#9-INDIANA HOOSIERS

It’s been 20 long years since Indiana Football last cracked the AP poll however Kevin Wilson and a high octane offense has the Hoosiers thinking big in 2014. The usual questions surround the Indiana program, specifically, can they get enough stops on defense to finally emerge from the basement of the Big Ten?

We’ll start on defense because as previously noted, that will tell the story this fall for the Hoosiers. Indiana gave up over 600 yards of offense 4 times last season which resulted in the firing of defensive coordinator Doug Mallory. In comes Brian Knorr who is tasked with the unenviable job of getting this unit to respectability. The secondary remains a huge question mark but the four linebackers (Mangieri, Cooper, Simmons, Hardin) may be talented enough to limit the damage. Tre Roberson has departed but that clears the way for Nate Sudfeld to take over as the leader of the offense. The offensive line looks deep and talented and Tevin Coleman along with his 12 touchdowns and near 1000 yards are back in Bloomington to be the primary ball carrier.

A September 20th clash at Missouri will be a great measuring stick for Indiana early in the season. Otherwise, 3 pushovers at home will have them 3-1 entering conference play. The schedule makers did the Hoosiers no favors as this may be a classic case of a vastly improved team with a marginally improved record. Trips to Iowa, Michigan and Ohio State make the conference road schedule appear daunting.

PREDICTION: 4-4 IN BIG TEN PLAY, 7-5 OVERALL