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2006 Indiana Hoosiers Game Preview
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, daddyphatsacs, Deety, FKAGobucks877, jwinslow, LordJeffBuck, osugrad21, OSUsushichic, PrincessPeach, and 3yardsandacloud
Link to 2006 Indiana Hoosiers - Additional Information
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, daddyphatsacs, Deety, FKAGobucks877, jwinslow, LordJeffBuck, osugrad21, OSUsushichic, PrincessPeach, and 3yardsandacloud
Link to 2006 Indiana Hoosiers - Additional Information
There is room for debate, but arguably the two toughest opponents remaining between now and an epic confrontation between tOSU and TSUN at the end of the regular season are: malaise and complacency.
It's unwise for the team to look ahead, but as fans some historical aspects of such a showdown are begging to be discussed, now that TSUN has risen to #2 in the AP poll. If both teams remain on top, tOSU would become only the 8th team to play in a pair of AP #1 vs #2 matchups in the same season.
Only four teams have won a pair of AP #1 vs AP #2 matchups in the same season, and all 4 won the National Championship:
1943 Notre Dame.....defeated #2 Michigan, and #2 Iowa Pre-Flight
1945 Army..............defeated #2 Notre Dame, and #2 Navy
1963 Texas.............defeated #1 Oklahoma, defeated #2 Navy (Cotton Bowl)
1971 Nebraska.........defeated #2 Oklahoma, and #2 Alabama (Orange Bowl)
3 other teams have split a pair of #1 vs. #2 matchups in the same season (FSU won the NC in 1993):
1986 Miami..............defeated #1 Oklahoma, LOST to #2 Penn State (Fiesta Bowl)
1987 Oklahoma........defeated #1 Nebraska, LOST to #2 Miami (Orange Bowl)
1993 Florida St.........LOST to #2 Notre Dame, defeated #2 Nebraska (Orange Bowl)
If tOSU were to win the remaining games, defeating a #2 TSUN team, and the BCS matchup is a team that is AP #2 in the Championship Game in Glendale on January 8th, they would become the first team to be involved in three AP #1 vs AP #2 games in the same year.
It's also possible that tOSU could end up with a victory over the teams that finish #2, #3, and #4. Only twice has the National Champion had wins over the next three squads in the final AP poll. 1971 Nebraska defeated Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alabama to cap a perfect season. In 1943, Notre Dame had wins over #2 Iowa Pre-Flight, #3 Michigan, and #4 Navy, and retained the #1 AP ranking despite losing their last game to a 2-loss team from Great Lakes Naval Training Station.
Ohio State's stay on top of the polls has moved them into a tie with USC for 3rd place on the list of most times voted #1.
Weeks at #1 in the AP poll all-time
95 - Notre Dame, Oklahoma
81 - Ohio State (through poll issued 10/15)
81 - USC
70 - Nebraska
68 - Miami, FL
59 - Florida State
42 - Texas
34 - Michigan
31 - Alabama
OK, enough gazing into the possible history in the making at the end of the season. It's time to look at this week's opponent, the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana has finished in the top-10 nationally just once since 1945. That was in 1967, the only time they've ever gone to the Rose Bowl, which they lost.
They beat us back-to-back in 1987 and 1988, and ended up in the top 20 of the Coaches' Poll both of those years. Of course, these are the only two times they've defeated the Buckeyes since 1951, which was Woody's first year as head coach.
Their last Bowl win was a shutout, and it occurred in the 1990's. This was a thrilling 24-0 Copper Bowl win over Baylor in 1991. They're also undefeated against South Carolina in Bowl games, while we're 0-2 against the Gamecocks.
On the brighter side, they haven't been shutout in over 6 years, and they scored 63 points at Wisconsin in 2001.
Indiana has a winning record all-time against the SEC, which is the only conference tOSU has a losing record against. Take out all the games against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, and they still have a winning record against the rest of the SEC teams.
Lee Corso had a 41-68-2 (.378) record as head coach of the Hoosiers from 1973 to 1982. He likes to tell the story about the time he took a picture of the scoreboard when Indiana had a brief early lead against one of Woody's teams.
Terry Hoeppner makes a big difference as their coach. Miami University has dropped off since he left, and Indiana currently has a two-game Big Ten winning streak. While he was recuperating from surgery, they lost home games to Southern Illinois and Connecticut; since he has returned they have won two straight Big Ten games with second-half comebacks against Illinois and Iowa.
The Buckeye obviously control their own destiny; if they keep winning, they will play in the BCS Championship game.
It's unwise for the team to look ahead, but as fans some historical aspects of such a showdown are begging to be discussed, now that TSUN has risen to #2 in the AP poll. If both teams remain on top, tOSU would become only the 8th team to play in a pair of AP #1 vs #2 matchups in the same season.
Only four teams have won a pair of AP #1 vs AP #2 matchups in the same season, and all 4 won the National Championship:
1943 Notre Dame.....defeated #2 Michigan, and #2 Iowa Pre-Flight
1945 Army..............defeated #2 Notre Dame, and #2 Navy
1963 Texas.............defeated #1 Oklahoma, defeated #2 Navy (Cotton Bowl)
1971 Nebraska.........defeated #2 Oklahoma, and #2 Alabama (Orange Bowl)
3 other teams have split a pair of #1 vs. #2 matchups in the same season (FSU won the NC in 1993):
1986 Miami..............defeated #1 Oklahoma, LOST to #2 Penn State (Fiesta Bowl)
1987 Oklahoma........defeated #1 Nebraska, LOST to #2 Miami (Orange Bowl)
1993 Florida St.........LOST to #2 Notre Dame, defeated #2 Nebraska (Orange Bowl)
If tOSU were to win the remaining games, defeating a #2 TSUN team, and the BCS matchup is a team that is AP #2 in the Championship Game in Glendale on January 8th, they would become the first team to be involved in three AP #1 vs AP #2 games in the same year.
It's also possible that tOSU could end up with a victory over the teams that finish #2, #3, and #4. Only twice has the National Champion had wins over the next three squads in the final AP poll. 1971 Nebraska defeated Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alabama to cap a perfect season. In 1943, Notre Dame had wins over #2 Iowa Pre-Flight, #3 Michigan, and #4 Navy, and retained the #1 AP ranking despite losing their last game to a 2-loss team from Great Lakes Naval Training Station.
Ohio State's stay on top of the polls has moved them into a tie with USC for 3rd place on the list of most times voted #1.
Weeks at #1 in the AP poll all-time
95 - Notre Dame, Oklahoma
81 - Ohio State (through poll issued 10/15)
81 - USC
70 - Nebraska
68 - Miami, FL
59 - Florida State
42 - Texas
34 - Michigan
31 - Alabama
OK, enough gazing into the possible history in the making at the end of the season. It's time to look at this week's opponent, the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana has finished in the top-10 nationally just once since 1945. That was in 1967, the only time they've ever gone to the Rose Bowl, which they lost.
They beat us back-to-back in 1987 and 1988, and ended up in the top 20 of the Coaches' Poll both of those years. Of course, these are the only two times they've defeated the Buckeyes since 1951, which was Woody's first year as head coach.
