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The Most Power-Drunk
2004 Indiana Hoosiers Game Preview
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<font color="#b90000" size=6><b>Indiana Hoosiers Game Preview</font></b>
Hopefully we have all come to grips with Coach Jim Tressel's first three game slide as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The upside is, Indiana is next. Historically, our beloved Buckeyes have played very well against Indiana, especially senior RB Lydell Ross. Expect another 100+ game out of him. As for how we match up with the rest of team? Well, keep reading...
Date and Time
Game time: Saturday, October 16th, 2004
12:10 pm EDT Kick-off at Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)
ESPN Plus (regional) will cover the game and Wayne Larrivee and Randy Wright will call the action, with Beth Mowins as the sideline reporter.
Indiana Hoosiers Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 10
There were periods of the last 2 decades where Indiana had some of the worst offenses in the history of the Big Ten. Occasionally, a player like Antwaan Randle El would come along and breathe much needed life into the program, and make the offense exciting and the team exponentially more watchable. The Hoosiers entered last season believing they had two such players, QB and Notre Dame transfer Matt LoVecchio and freshman running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Though both players showed some flashes of talent and playmaking last season, the offense was inconsistent, particularly in the passing game. Indiana was 9th in the conference in passing (101st overall), with 166.5 yards/game, and LoVecchio found the Big Ten most inhospitable, tossing 9 interceptions against only 3 TDs, while completing only 53.3% of his passes. The running game was much more consistent, rating 6th in the conference (59th overall) with 155.2 yards/game. Overall, the offense averaged 321.8 yards per contest, good only for 10th in the Big Ten and 98th overall. Perhaps most telling was the platry 14.75 points/game put up by the Hoosiers, which will not win many games even if you have the Baltimore Ravens defense. On the plus side, their overall turnover margin was +3, so some improvements were made in taking care of the ball. Coach Dinardo began to put his mark on this team last season, and the team was expecting significant improvement as they upgraded their recruiting, the QB gained a valuable year of experience in the system, and virtually the entire offense returned in tact.
What started out as a promising season this year has turned to what has to be considered bitter disappointment for Dinardo and first year coordinator Steve Addazio. The passing offense has shown little improvement this season, averaging a pedestrian 178.8 yards/game (10th in conference, 88th overall). Worse yet, the running game has been stymied, averaging a paltry 128.7 yards per game, 9th in the Big Ten (82nd overall), ahead of only last week's combatants, Ohio State and Iowa. The points per game average is up to 26.8, but it hasn't been enough to put a game in the win column in conference play to date. This week's game is critical for both offenses, as each has many unanswered questions, and this game will go a long way towards determining the fate of the teams for the rest of the season (and perhaps some coaches afterwards).
LoVecchio struggled through much of last season as he adjusted to a new system and new coaches, and was considered a disappointment by many after arriving on campus from Notre Dame with much fanfare. He completed only 53.3% of his passes for 1778 yards and only 3 TDs, while tossing 9 interceptions and looking lost during some stretches last year. Matt Canada was brought in from Northern Illinois in the off-season to be Indiana's QB coach, with the hopes of increasing LoVecchio's confidence and breathing life into the moribund passing game. Though the numbers aren't much better this season, LoVecchio has demonstrated some better decision making and has improved his efficiency. He is still completing about the same percentage (53.7%) and has thrown for 1049 yards in 6 games. His ratio is much better, tossing 9 TDs already, to only 5 interceptions. His yards per attempt have also increased by 1 (6.1 to 7.1). Most descriptions of LoVecchio involve terms like "solid", as he has improved his consistency but has not demonstrated explosive ability or a game-breaking arm, and he has somewhat limited but useful mobility. He would be much more effective if the running game was better. Blake Powers is the only other QB to attempt a pass this season.
QB Rating: C
FB #34 John Pannozzo (5-11, 230)
This is perhaps one of the bigger areas disappointment this season, after a solid 2003 campaign. Green-Ellis is still the feature back, though his production has been limited. He has 450 yards and has scored 3 times, with a 3.2 yards/carry average, which is down an entire yard from last season. He has also chipped in 9 catches for 62 yards, on par with his production from last season. The real problem is with production depth at the running back position, as QB LoVecchio is second on the team in rushing with only 135 yards and one touchdown. Last season's top backup Chris Taylor has 133 yards and has scored 2 TDs. Yamar Washington, who returned after missing all of 2003 with a torn ACL, has been limited to 47 yards and a TD. Pannozzo is a solid blocker, but has no real part in the offense, carrying only 1 time for 3 yards and catching 3 passes for 27 yards.
