Big Ten preview: Indiana Hoosiers

Adam Robbins
Thu, 15 Sep 2016 03:41:05 +0000
Campus, Big Ten preview, Devine Redding, Indiana Hoosiers, Kevin Wilson

Indiana junior running back Devine Redding (34) runs in the first quarter against Florida International at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium in Miami on Sept. 1. Indiana won, 34-13. Courtesy of TNS

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

2015 record: 6-7

Head Coach: Kevin Wilson

2016 record: 2-0

Record vs. OSU since 2006: 0-7

So far in 2016

Coming off its first bowl game since 2007, Indiana has looked solid in its first two games this year. After beating Florida International University on the road 34-13, the Hoosiers topped Ball State at home 30-20. Overall, Indiana has looked solid on offense and has improved defensively.

Key offensive player

The Hoosiers have produced two quality running backs the past two years in Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard, and this year seems to be no different. Junior Devine Redding is back and plans on getting a lot more carries than last year, after the departure of Howard for the NFL. Redshirt junior quarterback Richard Lagow has had play solidly at his position this year, completing 35 of 54 passes for 506 yards and four touchdowns. With this kind of quarterback play, Redding should be able to rush for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight year.

Key defensive player

Defensively, the Hoosiers have struggled the past few years. They have improved this year, and that could be because of their new 4-2-5 defense implemented by new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Redshirt junior Marcus Oliver was named captain of the defense; he forced his eighth fumble in three years with the program on Saturday, and he has 13 tackles so far this year.

Weaknesses

Despite its improvements, Indiana’s weakness is still its defense. Last year Indiana finished with the worst pass, scoring and overall defense in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers love to play fast and can score points in a hurry, so if they can continue to improve on the defensive side they could be one of the more underrated teams in the Big Ten this year.