Their last Bowl win was a shutout, and it occurred in the 1990's. This was a thrilling 24-0 Copper Bowl win over Baylor in 1991. They're also undefeated against South Carolina in Bowl games, while we're 0-2 against the Gamecocks.
On the brighter side, they haven't been shutout in over 6 years, and they scored 63 points at Wisconsin in 2001.
Indiana has a winning record all-time against the SEC, which is the only conference tOSU has a losing record against. Take out all the games against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, and they still have a winning record against the rest of the SEC teams.
Lee Corso had a 41-68-2 (.378) record as head coach of the Hoosiers from 1973 to 1982. He likes to tell the story about the time he took a picture of the scoreboard when Indiana had a brief early lead against one of Woody's teams.
Terry Hoeppner makes a big difference as their coach. Miami University has dropped off since he left, and Indiana currently has a two-game Big Ten winning streak. While he was recuperating from surgery, they lost home games to Southern Illinois and Connecticut; since he has returned they have won two straight Big Ten games with second-half comebacks against Illinois and Iowa.
The Buckeye obviously control their own destiny; if they keep winning, they will play in the BCS Championship game.
Date and Time
Date: Saturday, October 21st, 2006
Time: 12:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Honorary Captain: ?
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPNU: Clay Matvick (Play-by-play) and Brian Kinchen (Analysis)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
Time: 12:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Honorary Captain: ?
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPNU: Clay Matvick (Play-by-play) and Brian Kinchen (Analysis)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
2006 Indiana Hoosiers Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 7
NOTE: Due to scheduling constraints, this preview was written before the Indiana vs Iowa game.
To say it's been a rough go at Indiana over the recent past would be a vast understatement. They've had trouble recruiting players, keeping players, and having any measure of success with the players they do have. The Hoosiers have been offensively challenged since Randle El and Cam Cameron left the school, and last year as the Hoeppner era got started, it didn't look much better. It hasn't been quite as bad as 1997, when the Hoosiers were shut out 3 times in 4 weeks and scored less than 10 points seven times, but it has been pretty bad. The Hoosiers were 75th nationally in total offense last year, averaging 350.8 yards per game. Their rushing attack was limited to 131.2 ypg, good for only 78th, and the passing game wasn?t much better, averaging 219.6 yards per game, good for only 65th. They scored a paltry 22.6 points per contest, good for only 81st, and their turnover margin of -0.73 per game was 100th in the nation. Considering the defense wasn't much better, it was a long season for the Hoosiers, who started out 4-1 (including a conference win over Illinois and loss to Wisconsin) but then crashed and burned, losing their last 6, scoring 21 points or less in all those games.
This season they've started 3-3 (including a conference win over Illinois and a loss to Wisconsin), including a relatively embarrassing loss to I-AA Southern Illinois. Worse than all that, head coach Terry Hoeppner has had deal with serious health problems. Everyone wishes the coach the very best, and the good news is he seems to be ready to get back to work full-bore, evidenced by his team's bounce-back win over Illinois, who had built momentum by shocking Michigan State the week before, after the previous week's drubbing of the Hoosiers by Wisconsin. So far, though, the Hoosiers have failed to make significant strides on the offensive side of the football. Their total yard output is lower than last year's (324, 83rd nationally), and their rushing numbers (101.7 ypg, 91st) and passing numbers (210.2 ypg, 52nd) are both down also. The team is scoring 24.8 points per game, up slightly from last season but still only ranking 60th nationally. The coaching staff and the players will be eager to improve those statistics, but with games against Iowa and Ohio State up next, the Hoosiers have their work cut out for them.
Quarterbacks
QB #15 Kellen Lewis (6-1, 177, FR, Mandarin HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Lewis appears to have supplanted Blake Powers as the starting QB. In the first 6 games, he's seen significant or all of the action in 5 of them, and he keyed the victory over Illinois in conference play. Lewis has completed just 49.7% of his passes, but he does have 883 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs. He has been sacked 7 times, not a particularly high number given the amount of times they throw the ball out of the spread. He's had 3 relatively good games, throwing for 228 against Ball State, 238 against Southern Illinois, and 240 against Illinois. He hasn't thrown a TD in the last 3 games, however. Lewis is also a versatile player, as he is also 2nd on the team in rushing with 180 yards and 2 TDs, including a big one against the Illini. Lewis' numbers don't overwhelm, but he seems to be a tough and versatile QB who appears to have a great deal of upside.
The apparent backup is now Powers (#14) who was anticipated to be the starter this year after throwing for 2305 yards and 22 TDs a year ago. This year he has thrown for just 320 yards, a TD and 2 INTs. After starting and losing the Western Michigan game, he has seen significant action only against UConn, where he threw for just 128 yards and a pick on 14/30 attempts. Powers is not the running threat that Lewis is (8 carries, - 27 yards), so that lack of versatility might be part of what has Powers on the bench.
Also out there is Graeme McFarland (#12), an upperclassman who is another option for the Hoosiers. He went 4 for 7 for 60 yards and a TD against Western Michigan in the opener, but has seen limited action since.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State QBs
Lewis (P/R): 74/149 (49.7%), 883 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 99.8 rating; 55/180, 2 TDs.
Smith (P/R): 101/148 (68.2%), 1261 yards, 15 TDs, 2 INTs, 170.6 rating; 29/78, 0 TDs.
Well, this is obviously no comparison, but Lewis may remind some people of a very young Troy Smith in some ways. He seems to have some talent, versatility, athletic ability, and a good will to compete, as evidenced by the big comeback against Illinois when they were down big early. He is currently just trying to feel his way around a college offense, and the Big Ten basically takes no prisoners in those situations. At best, he can learn by competing and from watching guys like Troy Smith, and he can go through the growing pains of conference play so that he is significantly better next year. At worst, that is the same thing they thought with Powers last year, and now...who knows?
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #2 Marcus Thigpen (5-9, 182, SO, Mumford HS, Detroit, MI)
Thigpen is a former WR who has gotten into more of a comfort zone carrying the ball, and of course he is a threat receiving the ball as well. He has 167 yards and 2 TDs rushing, and has also caught 12 passes for 113 yards and another score. He has had double-digit carries in both conference games to this point, including a 13 carry, 91 yard performance against Illinois in a winning effort. He's a small, scrappy runner who can break a big play, as evidence by the 44-yarder against the Illini, and his receiving background helps a great deal in this spread offense.
Second on the chart appears to be Josiah Sears (#42), a bruising 238 pound junior, leads the team with 199 yards rushing and 4 TDs. He is a good threat in short yardage situations, but he also ran off 100 yards against Wisconsin in just 9 carries, and he scored in both Big Ten games to this point. Unlike Thigpen, he is not a real receiving threat. Speedy freshman Demetrius McCray (#22) also sees time, gaining 101 yards and scoring a TD so far. Unlike Sears, he has not accumulated any stats in conference play, and did his work early in the season.
