Indiana vs. North Carolina State: How Hoosiers Can Win

Finally, those who don't have the Big Ten Network or the ability to turn on your Xbox and watch ESPN3 can catch the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana is matched up in the Big Ten/ACC challenge against a strong opponent in North Carolina State. In my eyes, it's the first true test for this team.

Fans may be saying Indiana is 6-0! Ah, yes, Indiana is, but the Hoosiers had a bigger cupcake schedule then Hostess snack brand has! The only thing I will say is the Hoosiers have won each game in convincing fashion. There wasn't a final minute victory or a 10-point comeback.

They have taken it to each team they have played this year.

Following are couple of quick notes on this game for the Hoosier nation.

This is the first time North Carolina State and Indiana meet for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. This will be one of the games that makes or breaks which conference wins this challenge. Indiana won the two previous meetings between the two schools, the last one in 1968.

The player to watch in this game will be Will Sheehey. He has been incredible coming off the bench, averaging 13.3 points per game. That puts him among the highest-scoring bench players in the Big Ten.

I'd like to see him shoot more from beyond the arc. Jordan Hulls need to continue to hit from deep as well.

Indiana will need to continue its hot shooting streak as well. North Carolina State can score, and they can score in bunches. The Wolfpack has scored at least 77 points in five of its six games.

That didn't come against easy opponents either. North Carolina State has faced a ranked Vanderbilt team, along with University of Texas. Indiana will have to show they can continue to shoot the rock well. If they can keep the percentage at about 50 percent like they have all season, they could win. Opponents have been shooting an average of 42 percent so far against NC State this season.

The last key to the game will be taking advantage of turnovers. The Hoosiers are averaging just over 23 points off turnovers per game. North Carolina State has a won the turnover battle in most its games this season,but averages just over 12 turnovers a game.

Indiana will need to be smart with the ball and not commit costly errors down the stretch. If they can take advantage of North Carolina State's errors, that could be the major key to the game.

In the end, if Indiana can play sound defense and control the clock, they should walk away with a nice road victory. NC State will be ready to play, though. If the Hoosiers want some national respect, they will need to start with a win against North Carolina State.

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