Analyzing the Enemy: Indiana Hoosiers Preview

The Indiana Hoosiers are facing a tough season under first-year head coach Kevin Wilson. Last in the Big Ten in wins, scoring defense, and total defense, the Hoosiers have serious talent issues that will prevent them from competing for conference titles for some time. Still, Wilson's presence has not been without a bright spot. Despite losing steady and effective Ben Chappell, their two-year starting quarterback, the Hoosiers' offense ranks 7th in the Big Ten in total offense, ahead of Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State.

Wilson's no-huddle, multiple offense has not quite revved up to the level his Oklahoma machines did, but Indiana has moved the ball well against most teams they've played. Against Iowa two weekends ago, they ran 71 plays for 414 yards, or 5.8 yards per play.  Last weekend, the Hoosiers gained 488 yards on 71 plays against Northwestern, an impressive 6.5 yards per play. Those two successes have coincided with a quarterback change.

Tre Roberson, a true freshman from Indianapolis Lawrence Central, has ascended to the throne. He's the first true freshman quarterback Kevin Wilson has started in his career. Roberson offers a dual-threat aspect to Wilson's adaptable scheme, and the early returns have been positive.

"He's doing well," Wilson said during this week's press conference. "The last couple of weeks, with the defenses, the matchups, the run game, the line play and the receiver play, he's had solid help. Like all quarterbacks, if he's hung out to dry without offensive balance, protection and good route running, it's a different deal."

The Hoosier Offense

Roberson's numbers are unremarkable-- 59.7 completion %, 524 yard, two touchdowns, two interceptions-- but  they are an improvement over his immediate predecessors. Sophomore Edward  Wright-Baker began the season as Indiana's starting quarterback, but an ankle injury sidelined him against South Carolina State and he missed the following two games. Dusty Kiel replaced him, played poorly,  and was benched when Wright-Baker returned against Wisconsin. Wright-Baker then proceeded to throw two interceptions and fumble in the 4th quarter, leading to a demotion down the depth chart and Roberson's rise.

Roberson and sophomore running back Stephen Houston form a potent rushing tandem. Houston, 6''1, 228 lbs, has averaged over 6 yards per carry the last three weeks and is now closing in on 600 yards for the season. After playing minimally the first four weeks, Houston has burst onto the scene as the Hoosier's best offensive player. His only competition for that mantle, senior receiver Damarlo Belcher, was dismissed from the team earlier this week, leaving the young Indiana passing offense even more vulnerable.

Kofi Hughes, Jamonne Chester, Shane Wynn, and recently injured Duwyce Wilson are all under-classmen receivers who have figured into the offense in some meaningful way. Hughes, especially, has flashed potential as a quick slot receiver.  Roberson's youth and poor passing mechanics may have inhibited the offense, but there is hope for Indiana's future.

In a way, the Hoosier and Buckeye offenses are kindred spirits. Both start true freshman after dabbling with upper-classmen to begin the season, and both have improved after the switch. The young skill-position core is talented and athletic, and they both just need time to mature.

The Hoosier Defense

Wilson and co-defensive coordinators Doug Mallory and Mike Ekele better develop patience, because they have a full rebuilding project on their hands. Indiana started seven freshmen last weekend, and it showed. Northwestern scored 59 points and gained 616 yards on 79 plays, or 7.8 yards per play. The light Hoosier front seven was pushed around, the young secondary was torched, and Northwestern left Bloomington with a comfortable shoot-out victory.

Ohio State should be able to find similar success Saturday. Indiana hasn't held any team under five yards per play and has given up at least 27 points per game to every opponent except Penn State, who is perhaps the only offense in the conference more disappointing than Ohio State's. The Buckeye's offensive line should maul the Hoosier's front four and Dan Herron should add another 100-yard game to his resumé.

Young Braxton Miller could have the first big passing game of his career, too. So far, Miller has not attempted more than 13 passes in a single game. The Hoosiers represent the perfect opportunity for this to change. With the Big Ten title game in reach, the coaching staff must view each remaining game as bleeding into the others. Even if the coaching staff plans to return to an overloaded rushing gameplan against Penn State and Michigan, passing often against Indiana could pay off once Joe Paterno and Brady Hoke waste valuable practice time preparing for passing plays Ohio State will not run.