RB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State RBs
Thigpen: 45/167 yards, 2 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 12 rec/113 yards, 1 TD, 9.4 YPR
Sears: 31 carries, 199 yards, 4 TDs, 6.4 YPC); 2 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 2.5 YPR
Pittman: 109/628 yards, 7 TDs, 5.8 YPC; 5 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 4.2 YPR
C Wells: 44/180, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 2 rec/16 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Thigpen is a nice fit in the spread with his dual ability, and he appears to be ready to step up and take command of the position. Sears is a bruiser who is a nice compliment and can be effective picking up a 1st down or punching it in from close range. Obviously these players do not have the talent nor the success of their Buckeye counterparts, but they fill in their roles adequately in the offense they are in.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #82 James Hardy (6-7, 216, SO, Elmhurst HS, Fort Wayne, IN)
WR #8 Nick Polk (6-0, 185, FR, Vincent HS, Milwaukee, WI)
WR #7 James Bailey (6-2, 205, SO, Denby Technical Prep, Detroit, MI)
WR#1 Jahkeen Gilmore (6-0, 211, SR, Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY)
An effective spread requires plenty of able targets, and the Hoosiers appear to be pretty deep at WR. The name on the Marquis is Hardy's, whose size and potential impact in the red zone had a lot of people talking, and he delivered with many acrobatic catches and a great season (61 catches, 893 yards, 10 TDs) a year ago. This year off-field incidents and other distractions have limited his effectiveness, as he has just 13 catches for 187 yards and a single TD halfway through the season. Still, he had 86 yards against Western Michigan to open the season, and 67 yards against the Illini, so the potential for big plays is still there.
Polk is a speedster who leads the team with 19 catches for 217 yards and a TD. His numbers are pretty consistent, with 4 or 5 catches for 40-50 yards per game. Bailey is a bigger target who has 18 catches for 185 yards thus far. He has only 3 catches in conference play, so he'll be looking to make more of an impact. Gilmore is the veteran of the group, though he has been limited to 11 catches for 152 yards thus far. He has also played a significantly smaller role in conference play thus far.
Amongst the other players, Cleveland Glenville's own Ray Fisher (#7) is beginning to make an impact, with 16 catches for 167 yards thus far. Another freshman, Andrew Means (#13), also has 167 yards on 11 catches and a TD. Sophomore Brandon Walker-Roby (#19) is also in the mix (4 catches, 34 yards). Basically this is a deep group with lots of solid if unspectacular interchangeable parts, but they are still waiting for that impact guy, be it Hardy or someone else, to step up this season.
WR Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State WRs
Hardy: 13 catches, 187 yards, 1 TD, 14.4 YPR
Polk: 19 catches, 217 yards, 1 TD, 11.4 YPR
Bailey: 18 catches, 185 yards, 0 TDs, 10.3 YPR
Gilmore: 11 catches, 152 yards, 0 TD, 13.8 YPR
Ginn Jr.: 33 catches, 459 yards, 6 TDs, 13.9 YPR
Gonzalez: 27 catches, 404 yards, 4 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Robiskie: 12 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs, 12.4 YPR
Indiana is probably the deeper of the two groups, but it really has to be given the spread they run. Hardy clearly has big play ability, but he hasn't stepped up after his promising campaign. The other players are solid, with a nice mixture of youth, excitement, and athletic ability, with a dash of veteran leadership, bit no player really jumps out at this point.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #60 Justin Frye (6-5, 296, SR, Elwood HS, Elwood, IN)
LG #78 Kyle Thomas (6-4, 290, SO, North HS, Bloomington, IN)
C #74 Chris Mangiero (6-1, 305, SR, South HS, Bloomington, IN)
RG #50 John Sandberg (6-2, 290, JR, North White HS, Monon, IN)
RT #79 Scott Anderson (6-6, 308, SR, McCutcheon HS, Lafayette, IN)
There is a lot of local flavor in this unit, with 5 in-state players and 2 locals from Bloomington. Frye and Mangiero are veterans who are solid players, and they provide a good deal of leadership to this unit. This line is generally inexperienced beyond that, but the running game seems to be steadily improving and the pass blocking seems to be relatively decent. This unit will have their hands full with the Buckeye front 7, and they will have to be on top of their game if they are going to protect their young QB.
Sophomore guard Kenny Love (#77) and junior center Ben Wyss (#61) lead the backups.
OL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State OL
Ohio State has a wealth of experience, and their offense has been firing on all cylinders most of the season. The Hoosiers have some talent, and a couple of good players, but their unit as a whole is not quite up to the level of the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense is a work in progress, especially in developing the running game and at the QB position. It will take a while for the spread offense to click. Coach Hoeppner is using a lot of young players, and the hope is that he can establish something and then have a solid unit when the players gain some experience. Currently he needs to bring the recruiting and player development up to the levels of the rest of the conference, but given his energy, enthusiasm, and track record at Miami, there is no reason to believe he can't. It will, however, take time, and as such, the team will continue to go through growing pains until then. This is a long-term investment, and the benefits of that will be reaped in the future, but probably not as much now.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
NOTE: Due to scheduling constraints, this preview was written before the Indiana vs Iowa game.
To say it's been a rough go at Indiana over the recent past would be a vast understatement. They've had trouble recruiting players, keeping players, and having any measure of success with the players they do have. The Hoosiers have been offensively challenged since Randle El and Cam Cameron left the school, and last year as the Hoeppner era got started, it didn't look much better. It hasn't been quite as bad as 1997, when the Hoosiers were shut out 3 times in 4 weeks and scored less than 10 points seven times, but it has been pretty bad. The Hoosiers were 75th nationally in total offense last year, averaging 350.8 yards per game. Their rushing attack was limited to 131.2 ypg, good for only 78th, and the passing game wasn?t much better, averaging 219.6 yards per game, good for only 65th. They scored a paltry 22.6 points per contest, good for only 81st, and their turnover margin of -0.73 per game was 100th in the nation. Considering the defense wasn't much better, it was a long season for the Hoosiers, who started out 4-1 (including a conference win over Illinois and loss to Wisconsin) but then crashed and burned, losing their last 6, scoring 21 points or less in all those games.
This season they've started 3-3 (including a conference win over Illinois and a loss to Wisconsin), including a relatively embarrassing loss to I-AA Southern Illinois. Worse than all that, head coach Terry Hoeppner has had deal with serious health problems. Everyone wishes the coach the very best, and the good news is he seems to be ready to get back to work full-bore, evidenced by his team's bounce-back win over Illinois, who had built momentum by shocking Michigan State the week before, after the previous week's drubbing of the Hoosiers by Wisconsin. So far, though, the Hoosiers have failed to make significant strides on the offensive side of the football. Their total yard output is lower than last year's (324, 83rd nationally), and their rushing numbers (101.7 ypg, 91st) and passing numbers (210.2 ypg, 52nd) are both down also. The team is scoring 24.8 points per game, up slightly from last season but still only ranking 60th nationally. The coaching staff and the players will be eager to improve those statistics, but with games against Iowa and Ohio State up next, the Hoosiers have their work cut out for them.
Quarterbacks
QB #15 Kellen Lewis (6-1, 177, FR, Mandarin HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Lewis appears to have supplanted Blake Powers as the starting QB. In the first 6 games, he's seen significant or all of the action in 5 of them, and he keyed the victory over Illinois in conference play. Lewis has completed just 49.7% of his passes, but he does have 883 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs. He has been sacked 7 times, not a particularly high number given the amount of times they throw the ball out of the spread. He's had 3 relatively good games, throwing for 228 against Ball State, 238 against Southern Illinois, and 240 against Illinois. He hasn't thrown a TD in the last 3 games, however. Lewis is also a versatile player, as he is also 2nd on the team in rushing with 180 yards and 2 TDs, including a big one against the Illini. Lewis' numbers don't overwhelm, but he seems to be a tough and versatile QB who appears to have a great deal of upside.
