Indiana Hoosiers: College Football Preview

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Sep 27, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Keeping Nate Sudfeld on the field and quickly identifying playmakers will be the keys to the Indiana Hoosiers offensive success.

Running Back:

It’s hard to be positive about the offense when the team loses the best running back in school history, and a viable slot wide receiver. But with Tevin Coleman gone, the Hoosiers need to look elsewhere for production. UAB Transfer Jordan Howard fits the role perfectly. Howard ran for close to 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Blazers before the University dropped the program. According to Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star, Coach Wilson has praised Howard’s work ethic in the gym during the offseason. Howard doesn’t possess Coleman’s speed, but he has experience and he’s a tough, strong, durable back. Devine Redding should help take the load off of Howard as well.

Offensive-Line:

The O-Line might be the Hoosier’s bright spot on offense, and it all starts with left tackle Jason Spriggs and right guard Dan Feeney. Indiana’s offensive line was one of the hidden jewels of the Big Ten in 2014. Not to mention, there are three other upperclassmen —left guard Dimitric Camiel, center Jake Reed and right tackle Ralston Evans.

Wide Receiver:

The bad news is the receiving group is thin and lacks experience. The team’s leading receiver, Shane Wynn, moved onto the NFL, and Indiana will be without J-Shun Harris, who suffered a season-ending injury in the summer. Harris had 18 catches for 168 yards, and two touchdowns in 2014. The leader of the group is now redshirt junior Ricky Jones. Jones caught three passes for 58 yards in 2014 and appeared in all 12 games for the Hoosiers. During Indiana Football media day, Jones mentioned he feels good and more comfortable at Indiana as a junior. Sophomore Simmie Cobbs, Jr., is back after appearing in 12 games. He had seven catches and 114 yards in 2014. Redshirt junior Mitchell Paige has the potential to excel in the slot like Shane Wynn. Paige was named as the starting slot receiver for the Hoosiers. He has not made a catch yet in his college career, but the sky is the limit for him as a speedster. JUCO transfer and redshirt junior Camion Patrick played well at East Mississippi Community College last season. Patrick tallied 42 catches for 631 yards and 12 touchdowns. Although he is not eligible for the upcoming season, his impact in the future could help the Hoosiers.

Quarterback:

The big concern at QB isn’t whether Nate Sudfeld has the talent, or not, but can he sustain an entire season? Sudfeld is a listed on the NCAA Preseason Awards watch lists for the previously mentioned Maxwell Award and the Wuerffel Trophy. With a frame of 6-6 240 lbs. Sudfeld has the size and NFL-caliber talent, but he needs to stay on the field in 2015. With him under center, the Hoosiers look like a bowl team. Say what? Without him… So long Coach Wilson.

Next: Pacers Announce Preseason Schedule

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