How Indiana Hoosiers Football's 2010 Season Will Be Different

The Indiana Hoosiers have generally been considered the laughingstock of the Big Ten Conference's rich tradition.

They have been at the bottom or dangerously close to it every year since before my almost 20-year life began.

Bloomington really had nothing to root for on the gridiron—but that's all about to change.

This season is starting to give off the turning point vibe that makes me want to say that the Hoosiers could be on the rise.

The Hoosiers are off to a 3-0 start going into conference play, with a crucial game at home against No. 19 Michigan on Saturday.

If they can pull off this win, which I think could very well happen, then Indiana may find themselves knocking on the door of the Top 25 rankings. This season, if the Hoosiers are as good as they seem through three games, then they very well may stumble across their best season since the 1980s.

If the Hoosiers can pull off the upset against Michigan, this should give them some momentum and show them how good they really can be.

A big concern, however, will be their next game, which has them slotted to play at No. 2 Ohio State. This game could turn into a slaughter very quickly, which could demoralize the Hoosiers.

If they can find their way through this tough game without losing too much morale, then they should be able to get back on a win streak through their fairly easy schedule until they meet up with Iowa.

Indiana is capable of winning against the Hawkeyes, but they will have to avoid turnovers and step up their defense a couple notches. QB Ben Chappell will also need to continue throwing for 300-plus yards per game like he has been thus far.

Overall, Indiana's chances at making it to a bowl game this season are looking brighter than they have in a long, long time.

If they can continue to move the ball with their dangerous passing attack and maybe step up their defense a little bit, the 2010-2011 Hoosiers should have something to celebrate in Bloomington at the end of this season.