Gameday Preview: IU vs. Indiana State

Sep 1, 2012; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) gets tackled around the neck in a game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

For the second year in a row, the Indiana Hoosiers will open up the football season by facing the Indiana State Sycamores.

ISU finished last season with a 7-4 record in the FCS. There were few bright spots on the roster outside of running back Shakir Bell. Bell rushed for 1,475 and 11 touchdowns. Most impressive is that he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Last year, Bell’s skills were on display against IU as he rushed for 192 yards and one touchdown. Bell essentially did whatever he wanted to IU, punishing the Hoosiers for not offering him a scholarship. IU ended up winning the game, 24-17. The Sycamores’ were unable to catch up when forced to pass late in the game.

For IU, Tre Roberson debuted at QB and was very potent. He completed 26-of-36 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for another TD. The stable of running backs was a solid group and the offense racked up 451 yards. Coupled with zero turnovers, it was a good night for the Hoosiers. It could have been a disaster for the Hoosiers if ISU had been just slightly more talented last season. Miscues on special teams and an inability to convert turnovers into points would have doomed IU against a better team.

What to watch for:

• Quarterbacks. IU coach Kevin Wilson has yet to name a starting QB. ISU’s first year head coach Mike Sanford said that he could use last year’s starter Mike Perish and freshman Robert Tonyan Jr in the season opener. Wilson is still deciding between Roberson, Nate Sudfeld, and Cam Coffman. This means we could see five (!!!) quarterbacks in a single games, and not due to injury. Perish wasn’t that dynamic for ISU last season and Sanford is looking for a QB to take control of the offense. Wilson has said that all three have played so well that its made the situation extremely difficult. All bring something different to the table. My guess is that Roberson starts tomorrow, but that won’t mean he will next week.
• Shakir Bell. The Hoosiers essentially have the same defense, minus two starters at defensive tackle. While they have a talented freshman class, how that translates onto the field remains to be seen. Bell, in all likelihood, will go off on IU once again. Containing him is paramount for the Hoosiers. ISU’s offense slowed down considerably when it was forced to pass. Getting the Sycamores in third and long is key for IU.
• Defense. IU should be better on defense this season. They have a lot of experience and nine starters returning. The issue is whether or not this experience will translate to improved play on the field. The Hoosiers also have a plethora of talent in their freshmen class, but its doubtful that many of them will make an impact right away. Looking at the depth chart, most of the freshmen are buried near the bottom. The Hoosiers were horrible on defense last season and if they have gotten better, tonight is the time to show it. IU should shut down a team that is theoretically inferior like Indiana State.
• IU QBs. Running a three-man weave at the quarterback position is a recipe for disaster (or at least mediocrity). The Hoosiers need to find out who can cut it at the position and go from there. Wilson said that he wouldn’t be opposed to redshirting Coffman or Sudfeld, but he hasn’t pulled the trigger yet. Regardless of who is at QB, Wilson wants each player to be able to run the same style of play. Hopefully whoever starts will be impressive enough to earn the starting spot. Bouncing between Sudfeld and Coffman didn’t work so well last season and doing it again isn’t an option for a team that wants to go bowling. It shouldn’t matter who is under center, this offensive scheme will put up a lot of points this year.

IU is supposed to be a team on the rise. Last year, the Hoosiers squeaked by a solid ISU to open the season. The experience of last season, coupled with improved depth should put the IU over the edge in games like this. If the Hoosiers can get an early lead, they will run away with this game.

IU starts the season off right with a big win over Indiana State, 35-10.

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter, @InkOnIndy.