The apparent backup is now Powers (#14) who was anticipated to be the starter this year after throwing for 2305 yards and 22 TDs a year ago. This year he has thrown for just 320 yards, a TD and 2 INTs. After starting and losing the Western Michigan game, he has seen significant action only against UConn, where he threw for just 128 yards and a pick on 14/30 attempts. Powers is not the running threat that Lewis is (8 carries, - 27 yards), so that lack of versatility might be part of what has Powers on the bench.
Also out there is Graeme McFarland (#12), an upperclassman who is another option for the Hoosiers. He went 4 for 7 for 60 yards and a TD against Western Michigan in the opener, but has seen limited action since.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State QBs
Lewis (P/R): 74/149 (49.7%), 883 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 99.8 rating; 55/180, 2 TDs.
Smith (P/R): 101/148 (68.2%), 1261 yards, 15 TDs, 2 INTs, 170.6 rating; 29/78, 0 TDs.
Well, this is obviously no comparison, but Lewis may remind some people of a very young Troy Smith in some ways. He seems to have some talent, versatility, athletic ability, and a good will to compete, as evidenced by the big comeback against Illinois when they were down big early. He is currently just trying to feel his way around a college offense, and the Big Ten basically takes no prisoners in those situations. At best, he can learn by competing and from watching guys like Troy Smith, and he can go through the growing pains of conference play so that he is significantly better next year. At worst, that is the same thing they thought with Powers last year, and now...who knows?
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #2 Marcus Thigpen (5-9, 182, SO, Mumford HS, Detroit, MI)
Thigpen is a former WR who has gotten into more of a comfort zone carrying the ball, and of course he is a threat receiving the ball as well. He has 167 yards and 2 TDs rushing, and has also caught 12 passes for 113 yards and another score. He has had double-digit carries in both conference games to this point, including a 13 carry, 91 yard performance against Illinois in a winning effort. He's a small, scrappy runner who can break a big play, as evidence by the 44-yarder against the Illini, and his receiving background helps a great deal in this spread offense.
Second on the chart appears to be Josiah Sears (#42), a bruising 238 pound junior, leads the team with 199 yards rushing and 4 TDs. He is a good threat in short yardage situations, but he also ran off 100 yards against Wisconsin in just 9 carries, and he scored in both Big Ten games to this point. Unlike Thigpen, he is not a real receiving threat. Speedy freshman Demetrius McCray (#22) also sees time, gaining 101 yards and scoring a TD so far. Unlike Sears, he has not accumulated any stats in conference play, and did his work early in the season.
RB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State RBs
Thigpen: 45/167 yards, 2 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 12 rec/113 yards, 1 TD, 9.4 YPR
Sears: 31 carries, 199 yards, 4 TDs, 6.4 YPC); 2 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 2.5 YPR
Pittman: 109/628 yards, 7 TDs, 5.8 YPC; 5 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 4.2 YPR
C Wells: 44/180, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 2 rec/16 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Thigpen is a nice fit in the spread with his dual ability, and he appears to be ready to step up and take command of the position. Sears is a bruiser who is a nice compliment and can be effective picking up a 1st down or punching it in from close range. Obviously these players do not have the talent nor the success of their Buckeye counterparts, but they fill in their roles adequately in the offense they are in.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #82 James Hardy (6-7, 216, SO, Elmhurst HS, Fort Wayne, IN)
WR #8 Nick Polk (6-0, 185, FR, Vincent HS, Milwaukee, WI)
WR #7 James Bailey (6-2, 205, SO, Denby Technical Prep, Detroit, MI)
WR#1 Jahkeen Gilmore (6-0, 211, SR, Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY)
An effective spread requires plenty of able targets, and the Hoosiers appear to be pretty deep at WR. The name on the Marquis is Hardy's, whose size and potential impact in the red zone had a lot of people talking, and he delivered with many acrobatic catches and a great season (61 catches, 893 yards, 10 TDs) a year ago. This year off-field incidents and other distractions have limited his effectiveness, as he has just 13 catches for 187 yards and a single TD halfway through the season. Still, he had 86 yards against Western Michigan to open the season, and 67 yards against the Illini, so the potential for big plays is still there.
Polk is a speedster who leads the team with 19 catches for 217 yards and a TD. His numbers are pretty consistent, with 4 or 5 catches for 40-50 yards per game. Bailey is a bigger target who has 18 catches for 185 yards thus far. He has only 3 catches in conference play, so he'll be looking to make more of an impact. Gilmore is the veteran of the group, though he has been limited to 11 catches for 152 yards thus far. He has also played a significantly smaller role in conference play thus far.
Amongst the other players, Cleveland Glenville's own Ray Fisher (#7) is beginning to make an impact, with 16 catches for 167 yards thus far. Another freshman, Andrew Means (#13), also has 167 yards on 11 catches and a TD. Sophomore Brandon Walker-Roby (#19) is also in the mix (4 catches, 34 yards). Basically this is a deep group with lots of solid if unspectacular interchangeable parts, but they are still waiting for that impact guy, be it Hardy or someone else, to step up this season.
WR Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State WRs
Hardy: 13 catches, 187 yards, 1 TD, 14.4 YPR
Polk: 19 catches, 217 yards, 1 TD, 11.4 YPR
Bailey: 18 catches, 185 yards, 0 TDs, 10.3 YPR
Gilmore: 11 catches, 152 yards, 0 TD, 13.8 YPR
Ginn Jr.: 33 catches, 459 yards, 6 TDs, 13.9 YPR
Gonzalez: 27 catches, 404 yards, 4 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Robiskie: 12 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs, 12.4 YPR
Indiana is probably the deeper of the two groups, but it really has to be given the spread they run. Hardy clearly has big play ability, but he hasn't stepped up after his promising campaign. The other players are solid, with a nice mixture of youth, excitement, and athletic ability, with a dash of veteran leadership, bit no player really jumps out at this point.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #60 Justin Frye (6-5, 296, SR, Elwood HS, Elwood, IN)
LG #78 Kyle Thomas (6-4, 290, SO, North HS, Bloomington, IN)
C #74 Chris Mangiero (6-1, 305, SR, South HS, Bloomington, IN)
RG #50 John Sandberg (6-2, 290, JR, North White HS, Monon, IN)
RT #79 Scott Anderson (6-6, 308, SR, McCutcheon HS, Lafayette, IN)
There is a lot of local flavor in this unit, with 5 in-state players and 2 locals from Bloomington. Frye and Mangiero are veterans who are solid players, and they provide a good deal of leadership to this unit. This line is generally inexperienced beyond that, but the running game seems to be steadily improving and the pass blocking seems to be relatively decent. This unit will have their hands full with the Buckeye front 7, and they will have to be on top of their game if they are going to protect their young QB.
Sophomore guard Kenny Love (#77) and junior center Ben Wyss (#61) lead the backups.