RB Rating: C-
Wide Receivers
WR #19 Courtney Roby (6-0, 185)
WR #80 Travis Haney (6-5, 215)
The good news: Roby has been a shining bright spot this season. He led the team last season in receptions (45) and yards (504). This year, he has already surpassed last year's yardage total with 592 on an astounding 34 catches, with 5 TDs already this season. The bad news: Roby has nearly 3 times more receptions than the nearest player on the depth chart for the Hoosiers. Haney has 8 catches for 131 yards and a score. Jahkeen Gilmore has come out of nowhere to be second on the team in receptions (12), yards (144), and TDs (1). Also in the mix is David Lewis (9 for 75). The bottom line is that the Hoosier passing game is somewhat limited by the fact that they only have one true weapon at wide receiver.
WR Rating: C
Tight Ends
TE #87 Aaron Halterman (6-5, 260)
Halterman is a versatile threat, as he is an adequate blocker and has caught 2 passes for 8 yards and a score. His production is down considerably from last season, when he caught 23 balls for 230 yards. Backup Chris Rudanovic also sees plenty of action (2 catches for 18 yards and a score), giving the Hoosiers what amounts to two interchangeable players with about the same size and ability.
TE Rating: C-
Offensive Line
OT #76 Isaac Sowells (6-3, 325)
OG #75 Adam Hines (6-2, 304)
C #74 Chris Mangiero (6-1, 290)
OG #72 Chris Jahnke (6-5, 310)
OT #60 Justin Frye (6-5, 300)
A quick scan of the numbers indicates Indiana has nice size up front, and all 5 starters return from a season ago. Hines is in his third year as a starter at left guard, and Jahnke had started 24 straight games at left guard coming into the season. Sowells is probably the most talented lineman, and Mangiero grew quickly after his baptism by fire starting as a freshman last season. This unit needs to continue to develop and gel, not only for this season, but also looking to next year, as only 2 (Sowells and Jahnke) are seniors. Tackles Paul Hearn and Brandon Joyce, guards Chris Voltattorni and John Sandberg, and center Brandon Hatcher, who broke his ankle at mid-season last year, provide depth along the line.
OL Rating: C
Analysis
This is a very average offense, which has improved in some areas (scoring, passing efficiency) and regressed in others (rushing). After a promising start, Indiana has dropped 4 straight, including a heartbreaker to Northwestern in OT and a close loss to suddenly surging Michigan State. This will be a make-or-break game for both Indiana and Ohio State offensively. Both are attempting to halt conference losing streaks, and both have a lot to prove. This game will determine whether the Hoosiers can turn their fortunes around, or face a fate similar to last season, where they only managed a single conference win over Illinois. The key for them is to establish the run early, mix up the play calling, and keep talented defenses off balance. Then they can get the ball to Roby, their biggest weapon. If the running game is stuffed early, the passing game does not appear to be muti-faceted enough for the Hoosiers to win as a one dimensional team.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
There were periods of the last 2 decades where Indiana had some of the worst offenses in the history of the Big Ten. Occasionally, a player like Antwaan Randle El would come along and breathe much needed life into the program, and make the offense exciting and the team exponentially more watchable. The Hoosiers entered last season believing they had two such players, QB and Notre Dame transfer Matt LoVecchio and freshman running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Though both players showed some flashes of talent and playmaking last season, the offense was inconsistent, particularly in the passing game. Indiana was 9th in the conference in passing (101st overall), with 166.5 yards/game, and LoVecchio found the Big Ten most inhospitable, tossing 9 interceptions against only 3 TDs, while completing only 53.3% of his passes. The running game was much more consistent, rating 6th in the conference (59th overall) with 155.2 yards/game. Overall, the offense averaged 321.8 yards per contest, good only for 10th in the Big Ten and 98th overall. Perhaps most telling was the platry 14.75 points/game put up by the Hoosiers, which will not win many games even if you have the Baltimore Ravens defense. On the plus side, their overall turnover margin was +3, so some improvements were made in taking care of the ball. Coach Dinardo began to put his mark on this team last season, and the team was expecting significant improvement as they upgraded their recruiting, the QB gained a valuable year of experience in the system, and virtually the entire offense returned in tact.
