Indiana Football defensive back Louis Moore part of Pro Football Focus Defense Team of the Week

The Indiana football program has put one of the top defensive units on the field each and every week thus far in 2023 and its ability to limit the passing game was once again on display on Saturday night.

Indiana limited Akron to just 59 percent passing, 211 yards and three interceptions. The tone was set early and often from second-year defensive back Louis Moore. And, his performance named him to the Pro Football Focus Defensive Team of the Week.

Moore finished with six tackles, two interceptions and one returned for a touchdown from 22 yards out.

PFF’s College Football Team of the Week: Defense🔥 pic.twitter.com/y3laYT1hKv

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 25, 2023

“On the first one, it was a zone coverage, and then I felt the routes. Like, my zone, I felt the routes that I’m supposed to match my key, I felt them coming towards me. I just [saw] the quarterback’s eyes. So I matched off his eyes, and then the ball was in the air, so I just went up and got it,” Moore said postgame. “And then on the second one, we [were], I think we were probably in the same play, and then my key was there again. I was fixing to ride it down to the ball, because he did like a shallow [route], and it tipped off his hands, and I went and got it and took it to the house. I told the defense, I was like, “We gotta go win the game. It’s on us, we’re doing good.” I was just blessed that I was able to make that happen for us.”

So far in 2023, Moore has 25 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups.

Moore came to Indiana ahead of last season as a wide receiver at Navarro College in the juco ranks. He was very effective, totaling 713 yards and five touchdowns in two years. But, he was converted to a defensive back last season. While he saw his inconsistencies last season, he has been a key part of the Indiana defense this season.

“You saw the receiver skills, the ability to go get the ball and the return capability,” Indiana football defensive coordinator Matt Guerrieri said on Monday. “Lou to me, from my time here was not a starter to begin but has earned that and is a guy on the rise. I continue to expect him to play the way he’s been playing.”

Indiana’s defense ranks ninth in the entire country in passing efficiency and 12th in interceptions on the season.

The Hoosiers get back to action on Saturday when they travel to Maryland.

SEE ALSO: Quick Hitters: Early breakdown and initial thoughts on Maryland — Indiana football week five opponent 

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.