Skinny - Indiana caught a tough break as Kellen Lewis was officially dismissed from the team after being switched from quarterback to receiver. Lewis was stellar two seasons ago, but struggled mightily last season as he split time with Ben Chappell. Lewis was a heck of an athlete, but he struggled with off the field problems and coach Bill Lynch decided to just move past the Lewis era. Chappell isn't a bad quarterback, but he's nothing spectacular. The running back situation is bleek. Redshirt freshman Darius Willis should challenge Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray for carries this season. The secondary is week and the linebackers aren't much better, but the defensive ends are possibly the best duo in the league, if not one of the better duos in the country. Kirlew had a monster season last year at one spot, even though he was supposed to play second fiddle to Greg Middleton last season. Middleton had a monster '07 season and if he returns to form, the two could be nightmares for opposing tackles. Indiana could progress some from last season's 3 wins, as they could put together a 3-0 start, but the rest of the season could get ugly. With wins over Virginia and Purdue, Indiana could fight for a bowl birth.
Strength - Defensive Ends
Greg Middleton was a monster two seasons ago. He came into last season as a first team Big Ten player last season and was expected to compete for postseason awards and All-American honors, but he had a disappointing year. This year he's looking to rebound and he has great help in doing so. Kirlew is on the opposite side of the line and after being overshadowed last off-season, he's the one who is gaining press and preseason awareness after accumulating over 10 sacks last season. If they can get some help from the defensive ends, the line for Indiana could put some serious pressure on the quarterbacks, thus minimizing the impact the weak secondary has on the game.
Weakness - Running Game
The team loses their two biggest running threats. Marcus Thigpen was a solid first option and averaged 6.7 yards a carry, but he only carried the ball 94 times. Kellen Lewis was always dangerous with the ball in his hands and was one of the best running quarterbacks in the nation. Back this year are 2nd and 3rd backs, Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray, and Darius Willis, a more highly touted redshirt freshman. All three will see carries, but can any of them step up as a go to guy? Indiana has some decent possession receivers, but lacks a true playmaker on offense and a guy from the running game being that man would be a great addition.
Key Game - 11/7/09 Wisconsin
The same day the top of the Big Ten has its big game (Ohio State-Penn State), the teams fighting for bowl eligibility have their defining game. Winning this game is crucial for both Wisconsin and Indiana. Wisconsin has a better stable of players and is traditionally better, but their quarterback situation is weak right now and Indiana will have time to find a running back to challenge the rushing attack of John Clay and company. Wisconsin should be the favorite, but don't disregard the fact the game is in Bloomington. Wisconsin had a down year last year and blew away Indiana, so Indiana is going to need to do something way different if they stand a chance.
Key Player - Darius Willis
Willis is the key to the Hoosiers success. Chappell is a viable option at quarterback and the wide receivers should be fine if Indiana was willing to move their best option, Ray Fisher, to cornerback in the spring. Willis performed very well on scout team last year, but than again this is Indiana's defense, which just isn't that good. Darius Willis is the only guy in the stable of backs to have any respect coming out of high school and with Thigpen gone, he has the opportunity, as much as anyone else to be that guy. Payton and McCray had terrible ypc last year and the job is Willis' to grasp.
Predicted Big 10 finish - 10th
Impact Freshman - Nick Zachery
Top 5 Players
1. DE Jammie Kirlew
2. DE Greg Middleton
3. LB Matt Mayberry
4. OL Cody Faulkner
5. WR/CB Ray Fisher
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