What started out as a promising season this year has turned to what has to be considered bitter disappointment for Dinardo and first year coordinator Steve Addazio. The passing offense has shown little improvement this season, averaging a pedestrian 178.8 yards/game (10th in conference, 88th overall). Worse yet, the running game has been stymied, averaging a paltry 128.7 yards per game, 9th in the Big Ten (82nd overall), ahead of only last week's combatants, Ohio State and Iowa. The points per game average is up to 26.8, but it hasn't been enough to put a game in the win column in conference play to date. This week's game is critical for both offenses, as each has many unanswered questions, and this game will go a long way towards determining the fate of the teams for the rest of the season (and perhaps some coaches afterwards).
Quarterbacks
QB #10 Matt LoVecchio (6-2, 216)LoVecchio struggled through much of last season as he adjusted to a new system and new coaches, and was considered a disappointment by many after arriving on campus from Notre Dame with much fanfare. He completed only 53.3% of his passes for 1778 yards and only 3 TDs, while tossing 9 interceptions and looking lost during some stretches last year. Matt Canada was brought in from Northern Illinois in the off-season to be Indiana's QB coach, with the hopes of increasing LoVecchio's confidence and breathing life into the moribund passing game. Though the numbers aren't much better this season, LoVecchio has demonstrated some better decision making and has improved his efficiency. He is still completing about the same percentage (53.7%) and has thrown for 1049 yards in 6 games. His ratio is much better, tossing 9 TDs already, to only 5 interceptions. His yards per attempt have also increased by 1 (6.1 to 7.1). Most descriptions of LoVecchio involve terms like "solid", as he has improved his consistency but has not demonstrated explosive ability or a game-breaking arm, and he has somewhat limited but useful mobility. He would be much more effective if the running game was better. Blake Powers is the only other QB to attempt a pass this season.
QB Rating: C
Running Backs
RB #7 BenJarvus Green-Ellis (5-11, 220)FB #34 John Pannozzo (5-11, 230)
This is perhaps one of the bigger areas disappointment this season, after a solid 2003 campaign. Green-Ellis is still the feature back, though his production has been limited. He has 450 yards and has scored 3 times, with a 3.2 yards/carry average, which is down an entire yard from last season. He has also chipped in 9 catches for 62 yards, on par with his production from last season. The real problem is with production depth at the running back position, as QB LoVecchio is second on the team in rushing with only 135 yards and one touchdown. Last season's top backup Chris Taylor has 133 yards and has scored 2 TDs. Yamar Washington, who returned after missing all of 2003 with a torn ACL, has been limited to 47 yards and a TD. Pannozzo is a solid blocker, but has no real part in the offense, carrying only 1 time for 3 yards and catching 3 passes for 27 yards.
RB Rating: C-
Wide Receivers
WR #19 Courtney Roby (6-0, 185)
WR #80 Travis Haney (6-5, 215)
The good news: Roby has been a shining bright spot this season. He led the team last season in receptions (45) and yards (504). This year, he has already surpassed last year's yardage total with 592 on an astounding 34 catches, with 5 TDs already this season. The bad news: Roby has nearly 3 times more receptions than the nearest player on the depth chart for the Hoosiers. Haney has 8 catches for 131 yards and a score. Jahkeen Gilmore has come out of nowhere to be second on the team in receptions (12), yards (144), and TDs (1). Also in the mix is David Lewis (9 for 75). The bottom line is that the Hoosier passing game is somewhat limited by the fact that they only have one true weapon at wide receiver.
WR Rating: C
Tight Ends
TE #87 Aaron Halterman (6-5, 260)
Halterman is a versatile threat, as he is an adequate blocker and has caught 2 passes for 8 yards and a score. His production is down considerably from last season, when he caught 23 balls for 230 yards. Backup Chris Rudanovic also sees plenty of action (2 catches for 18 yards and a score), giving the Hoosiers what amounts to two interchangeable players with about the same size and ability.