OL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State OL
Ohio State has a wealth of experience, and their offense has been firing on all cylinders most of the season. The Hoosiers have some talent, and a couple of good players, but their unit as a whole is not quite up to the level of the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense is a work in progress, especially in developing the running game and at the QB position. It will take a while for the spread offense to click. Coach Hoeppner is using a lot of young players, and the hope is that he can establish something and then have a solid unit when the players gain some experience. Currently he needs to bring the recruiting and player development up to the levels of the rest of the conference, but given his energy, enthusiasm, and track record at Miami, there is no reason to believe he can't. It will, however, take time, and as such, the team will continue to go through growing pains until then. This is a long-term investment, and the benefits of that will be reaped in the future, but probably not as much now.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
2006 Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 8
Indiana comes in to Columbus this week riding the momentum of a huge upset of Iowa last weekend. They are riding a 2 game winning streak, and are only 2 wins away from being bowl eligible. It's fair to say that Terry Hoeppner has done an outstanding job in his brief tenure as Indiana's head coach. They have begun to believe that they can win big ballgames, and he has created a winning attitude at IU. The task at hand this weekend isn't an easy one. They will try to do something that no one has done in a while, and that is beat Ohio State. Below is where they stand in the major defensive categories in the Big Ten.
Scoring Defense: 29.1 Points per game (10th in Big Ten)
Rushing Defense: 172.4 Yards per game (11th in Big Ten)
Passing Defense: 216.3 YPG (8th in Big Ten)
Total Defense: 388.7 YPG (9th in Big Ten)
Sacks: 10 (10th in the Big Ten)
Interceptions: 7 (T-4th in Big Ten)
Red Zone Defense: Opponents have scored points 82% (23 of 28) of the time that they have gotten inside Indiana's 20 yard line. 18 of the scores were touchdowns, with the other 5 being field goals. They are ranked 8th in the Big Ten in this category.
Defensive Line
DE: # 57 Jammie Kirlew (6-3, 250 FR)
DT: # 95 Joe Kremer ( 6-2, 295 JR)
DT: # 62 Greg Brown (6-2, 303 SO)
DE: # 92 Kenny Kendal (6-3, 250 SR)
Leading the way along the defensive line for the Hoosiers will be senior defensive end Kenny Kendal. On the season Kendal has a total of 21 tackles, including 4 for a loss, along with a team high 2.5 sacks. Kendal is the most consistent performer along the defensive front for the Hoosiers. He led them in 2005 with 5.5 sacks, and has pretty solid technique. He also is one of the only seniors on the IU defense, so he will be counted on to calm down the young guys when the going gets tough. The other defensive end for Indiana will be freshman Jammie Kirlew. On the season Kirlew has 9 tackles, including 2 for a loss, and 1 sack..
Getting the start at one of he defensive tackle spots for the Hoosiers will be sophomore Greg Brown. On the season Brown has a total of 29 tackles, including 4 for a loss, and a half sack. Brown is very active on the inside for the Hoosiers. He's not going to win any awards for his speed, but the guy is a tank in the middle. He'll need a big game for the Hoosiers if they want to slow down the Buckeye offense. The other tackle will be junior Joe Kremer. On the season Kremer has a total of 15 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and a sack. Kremer is another wide body on the inside, but isn't nearly as active as Brown.
DL Rating: C-
Overall DL Analysis
These guys anchor a defense that is last in the Big Ten in rushing defense. They are second to last in sacks. Teams have been able to open up big holes, and really push these guys around this season. They have decent size, but are not very gifted athletically. Pittman will be able to slice and dice them up the middle this week. Troy Smith will probably once again not be chased around to much this week, the pass rush generated by this unit is anemic. Overall these guys aren't very good.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State DL
Ohio State has a total of 24 sacks on the season, Indiana has 10. Pitcock has 7 sacks on the season, the leader for the Hoosiers is Kendal with 2.5. Indiana has no one who is a constant threat to make a big play, OSU has 4 of them up front. Enough said, the clear edge goes to OSU here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB: # 40 Josh Bailey (6-1, 220 FR)
MLB: # 51 Adam McClurg (6-0, 230 JR)
OLB: # 56 Geno Johnson (6-2, 210 SO)
Indiana will be led at the linebacker position by sophomore Geno Johnson. On the season, is 3rd on the team with 39 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, along with a sack. Johnson has also forced 2 fumbles so far this season. Johnson is Indiana's most active linebacker, which isn't saying much based on the way that this unit has performed so far this season. Getting the start at the other OLB spots is emerging freshman Josh Bailey. On the season Bailey has a total of 34 tackles, including a team high 7.5 tackles for loss. Bailey also has a sack and 2 QB hurries to go on his 2006 resume. Bailey is quickly becoming the best linebacker on this unit, he adds the element of the big play to a group that has about as much pizzazz as a bowl of wheat bran. Getting the start at the middle back slot will be junior Adam McClurg. On the season McClurg has a total of 34 tackles, including 4 for a loss, along with a sack.
LB Rating: D+
Overall LB Analysis
This unit has struggled at times this season. They have been very spotty in pass coverage, and have been about as menacing as a dead fly to opposing QB's and RB's. Here is the part where I am supposed to say something heartwarming about them, and where I think their going as a unit. Sadly, I'm drawing a blank. Luckily this whole starting group will return next season, perhaps by then I'll have something nice to say about them.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State LBs
The play at linebacker for the Buckeyes has been a very pleasant surprise this season. Laurinaitis has evolved into an All-American, and Freeman is beginning to show flashes of the unbelievable talent that he carries. Once he puts it together, he's going to be an All-American caliber player. That duo could be the best in the land next year, mark it down. Hmm, now we move on to Indiana. Mom always said that if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all ... We'll move on.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB: # 16 Chris Phillips (6-0, 185 SO)
SS: # 20 Austin Thomas (6-2, 210 FR)
FS: # 39 Will Meyers (5-11, 201 SR.)
CB: # 9 Tracy Porter (5-11, 181 JR)
Indiana will be led in the defensive secondary by junior Tracy Porter. Porter leads the Hoosiers with 3 interceptions, and with 7 pass breakups. Porter has a total of 35 stops on the season, and he has also blocked a punt. Porter is probably the most athletic player on the Indiana defense. He's got good speed, and is has very good ball skills. As he gains experience he's becoming one of the better cornerbacks in the Big Ten. The other corner for the Hoosiers will be sophomore Chris Phillips. On the season Phillips has 18 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Phillips has also picked off a pass so far this season. Phillips is the weak link for Indiana in the secondary. Look for Indiana to try to absorb his lack of speed, by playing him off the ball a bit. Ohio State can pick on this guy all day long if they should desire to do so.
Getting the start at free safety will be senior Will Meyers. Meyers leads the team with 46 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss. Meyers has also intercepted 2 passes and broken up 2 others. Some of you may remember Meyers' fantastic one armed interception which sealed the deal last week against Iowa. Meyers, who was nominated to the Lott trophy watch list this season, is the unquestioned leader in this Indiana secondary. The strong safety for IU this week will be freshman Austin Thomas. Thomas has a total of 42 tackles on the season. He has also forced 2 fumbles so far in his redshirt freshman campaign. Thomas has very good size, and isn't afraid to come up and stick someone. He's a liability in pass coverage though, don't be suprised to see OSU roll Smith out in an attempt to lure Thomas in, and then pop one deep early on in this contest.
