Big Ten Team Preview: Indiana Hoosiers

What was a feel good story in 2007 may turn into a painful scene in 2008.  The Indiana football team captured the hearts of many college football fans and those who aren't that interested in the game after playing a season for their late "Coach Hep", and got to their first bowl game in nearly fifteen years.

There are a few things that have already gone the Hoosiers way for 2008.  First, all-conference selection Kellen Lewis is back at quarterback for IU this fall.  Lewis led the Indiana offense a year ago but was suspended during the off season for nearly four months.  This alone makes the Hoosier offense at least a threat.

With good news on the offense also comes the bad news, in the realization that James Hardy will not be in an Indiana uniform this fall.  Hardy was an all-conference wide out last fall, and a day one draft pick by the Buffalo Bills.  As good as Lewis is, not having a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver will likely heed much different results.

The other bad news is that over half of the starting offensive line is now gone for Indiana.  Granted, they were far from spectacular, but for Indiana's current standards in football they were a step in the right direction.  Holes up front are another potential problem for IU this fall offensively.

Defense was an issue a year ago, as the Hoosiers did not play a D-1 team who scored less than twenty points against them.  That list of opponents includes the likes of Western Michigan, Akron, and Northwestern.

The defense is bolstered by the likes of Greg Middleton, who is amongst the better pass rush ends in the nation.  Geno Johnson and Will Patterson head the line backing core, which is also a strong point according to the Hoosier faithful.

I have always felt that experience plays a key role in college football.  The fact that Indiana returns most of its defense from a year ago to me says they will be improved.  Remember, improving from being bad is still improving.

Schedule wise Indiana catches a break.  Michigan and Ohio State both are off the schedule this year for the Hoosiers as they will also host conference foe Northwestern in a winnable home game.

The Prognosis:

The Hoosiers dream of making two bowl games in a row will fall just short this year.  After opening strong against the powerhouses of Western Kentucky and Murray State, don't be surprised if the Cardinals of Ball State knock off Indiana in week three.  In fact, count on that.

Winning two conference games and beating mid season out of Big Ten foe Central Michigan seems possible.  However, the Hoosiers will spend December at home this season.  For a program who has been so bad for so long, I must say they at least seem to be taking steps in the right direction.  How fast those steps show up on the field however is an entirely different story.

Indiana is headed for a 5-7 season and a postseason date on the early recruiting trail.