TE Rating: C-
Offensive Line
OT #76 Isaac Sowells (6-3, 325)
OG #75 Adam Hines (6-2, 304)
C #74 Chris Mangiero (6-1, 290)
OG #72 Chris Jahnke (6-5, 310)
OT #60 Justin Frye (6-5, 300)
A quick scan of the numbers indicates Indiana has nice size up front, and all 5 starters return from a season ago. Hines is in his third year as a starter at left guard, and Jahnke had started 24 straight games at left guard coming into the season. Sowells is probably the most talented lineman, and Mangiero grew quickly after his baptism by fire starting as a freshman last season. This unit needs to continue to develop and gel, not only for this season, but also looking to next year, as only 2 (Sowells and Jahnke) are seniors. Tackles Paul Hearn and Brandon Joyce, guards Chris Voltattorni and John Sandberg, and center Brandon Hatcher, who broke his ankle at mid-season last year, provide depth along the line.
OL Rating: C
Analysis
This is a very average offense, which has improved in some areas (scoring, passing efficiency) and regressed in others (rushing). After a promising start, Indiana has dropped 4 straight, including a heartbreaker to Northwestern in OT and a close loss to suddenly surging Michigan State. This will be a make-or-break game for both Indiana and Ohio State offensively. Both are attempting to halt conference losing streaks, and both have a lot to prove. This game will determine whether the Hoosiers can turn their fortunes around, or face a fate similar to last season, where they only managed a single conference win over Illinois. The key for them is to establish the run early, mix up the play calling, and keep talented defenses off balance. Then they can get the ball to Roby, their biggest weapon. If the running game is stuffed early, the passing game does not appear to be muti-faceted enough for the Hoosiers to win as a one dimensional team.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 9
Indiana brings the worst defense in the Big Ten to Columbus according to total defense, with them surrendering 460 yards per game. They are second to last in scoring defense giving up 30 points per game. Indiana is currently 3rd to last in passing defense (259 YPG) and 2nd to last in rushing offense (201 YPG). They are respectable in sacks with a total of 12, which is good enough for 5th in the Big Ten. Indiana has also been pretty tough in the redzone with their opponents only converting 72% of the time, this puts them at 4th in the Big Ten.
Defensive Line
LE: 94 Victor Adeyanju (6-4 270 Jr.)
LT: 56 Jodie Clemons (6-2 276 Sr.)
RT: 94 Martin Lapostolle (6-2 280 Sr.)
RE: 94 Kenny Kendal (6-3 250 Soph)
Indiana is led up front by junior Victor Adeyaniu. Adeyaniu has put up the best numbers along the defensive line (not by much) with 17 total tackles, including 5 for loss and 2 sacks. He also has forced 2 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles and batted down 2 passes. Right behind Adeyaniu is the other end Kenny Kendal, who pretty much mirrors Adeyaniu statistically. Kendal has been credited with 16 tackles, 5 for loss, and 2 sacks through 6 games. He has also hurried the QB 3 times, and forced 2 fumbles.
On the interior of the defensive line Indiana features 2 seniors. The best of the two is Jodie Clemons. Clemons has 7 tackles on the season, with 3 being for loss, and 2 being a sack. The other interior spot is held down by Martin Lapostolle. Lapostolle has 8 total tackles this season, including 1.5 for loss, and also has hurried the QB 2 times.
NOTE TO THE OHIO STATE COACHING STAFF. Indiana is very small up front, with their biggest guy being 280 pounds. They have given up an average of 200 yards per game on the ground. The leading tackler has 17 on the season. Do you see a trend here? If we cannot run the ball this week, I will personally drive to practice so I can put my foot up Bollman’s ass (note: Daddy’s views do not necessarily reflect the owners or administrators of Buckeyeplanet).
DL Rating: D-
Linebackers
OLB: 6 Paul Szczesny (6-0 240 Jr.)
MLB: 43 Kyle Killion (6-0 230 Jr.)
OLB: 46 Jake Powers (6-1 220 Soph.)
If there is a strong spot for the Indiana defense it certainly lies in the linebacking unit. Indiana is led by All-Big Ten candidate Kyle Killion. Killion is having an absolutely fantastic season from his middle backer spot. The junior leads Indiana (4th in the Big Ten) with 66 total tackles, including 10.5 (2nd in Big Ten) tackles for loss, and 3 sacks (3rd in Big Ten). Killion has also forced 2 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles, hurried the QB 3 times, and picked off a pass. Needless to say this guy is an absolute stud, and will be all over the field on Saturday. He is the lone star on this Indiana defense.