DB Rating: C+
Overall DB Analysis
The secondary has been the strongest part of the Indiana defense up to this point in the season, I'm not sure if that means a whole lot though. They are fairly solid against the run, which is a good thing because they've had to make quite a few tackles this season, given the poor play of their linebackers and defensive line. I think it's a pretty obvious assumption, given that their safeties are 1 and 2 on the team in tackles. Another concern for this unit is the amount of time that they've had to hold their coverage given the poor pass rush from up front. As for the pass, they have struggled against the better competition they've faced this season. Last week against Iowa, Drew Tate was 23 of 40 for 292 yards and a touchdown. In week 5 against Wisconsin, John Stocco diced them up going 15 of 17 for 303 yards, and 3 touchdowns. It's a pretty safe bet to say that Troy Smith will have a big game this weekend. Look for him to tighten his Kung Fu grip like hold on his Heisman frontrunner status this weekend.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State DBs
Ohio St. has one of the better secondaries in the country as we speak. Malcom Jenkins is playing like an All American, and Mitchell has also been playing a consistent brand of football all season long. Jamario O'Neal is steadily improving, don't be surprised to see him have a breakout game in the next week or two. As for Indiana, what can you say? I'm not necessarily going to question the effort on this side, I just don't think that the talent is there from the standpoint of their whole unit. In all fairness, I don't think that their defensive line and LB's help out much. OSU is bursting with talent at every position, Indiana is not at this point. Ohio State is tied for 2nd in the country with 13 picks, Indiana is tied for 40th with a total of 7. Ohio State gets the clear edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The largest crowd that Indiana has played in front of this season was 43,006 at Illinois. This unit only has 2 seniors, and the rest are much less experienced. Needless to say, the Horseshoe will be an eye opener this weekend for some. Here is another stat to keep in mind when watching this ballgame. This defense has had trouble with the 1st quarter, in fact they have given up 74 points so far this season in the opening 15 minutes. Compare that to the 35 that their offense has scored in the 1st quarter, and you can see how they have struggled at times. When you compare their 1st quarter stats to their 4th quarter defensive stats, it's night and day. They have only given up 28 points in the 4th quarter so far this season. I'm sure that some of this has to do with them being out of the contest, but it also demonstrates how poor they have been out of the gates. When you scour this lineup for stars your left scratching your noggin. It will take an out of body experience for these guys to slow down the Buckeye attack this weekend. The Buckeyes will continue their march toward Arizona on Saturday with a drubbing of an improving Indiana program.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
Indiana comes in to Columbus this week riding the momentum of a huge upset of Iowa last weekend. They are riding a 2 game winning streak, and are only 2 wins away from being bowl eligible. It's fair to say that Terry Hoeppner has done an outstanding job in his brief tenure as Indiana's head coach. They have begun to believe that they can win big ballgames, and he has created a winning attitude at IU. The task at hand this weekend isn't an easy one. They will try to do something that no one has done in a while, and that is beat Ohio State. Below is where they stand in the major defensive categories in the Big Ten.
Scoring Defense: 29.1 Points per game (10th in Big Ten)
Rushing Defense: 172.4 Yards per game (11th in Big Ten)
Passing Defense: 216.3 YPG (8th in Big Ten)
Total Defense: 388.7 YPG (9th in Big Ten)
Sacks: 10 (10th in the Big Ten)
Interceptions: 7 (T-4th in Big Ten)
Red Zone Defense: Opponents have scored points 82% (23 of 28) of the time that they have gotten inside Indiana's 20 yard line. 18 of the scores were touchdowns, with the other 5 being field goals. They are ranked 8th in the Big Ten in this category.
Defensive Line
DE: # 57 Jammie Kirlew (6-3, 250 FR)
DT: # 95 Joe Kremer ( 6-2, 295 JR)
DT: # 62 Greg Brown (6-2, 303 SO)
DE: # 92 Kenny Kendal (6-3, 250 SR)
Leading the way along the defensive line for the Hoosiers will be senior defensive end Kenny Kendal. On the season Kendal has a total of 21 tackles, including 4 for a loss, along with a team high 2.5 sacks. Kendal is the most consistent performer along the defensive front for the Hoosiers. He led them in 2005 with 5.5 sacks, and has pretty solid technique. He also is one of the only seniors on the IU defense, so he will be counted on to calm down the young guys when the going gets tough. The other defensive end for Indiana will be freshman Jammie Kirlew. On the season Kirlew has 9 tackles, including 2 for a loss, and 1 sack..
Getting the start at one of he defensive tackle spots for the Hoosiers will be sophomore Greg Brown. On the season Brown has a total of 29 tackles, including 4 for a loss, and a half sack. Brown is very active on the inside for the Hoosiers. He's not going to win any awards for his speed, but the guy is a tank in the middle. He'll need a big game for the Hoosiers if they want to slow down the Buckeye offense. The other tackle will be junior Joe Kremer. On the season Kremer has a total of 15 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and a sack. Kremer is another wide body on the inside, but isn't nearly as active as Brown.
DL Rating: C-
Overall DL Analysis
These guys anchor a defense that is last in the Big Ten in rushing defense. They are second to last in sacks. Teams have been able to open up big holes, and really push these guys around this season. They have decent size, but are not very gifted athletically. Pittman will be able to slice and dice them up the middle this week. Troy Smith will probably once again not be chased around to much this week, the pass rush generated by this unit is anemic. Overall these guys aren't very good.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State DL
Ohio State has a total of 24 sacks on the season, Indiana has 10. Pitcock has 7 sacks on the season, the leader for the Hoosiers is Kendal with 2.5. Indiana has no one who is a constant threat to make a big play, OSU has 4 of them up front. Enough said, the clear edge goes to OSU here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB: # 40 Josh Bailey (6-1, 220 FR)
MLB: # 51 Adam McClurg (6-0, 230 JR)
OLB: # 56 Geno Johnson (6-2, 210 SO)
Indiana will be led at the linebacker position by sophomore Geno Johnson. On the season, is 3rd on the team with 39 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, along with a sack. Johnson has also forced 2 fumbles so far this season. Johnson is Indiana's most active linebacker, which isn't saying much based on the way that this unit has performed so far this season. Getting the start at the other OLB spots is emerging freshman Josh Bailey. On the season Bailey has a total of 34 tackles, including a team high 7.5 tackles for loss. Bailey also has a sack and 2 QB hurries to go on his 2006 resume. Bailey is quickly becoming the best linebacker on this unit, he adds the element of the big play to a group that has about as much pizzazz as a bowl of wheat bran. Getting the start at the middle back slot will be junior Adam McClurg. On the season McClurg has a total of 34 tackles, including 4 for a loss, along with a sack.
