injuries to key pieces left Bazelak eventually getting benched.

Since then, he has left the Indiana football program and gone elsewhere, committing to Bowling Green this offseason.

Because of that, Bazelak was listed as one of the biggest transfer busts of last year.

“Arm talent has never been a question surrounding Bazelak, a former four-star recruit in the 2019 class. So the feeling was that maybe Bazelak could break out at Indiana with a change of scenery after two so-so seasons at Mizzou,” 247Sports writer Robbie Weinstein said. “If anything, however, Bazelak regressed. The Ohio native completed just 55.2% of his passes for 2,312 yards and 13 touchdowns against 10 interceptions as Indiana slumped to a record of 4-8. Bazelak didn’t have the benefit of a great supporting cast, but it’s telling that he ended up transferring down to Bowling Green in the Mid-American Conference.”

After a 3-0 start for the Hoosiers and throwing five touchdowns to just two interceptions, the script flipped for Bazelak. He would have just eight touchdowns in his final seven games of action, and eight interceptions. He was also sacked 21 times in the final seven games.

The Indiana football program is moving in a new direction at quarterback. That is one of a running QB and the ability to make plays out of the pocket. Currently, it’s a two-man race for the starting job — one that won’t be known until the fall.

Indiana and Tom Allen need to get this decision right after a 6-18 combined record the last two years.

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