On the outside Indiana is led by junior Paul Szczesny. Szczesny (try saying that 3 times fast) is 3rd on the team in total tackles with 55, including 1 for loss. Szczesny has also broken up 3 passes this season. The other outside backer for the Hoosiers is filled by sophomore Jake (don’t call me Max) Powers. Much like the interior of the DL, there is a considerable drop off in last LB slot. Powers has 17 tackles on the season to date, and also has broken up 2 passes. In addition, he has forced a recovered a fumble.
The Indiana linebackers are certainly more consistent than the defensive line. Again, size does become a factor for Indiana at this position. Killion is the real deal in the middle for the Hoosiers, and offers some big play ability for a defense that lacks this ability. Of the 3 units, this is Indiana’s strong point, mostly because of the play of Killion.
LB Rating: C+
Secondary
CB: 8 Buster Larkins (5-11 185 Jr.)
SS: 4 Will Lumpkin (5-10 200 Jr.)
FS: 21 Herana-Daze Jones (5-11 205 Sr.)
CB: 36 Tracy Porter (5-11 195 Fr.)
The Indiana secondary is led by freshman, and Dayton native Tracy Porter. Porter is currently leading the team, and tied for the Big Ten lead with 3 total interceptions up to this point in the season, with one of those interceptions going for a touchdown. In addition to his 3 picks, he has 20 total tackles and has been credited with 5 pass breakups. Porter has very good speed and sits on a good frame for a freshman, he will test the struggling Ohio State passing game. The other corner position will be manned by junior Buster Larkins. Larkins has also been a thief for the Hoosiers, picking off 2 passes (tied for 2nd in the Big Ten), and breaking up 3 more. Larkins is also solid in run support with a total of 31 tackles, he also has recovered a fumble.
At safety Indiana is led by senior Herana (put your ass in a) Daze-Jones. Jones is having a productive season by piling up 58 tackles (4th in Big Ten, 2nd on team), and picking off 2 passes. He also has been credited with 2 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Needless to say, Jones is a very valuable player for the Hoosiers, he also provides great leadership with him being the only senior back deep. There is a considerable drop off at the other safety spot for the Hoosiers. Will (don’t call me John) Lumpkin gets the nod at the other slot. Lumpkin has totaled 15 tackles this season.
All in all the Indiana secondary has some playmakers back deep. They have put up some gawdy stats for the most part, but have lacked the ability to stop people from moving the ball, which is the anecdote for trouble. When your safety and corner are two of the top tacklers in the league you know that you have some defensive issues.
DB Rating: C
Analysis
Indiana brings a pretty bad defense into Columbus this week. The glaring weakness is along the defensive line, where Indiana is pretty under sized and unproductive. Many of the big plays have come from the linebackers and the secondary. If Ohio State does not pound the ball down Indiana’s throat this week we are in a lot of trouble. There is simply no excuse for the way that the OSU offensive line has come along to this point this season, they have actually regressed. If Ohio State does not put up over 300 yards against this Indiana defense they might not see a bowl game this season. I’ve said over and over it’s gut check time in Columbus, this OSU team has got to stop the bleeding and make some positive strides somewhere on offense.
Overall Defensive Rating: C-
Indiana brings the worst defense in the Big Ten to Columbus according to total defense, with them surrendering 460 yards per game. They are second to last in scoring defense giving up 30 points per game. Indiana is currently 3rd to last in passing defense (259 YPG) and 2nd to last in rushing offense (201 YPG). They are respectable in sacks with a total of 12, which is good enough for 5th in the Big Ten. Indiana has also been pretty tough in the redzone with their opponents only converting 72% of the time, this puts them at 4th in the Big Ten.
Defensive Line
LE: 94 Victor Adeyanju (6-4 270 Jr.)
LT: 56 Jodie Clemons (6-2 276 Sr.)
RT: 94 Martin Lapostolle (6-2 280 Sr.)
RE: 94 Kenny Kendal (6-3 250 Soph)
Indiana is led up front by junior Victor Adeyaniu. Adeyaniu has put up the best numbers along the defensive line (not by much) with 17 total tackles, including 5 for loss and 2 sacks. He also has forced 2 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles and batted down 2 passes. Right behind Adeyaniu is the other end Kenny Kendal, who pretty much mirrors Adeyaniu statistically. Kendal has been credited with 16 tackles, 5 for loss, and 2 sacks through 6 games. He has also hurried the QB 3 times, and forced 2 fumbles.