LB Rating: D+
Overall LB Analysis
This unit has struggled at times this season. They have been very spotty in pass coverage, and have been about as menacing as a dead fly to opposing QB's and RB's. Here is the part where I am supposed to say something heartwarming about them, and where I think their going as a unit. Sadly, I'm drawing a blank. Luckily this whole starting group will return next season, perhaps by then I'll have something nice to say about them.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State LBs
The play at linebacker for the Buckeyes has been a very pleasant surprise this season. Laurinaitis has evolved into an All-American, and Freeman is beginning to show flashes of the unbelievable talent that he carries. Once he puts it together, he's going to be an All-American caliber player. That duo could be the best in the land next year, mark it down. Hmm, now we move on to Indiana. Mom always said that if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all ... We'll move on.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB: # 16 Chris Phillips (6-0, 185 SO)
SS: # 20 Austin Thomas (6-2, 210 FR)
FS: # 39 Will Meyers (5-11, 201 SR.)
CB: # 9 Tracy Porter (5-11, 181 JR)
Indiana will be led in the defensive secondary by junior Tracy Porter. Porter leads the Hoosiers with 3 interceptions, and with 7 pass breakups. Porter has a total of 35 stops on the season, and he has also blocked a punt. Porter is probably the most athletic player on the Indiana defense. He's got good speed, and is has very good ball skills. As he gains experience he's becoming one of the better cornerbacks in the Big Ten. The other corner for the Hoosiers will be sophomore Chris Phillips. On the season Phillips has 18 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Phillips has also picked off a pass so far this season. Phillips is the weak link for Indiana in the secondary. Look for Indiana to try to absorb his lack of speed, by playing him off the ball a bit. Ohio State can pick on this guy all day long if they should desire to do so.
Getting the start at free safety will be senior Will Meyers. Meyers leads the team with 46 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss. Meyers has also intercepted 2 passes and broken up 2 others. Some of you may remember Meyers' fantastic one armed interception which sealed the deal last week against Iowa. Meyers, who was nominated to the Lott trophy watch list this season, is the unquestioned leader in this Indiana secondary. The strong safety for IU this week will be freshman Austin Thomas. Thomas has a total of 42 tackles on the season. He has also forced 2 fumbles so far in his redshirt freshman campaign. Thomas has very good size, and isn't afraid to come up and stick someone. He's a liability in pass coverage though, don't be suprised to see OSU roll Smith out in an attempt to lure Thomas in, and then pop one deep early on in this contest.
DB Rating: C+
Overall DB Analysis
The secondary has been the strongest part of the Indiana defense up to this point in the season, I'm not sure if that means a whole lot though. They are fairly solid against the run, which is a good thing because they've had to make quite a few tackles this season, given the poor play of their linebackers and defensive line. I think it's a pretty obvious assumption, given that their safeties are 1 and 2 on the team in tackles. Another concern for this unit is the amount of time that they've had to hold their coverage given the poor pass rush from up front. As for the pass, they have struggled against the better competition they've faced this season. Last week against Iowa, Drew Tate was 23 of 40 for 292 yards and a touchdown. In week 5 against Wisconsin, John Stocco diced them up going 15 of 17 for 303 yards, and 3 touchdowns. It's a pretty safe bet to say that Troy Smith will have a big game this weekend. Look for him to tighten his Kung Fu grip like hold on his Heisman frontrunner status this weekend.
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State DBs
Ohio St. has one of the better secondaries in the country as we speak. Malcom Jenkins is playing like an All American, and Mitchell has also been playing a consistent brand of football all season long. Jamario O'Neal is steadily improving, don't be surprised to see him have a breakout game in the next week or two. As for Indiana, what can you say? I'm not necessarily going to question the effort on this side, I just don't think that the talent is there from the standpoint of their whole unit. In all fairness, I don't think that their defensive line and LB's help out much. OSU is bursting with talent at every position, Indiana is not at this point. Ohio State is tied for 2nd in the country with 13 picks, Indiana is tied for 40th with a total of 7. Ohio State gets the clear edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The largest crowd that Indiana has played in front of this season was 43,006 at Illinois. This unit only has 2 seniors, and the rest are much less experienced. Needless to say, the Horseshoe will be an eye opener this weekend for some. Here is another stat to keep in mind when watching this ballgame. This defense has had trouble with the 1st quarter, in fact they have given up 74 points so far this season in the opening 15 minutes. Compare that to the 35 that their offense has scored in the 1st quarter, and you can see how they have struggled at times. When you compare their 1st quarter stats to their 4th quarter defensive stats, it's night and day. They have only given up 28 points in the 4th quarter so far this season. I'm sure that some of this has to do with them being out of the contest, but it also demonstrates how poor they have been out of the gates. When you scour this lineup for stars your left scratching your noggin. It will take an out of body experience for these guys to slow down the Buckeye attack this weekend. The Buckeyes will continue their march toward Arizona on Saturday with a drubbing of an improving Indiana program.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
2006 Indiana Hoosiers Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 2
Indiana has had a crazy rollercoaster ride this season. To go from being shut out by Vanderbilt to beating Iowa is as unlikely as an improbable come-from-behind win over Illinois ... but the Hoosiers have done that, as well, en route to their first back-to-back conference victories since 2001. A large part of their recent success has had to do with special teams, and in particular, their return game.
Special Teams
PK #18 Austin Starr (6-2 199 SO)
P #44 Tyson Beattie (6-1 204 SR)
KR #2 Marcus Thigpen (5-9 182 SO)
PR #3 Lance Bennett (5-6 182 SR)
PR #9 Tracy Porter (5-11 189 JR)
LS #54 Tim Bugg (6-0 249 RS JR)
Return Game
Indiana's return game has been exceptional this year. Their top kick returner, Thigpen, has returned three kicks for TD's, including a 100-yarder, and is averaging 37 yards per return. The Hoosier blocking has been exceptional, and their returners are exceptionally fast. The downside, however, is their size. Thigpen, Porter, and Bennet all weigh in at well under 200 pounds, so none are likely to break any tackles. If the Buckeyes can get close, they should be able to limit this game-breaking component of Indiana's game. Bennet has only returned five punts, and is averaging only .6 yards per return (with a season-long of only 6 yards), but Porter has returned one (of only two returns) 86 yards for a TD, and averages 47.5 ypr. If the Buckeye coverage is weak in any way, look for the Hoosiers to exploit it.
Returner Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State Returners
We all saw Ted Ginn, Jr. finally get loose last week against Michigan State, and if history tells us anything, it is that once Teddy gets started, he doesn't tend to slow down. As good as Indiana's returners have been, their competition has been weak. Iowa currently rates last in the conference in kick coverage, and they are the most talented team the Hoosiers have thus far seen. Ohio State is faster, and their tackling has improved tremendously over the last couple of weeks. I don't see Indiana breaking a return for a score against the superior Buckeyes, but it wouldn't surprise me to see a trick play (reverse or lateral) on a return if the game is close. Still, Ginn is the fastest man in all of football (not to mention the conference record holder for punt returns for a score), and that alone gives tOSU the edge.
Edge: Ohio State
Kicking Game
Beattie is a returning starter who has been very consistent in his punting. In 2006 he is averaging a respectable 39.9 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards. Indiana tends to put the ball quite a bit, so Beattie gets plenty of gametime action. I look for him to punt the ball numerous times on Saturday, which will give Ginn plenty of opportunity to try to break the national record for punt returns for a TD (8) by one player. Their downfield coverage is decent, but a middle-of-the-pack conference ranking will likely not be good enough to limit Ohio State's speedsters.
