Indiana Hoosiers Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds
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2010 Record: 5-7 Big 10 Record: 1-7 (11th) 2011 Returning Starters: 14; 6 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker
Coach: Kevin Wilson
Offensive Coordinators: Kevin Johns & Rod Smith Defensive Coordinators: Mike Ekeler & Doug Mallory
2011 Indiana Players to Watch: RB Darius Willis, WR Damarlo Belcher, WR Duwyce Wilson, DT Adam Replogle, DT Mick Mentzer, LB Leon Beckum, LB Jeff Thomas
2011 Indiana Strengths:
The wide receivers and the front seven on defense should be team strengths. The offensive line should be no worse than solid, with three starters back from last season. There is good potential at running back. If Willis and Matt Perez can stay healthy.
2011 Indiana Weaknesses:
The Hoosiers are unproven at quarterback, but redshirt sophomores Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker are talented, multi-dimensional threats. The defense, which has been a weak spot for years, needs to see improvement from a largely inexperienced secondary.
2011 Indiana Offense:
Kevin Wilson arrives after nine seasons on the staff at Oklahoma, and his reputation as an offensive innovator will be tested. The Hoosiers lose Ben Chappell (24 TDs and nearly 3,300 yards in ’10) at quarterback, and Wilson didn’t see enough from sophomores Dusty Kiel or Edward Wright-Baker in spring practice to name either the starter. That stirred speculation that incoming freshman Tre Roberson could win the job in fall camp. Finding a quality passer is job one, because Indiana has a formidable group of receivers. Senior Damarlo Belcher has NFL size and hands, proving it last season with a team-best 78 receptions. Sophomore Duwyce Wilson stretches defenses with his speed. Kofi Hughes looked like the team’s most improved player during the spring. He’ll play in the slot, where he can deliver on running plays. As a converted quarterback, Hughes is also a threat on trick plays. Tight end is covered with a solid blocker (Max Dedmond) and dependable receiver (Ted Bolser). The running game needs to improve. The Hoosiers were last in the Big Ten last season at 100.3 yards per game, and top halfback Darius Willis is recovering from knee surgery.
2011 Indiana Defense:
The only Big Ten game Indiana won last season was the finale at Purdue, in part because the defense allowed 30 or more points in six league games. Run defense remained an issue as Indiana allowed 171.8 yards per game. The strength of this group should be the line, which will be anchored by experienced players like Darius Johnson, Adam Replogle, Larry Black and Mick Mentzer. Three of Indiana’s 21 recruits are linebackers, including the only 4-star prospect, Zack Shaw. Wilson has insisted that he would not hesitate to play a true freshman, so Shaw, Kyle Kennedy and Mike Replogle (Adam’s brother) will get extensive looks, although two starters Jeff Thomas in the middle and Leon Beckum on the weak side return. The secondary remains under construction. Indiana finished last in the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense while allowing 238.3 yards per game. Cornerback Lawrence Barnett had the best spring, showing the speed to break up plays. But this is another spot where IU lacks speed, an issue only better recruiting can fix.
2011 Indiana Special Teams:
Mitch Ewald returns after an outstanding redshirt freshman season, when he made 16 of 19 field goal attempts, with a long of 49 yards. Junior Adam Pines appears to have taken over the punting duties from senior Chris Hagerup. Pines punted in each of the final four games in 2010, averaging 40.2 yards per attempt.
| 2011 Indiana Football Schedule | Indiana Football Sportsbooks |
2011 Indiana Predictions:
Indiana was three plays from an eight-win season last year with one of the best offenses the Hoosiers have had in years. But dropped passes (Iowa), blown coverages (Michigan) and other mistakes (Northwestern) left the Hoosiers with five wins and a coaching change. This team has a solid collection of receivers and backs (if Willis is healthy), but the king-sized hole at quarterback will test Wilson’s creativity and patience. Roberson could win the job, but the Big Ten can be unkind to a 6’1″, 180-pound freshman. The defense returns five starters but few stars or big-time playmakers. After coaching at Oklahoma, Wilson is conditioned to seeing speed from his defensive unit. The Hoosiers don’t have much of that quality.
2011 Indiana Betting Odds:
Indiana Current odds to win a National Championship: +5000
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