On the interior of the defensive line Indiana features 2 seniors. The best of the two is Jodie Clemons. Clemons has 7 tackles on the season, with 3 being for loss, and 2 being a sack. The other interior spot is held down by Martin Lapostolle. Lapostolle has 8 total tackles this season, including 1.5 for loss, and also has hurried the QB 2 times.
NOTE TO THE OHIO STATE COACHING STAFF. Indiana is very small up front, with their biggest guy being 280 pounds. They have given up an average of 200 yards per game on the ground. The leading tackler has 17 on the season. Do you see a trend here? If we cannot run the ball this week, I will personally drive to practice so I can put my foot up Bollman’s ass (note: Daddy’s views do not necessarily reflect the owners or administrators of Buckeyeplanet).
DL Rating: D-
Linebackers
OLB: 6 Paul Szczesny (6-0 240 Jr.)
MLB: 43 Kyle Killion (6-0 230 Jr.)
OLB: 46 Jake Powers (6-1 220 Soph.)
If there is a strong spot for the Indiana defense it certainly lies in the linebacking unit. Indiana is led by All-Big Ten candidate Kyle Killion. Killion is having an absolutely fantastic season from his middle backer spot. The junior leads Indiana (4th in the Big Ten) with 66 total tackles, including 10.5 (2nd in Big Ten) tackles for loss, and 3 sacks (3rd in Big Ten). Killion has also forced 2 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles, hurried the QB 3 times, and picked off a pass. Needless to say this guy is an absolute stud, and will be all over the field on Saturday. He is the lone star on this Indiana defense.
On the outside Indiana is led by junior Paul Szczesny. Szczesny (try saying that 3 times fast) is 3rd on the team in total tackles with 55, including 1 for loss. Szczesny has also broken up 3 passes this season. The other outside backer for the Hoosiers is filled by sophomore Jake (don’t call me Max) Powers. Much like the interior of the DL, there is a considerable drop off in last LB slot. Powers has 17 tackles on the season to date, and also has broken up 2 passes. In addition, he has forced a recovered a fumble.
The Indiana linebackers are certainly more consistent than the defensive line. Again, size does become a factor for Indiana at this position. Killion is the real deal in the middle for the Hoosiers, and offers some big play ability for a defense that lacks this ability. Of the 3 units, this is Indiana’s strong point, mostly because of the play of Killion.
LB Rating: C+
Secondary
CB: 8 Buster Larkins (5-11 185 Jr.)
SS: 4 Will Lumpkin (5-10 200 Jr.)
FS: 21 Herana-Daze Jones (5-11 205 Sr.)
CB: 36 Tracy Porter (5-11 195 Fr.)
The Indiana secondary is led by freshman, and Dayton native Tracy Porter. Porter is currently leading the team, and tied for the Big Ten lead with 3 total interceptions up to this point in the season, with one of those interceptions going for a touchdown. In addition to his 3 picks, he has 20 total tackles and has been credited with 5 pass breakups. Porter has very good speed and sits on a good frame for a freshman, he will test the struggling Ohio State passing game. The other corner position will be manned by junior Buster Larkins. Larkins has also been a thief for the Hoosiers, picking off 2 passes (tied for 2nd in the Big Ten), and breaking up 3 more. Larkins is also solid in run support with a total of 31 tackles, he also has recovered a fumble.
At safety Indiana is led by senior Herana (put your ass in a) Daze-Jones. Jones is having a productive season by piling up 58 tackles (4th in Big Ten, 2nd on team), and picking off 2 passes. He also has been credited with 2 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Needless to say, Jones is a very valuable player for the Hoosiers, he also provides great leadership with him being the only senior back deep. There is a considerable drop off at the other safety spot for the Hoosiers. Will (don’t call me John) Lumpkin gets the nod at the other slot. Lumpkin has totaled 15 tackles this season.
All in all the Indiana secondary has some playmakers back deep. They have put up some gawdy stats for the most part, but have lacked the ability to stop people from moving the ball, which is the anecdote for trouble. When your safety and corner are two of the top tacklers in the league you know that you have some defensive issues.
