Indiana Hoosiers Vs Western Michigan Broncos: Game Two Preview

After week one's sloppy win against Eastern Kentucky, Indiana turns its eyes northward to face the Western Michigan Broncos.

The game, which kicks off at noon on Saturday, September 12, looks to be the first big test for the Hoosiers.

The defense proved in the last game that it could make big plays, with great stops on third downs by Matt Mayberry as well as Austin Thomas.

Also, Ray Fisher showed his potential on the opposite side of the ball where he forced a crucial fumble, and played tight coverage the whole second half.

But in the upcoming game, the Hoosiers will need to find a way to stop star QB Tim Hiller, who was recently added to the Manning Award watch list, as well as being ranked the 5th best quarterback prospect in the 2010 draft.

Last season, Tim Hiller led the Broncos to a 9-4 record, and a bowl appearance. Along the way, he threw for 3,725 yards and 36 touchdowns while breaking many WMU records along the way.

The Hoosiers defense constantly struggled last season due to injuries, but this season everyone is back healthy, so it should be a better unit on the field to stop Hiller.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers must come out and score points early. They have a tendency to score, and then sit back and not play well offensively in the second half.

Junior QB Ben Chappell is coming off a career high in passing yards (326) but must make sure he doesn't throw any more interceptions.

Also, the offensive line must do a better job at creating holes for the IU running backs, who had nowhere to run in the last game.

Overall, it will be a big game for the Hoosiers. A win will give the students something to be proud about, and a loss might set the team back for a long time.

My Prediction: Hoosiers 42 Broncos 35

Notes: Indiana is 4-0 in the all time series vs. Western Michigan

Junior defensive tackle Deonte Mack and sophomore linebacker Ian Reeves are both back for the Hoosiers after serving one game suspensions.

The promotional slogan for this week: Brand the Broncos!