Starr is a first year starter, and has been solid. He is 20 for 20 on PAT's, and 7 for 9 on field goals. He has missed from between 20-29 yard once and 30-39 yards once, and made his only attempt of 40+. As a relatively inexperienced kicker, I wouldn't want to rely on him for a game-winning field goal, but I also don't see the Hoosiers being in that position at the end of the game. Starr's kickoffs have been average, and Ginn and Gonzo will definitely have opportunities to return kicks.
Kicking Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State Kickers
Both teams boast inexperienced placekickers, so this comparison will have to come down to the punters. While respectable, Beattie doesn't quite have the leg of Trapasso, and has had a bit of a tendency to kick line drives. If he makes this mistake against Ginn, look for a big return.
Edge: Ohio State
Indiana has had a crazy rollercoaster ride this season. To go from being shut out by Vanderbilt to beating Iowa is as unlikely as an improbable come-from-behind win over Illinois ... but the Hoosiers have done that, as well, en route to their first back-to-back conference victories since 2001. A large part of their recent success has had to do with special teams, and in particular, their return game.
Special Teams
PK #18 Austin Starr (6-2 199 SO)
P #44 Tyson Beattie (6-1 204 SR)
KR #2 Marcus Thigpen (5-9 182 SO)
PR #3 Lance Bennett (5-6 182 SR)
PR #9 Tracy Porter (5-11 189 JR)
LS #54 Tim Bugg (6-0 249 RS JR)
Return Game
Indiana's return game has been exceptional this year. Their top kick returner, Thigpen, has returned three kicks for TD's, including a 100-yarder, and is averaging 37 yards per return. The Hoosier blocking has been exceptional, and their returners are exceptionally fast. The downside, however, is their size. Thigpen, Porter, and Bennet all weigh in at well under 200 pounds, so none are likely to break any tackles. If the Buckeyes can get close, they should be able to limit this game-breaking component of Indiana's game. Bennet has only returned five punts, and is averaging only .6 yards per return (with a season-long of only 6 yards), but Porter has returned one (of only two returns) 86 yards for a TD, and averages 47.5 ypr. If the Buckeye coverage is weak in any way, look for the Hoosiers to exploit it.
Returner Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State Returners
We all saw Ted Ginn, Jr. finally get loose last week against Michigan State, and if history tells us anything, it is that once Teddy gets started, he doesn't tend to slow down. As good as Indiana's returners have been, their competition has been weak. Iowa currently rates last in the conference in kick coverage, and they are the most talented team the Hoosiers have thus far seen. Ohio State is faster, and their tackling has improved tremendously over the last couple of weeks. I don't see Indiana breaking a return for a score against the superior Buckeyes, but it wouldn't surprise me to see a trick play (reverse or lateral) on a return if the game is close. Still, Ginn is the fastest man in all of football (not to mention the conference record holder for punt returns for a score), and that alone gives tOSU the edge.
Edge: Ohio State
Kicking Game
Beattie is a returning starter who has been very consistent in his punting. In 2006 he is averaging a respectable 39.9 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards. Indiana tends to put the ball quite a bit, so Beattie gets plenty of gametime action. I look for him to punt the ball numerous times on Saturday, which will give Ginn plenty of opportunity to try to break the national record for punt returns for a TD (8) by one player. Their downfield coverage is decent, but a middle-of-the-pack conference ranking will likely not be good enough to limit Ohio State's speedsters.
Starr is a first year starter, and has been solid. He is 20 for 20 on PAT's, and 7 for 9 on field goals. He has missed from between 20-29 yard once and 30-39 yards once, and made his only attempt of 40+. As a relatively inexperienced kicker, I wouldn't want to rely on him for a game-winning field goal, but I also don't see the Hoosiers being in that position at the end of the game. Starr's kickoffs have been average, and Ginn and Gonzo will definitely have opportunities to return kicks.
Kicking Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Indiana vs Ohio State Kickers
Both teams boast inexperienced placekickers, so this comparison will have to come down to the punters. While respectable, Beattie doesn't quite have the leg of Trapasso, and has had a bit of a tendency to kick line drives. If he makes this mistake against Ginn, look for a big return.
Edge: Ohio State
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 38-14, Ohio State
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
Deety's prediction: 35-7, Ohio State
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 34-16, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 34-10, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 38-13, Ohio State
PrincessPeach's prediction: 42-17, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 38-10, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 38 - Michigan State 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(57) FKAGobucks877's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State (DNP = 0 + 57 last week) DNP 2 weeks
(61) Buckeyeskickbuttocks? prediction: 38-10, Ohio State (0 + 3 = 3 + 58 last week)
(75) Deety's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State (0 + 0 = 0 + 75 last week) DNP 1 week
(81) BB73's prediction: 34-17, Ohio State (4 + 10 = 14 + 67 last week)
(82) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (7 + 6 = 13 + 69 last week)
(84) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-16, Ohio State (7 + 9 = 16 + 68 last week) DNP 2 weeks
(88) PrincessPeach's prediction: 38-17, Ohio State (0 + 10 = 10 + 78 last week)
(91) OSUsushichic's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State (10 + 6 = 16 + 75 last week)
(97) jwinslow's prediction: 34-21, Ohio State (4 + 14 = 18 + 79 last week) DNP 1 week
(99) Bucklion's prediction: 31-20, Ohio State (7 + 13 = 20 + 79 last week)
(105) osugrad21's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State (10 + 3 = 13 + 92 last week)
(106) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 44-14, Ohio State (6 + 7 = 13 + 93 last week)
(106) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 35-14, Ohio State (3 + 7 = 10 + 96 last week)
(108) daddyphatsac's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (11 + 10 = 21 + 87 last week)
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
Deety's prediction: 35-7, Ohio State
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 34-16, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 34-10, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 38-13, Ohio State
PrincessPeach's prediction: 42-17, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 38-10, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 38 - Michigan State 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(57) FKAGobucks877's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State (DNP = 0 + 57 last week) DNP 2 weeks
(61) Buckeyeskickbuttocks? prediction: 38-10, Ohio State (0 + 3 = 3 + 58 last week)
(75) Deety's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State (0 + 0 = 0 + 75 last week) DNP 1 week
(81) BB73's prediction: 34-17, Ohio State (4 + 10 = 14 + 67 last week)
(82) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (7 + 6 = 13 + 69 last week)
(84) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-16, Ohio State (7 + 9 = 16 + 68 last week) DNP 2 weeks
(88) PrincessPeach's prediction: 38-17, Ohio State (0 + 10 = 10 + 78 last week)
(91) OSUsushichic's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State (10 + 6 = 16 + 75 last week)
(97) jwinslow's prediction: 34-21, Ohio State (4 + 14 = 18 + 79 last week) DNP 1 week
(99) Bucklion's prediction: 31-20, Ohio State (7 + 13 = 20 + 79 last week)
(105) osugrad21's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State (10 + 3 = 13 + 92 last week)
(106) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 44-14, Ohio State (6 + 7 = 13 + 93 last week)
(106) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 35-14, Ohio State (3 + 7 = 10 + 96 last week)
(108) daddyphatsac's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State (11 + 10 = 21 + 87 last week)
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