DB Rating: C
Analysis
Indiana brings a pretty bad defense into Columbus this week. The glaring weakness is along the defensive line, where Indiana is pretty under sized and unproductive. Many of the big plays have come from the linebackers and the secondary. If Ohio State does not pound the ball down Indiana’s throat this week we are in a lot of trouble. There is simply no excuse for the way that the OSU offensive line has come along to this point this season, they have actually regressed. If Ohio State does not put up over 300 yards against this Indiana defense they might not see a bowl game this season. I’ve said over and over it’s gut check time in Columbus, this OSU team has got to stop the bleeding and make some positive strides somewhere on offense.
Overall Defensive Rating: C-
Indiana Hoosiers Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 3
Indiana's football team, if it can be said to have a bright spot, has its Special Teams. Indiana returns both their punter and top kick returner from last season's squad, and their starting place kicker is a 6th year senior who had started up until missing the last two seasons with a knee injury. Their return game is exceptional, especially on kick-off returns.
Special Teams
P: 44 Tyson Beattie (6'1" 200 So.)
K: 28 Adam Braucher (5'7" 191 Sr.)
KR: 3 Lance Bennett (5'5" 165 So.)
A telling statistic concerning Indiana's offensive prowess: While kicking the ball off only 14 times, they have punted 38. They do an excellent job in kick coverage, however, allowing only a 20.6 ypr on kick-offs, and 9.0 ypr on punts. Sophomore punter Tyson Beattie returns after starting last year as a freshman, and is averaging 40.9 ypp in 38 punts, with a long of 57 yards. He has only had one touchback, but has dropped 10 inside the 20. His net average is 35.6, so their punt coverage is excellent.
Sixth year senior place kicker Adam Braucher returns after missing the last two years due to injury. He handles FG's, PAT's, and kickoffs. So far this year he is 6 for 7 in field goal attempts, but his long is only 39 yards. He is 13 out of 15 on PAT's.
Sophomore standout returner Lance Bennett appears to be carrying the majority of the returns, handling both punt and kick-off returns. He has returned one of each for a TD, with a 94 yard punt return and a 98 yard kick-off return. He is averaging 10.2 ypr on punts, and 31.0 ypr on kicks. Courtney Clency deserves a mention as well, as he has returned only one punt so far this year, but it went for 71 yards.
Analysis
While having an outstanding return game, Indiana's special teams coverage has been good as well. They have yet to allow a kick to be returned for a TD, although they did allow a 97 yard return earlier in the season (but it did not go for a score). They have only attempted 7 field goals so far this year, but their punter has been very effective at pinning their opponents deep in their own territory.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Indiana's football team, if it can be said to have a bright spot, has its Special Teams. Indiana returns both their punter and top kick returner from last season's squad, and their starting place kicker is a 6th year senior who had started up until missing the last two seasons with a knee injury. Their return game is exceptional, especially on kick-off returns.
Special Teams
P: 44 Tyson Beattie (6'1" 200 So.)
K: 28 Adam Braucher (5'7" 191 Sr.)
KR: 3 Lance Bennett (5'5" 165 So.)
A telling statistic concerning Indiana's offensive prowess: While kicking the ball off only 14 times, they have punted 38. They do an excellent job in kick coverage, however, allowing only a 20.6 ypr on kick-offs, and 9.0 ypr on punts. Sophomore punter Tyson Beattie returns after starting last year as a freshman, and is averaging 40.9 ypp in 38 punts, with a long of 57 yards. He has only had one touchback, but has dropped 10 inside the 20. His net average is 35.6, so their punt coverage is excellent.
Sixth year senior place kicker Adam Braucher returns after missing the last two years due to injury. He handles FG's, PAT's, and kickoffs. So far this year he is 6 for 7 in field goal attempts, but his long is only 39 yards. He is 13 out of 15 on PAT's.
Sophomore standout returner Lance Bennett appears to be carrying the majority of the returns, handling both punt and kick-off returns. He has returned one of each for a TD, with a 94 yard punt return and a 98 yard kick-off return. He is averaging 10.2 ypr on punts, and 31.0 ypr on kicks. Courtney Clency deserves a mention as well, as he has returned only one punt so far this year, but it went for 71 yards.
Analysis
While having an outstanding return game, Indiana's special teams coverage has been good as well. They have yet to allow a kick to be returned for a TD, although they did allow a 97 yard return earlier in the season (but it did not go for a score). They have only attempted 7 field goals so far this year, but their punter has been very effective at pinning their opponents deep in their own territory.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Predictions
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 24-13, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 17-10, Ohio State
vrbryant's prediction: 6-4, Ohio State
Additional Information
Rebuild or Reload
Starters Returning: 21 (Offense 10, Defense 9, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Returning: 50 (Offense 22, Defense 24, Special Teams 4)
Letterman Lost: 8 (Offense 3, Defense 5, Special Teams 0)
Incoming Recruits:
Letterman Returning: 50 (Offense 22, Defense 24, Special Teams 4)
Letterman Lost: 8 (Offense 3, Defense 5, Special Teams 0)
Incoming Recruits:
Jim Jadron (OL 6-5 280 Joliet, Ill. (Joliet Catholic) Mike Marvis (LB 6-2 230 Hempfield, Penn. (Hemp. Area)
James Bailey (WR 6-4 185 Detroit, Mich. (Denby)
Chad Baldwin (LB 6-6 265 Yorktown, Ind. (Yorktown)
Greg Brown (DL 6-3 290 Centerville, Ohio (Fork Union)
Rayshun Calhoun (DB 5-10 180 Atlanta, Ga. (Douglass)
Sean Edmundson (OL 6-5 255 Greenwood, Ind. (Center Grove)
Grant Gregory (QB 6-1 200 The Plains, Ohio (Athens)
James Hardy (WR 6-6 185 Ft. Wayne, Ind. (Elmhurst)
Kenny Love, Jr. (DT 6-3 275 Pennington, N.J. (Penn. Sch.)
Leslie Majors (DB 5-10 160 Harvey, Ill. (Thornwood)
Ryan Marando (LB 6-3 225 Lakewood, Ohio (St. Edward's)
Matt Moses (OL 6-3 280 Columbus, Ind. (North)
Brandon Mosley (S 5-11 185 Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville)
Chris Phillips (CB 6-1 185 Atlanta, Ga. (Booker T. Wash)
Isaac Price (WR 6-4 195 Southfield, Mich. (Southfield)
DeWayne Roland (OT 6-4 280 Southfield, Mich. (Lathrop Vill)
Marcus Thigpen (Ath. 5-10 180 Detroit, Mich. (Mumford)
Kyle Thomas (DE 6-4 245 Bloomington, Ind. (North)
Brian Tracz (LB 6-2 234 Phil, Penn. (St. Joseph)
Mike Vlahogeorge (QB 6-4 220 Lafayette, Ind. (Jefferson)
Greg Weeks (FB 6-1 215 Sarasota, Fla. (Booker)
James Bailey (WR 6-4 185 Detroit, Mich. (Denby)
Chad Baldwin (LB 6-6 265 Yorktown, Ind. (Yorktown)
Greg Brown (DL 6-3 290 Centerville, Ohio (Fork Union)
Rayshun Calhoun (DB 5-10 180 Atlanta, Ga. (Douglass)
Sean Edmundson (OL 6-5 255 Greenwood, Ind. (Center Grove)
Grant Gregory (QB 6-1 200 The Plains, Ohio (Athens)
James Hardy (WR 6-6 185 Ft. Wayne, Ind. (Elmhurst)
Kenny Love, Jr. (DT 6-3 275 Pennington, N.J. (Penn. Sch.)
Leslie Majors (DB 5-10 160 Harvey, Ill. (Thornwood)
Ryan Marando (LB 6-3 225 Lakewood, Ohio (St. Edward's)
Matt Moses (OL 6-3 280 Columbus, Ind. (North)
Brandon Mosley (S 5-11 185 Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville)
Chris Phillips (CB 6-1 185 Atlanta, Ga. (Booker T. Wash)
Isaac Price (WR 6-4 195 Southfield, Mich. (Southfield)
DeWayne Roland (OT 6-4 280 Southfield, Mich. (Lathrop Vill)
Marcus Thigpen (Ath. 5-10 180 Detroit, Mich. (Mumford)
Kyle Thomas (DE 6-4 245 Bloomington, Ind. (North)
Brian Tracz (LB 6-2 234 Phil, Penn. (St. Joseph)
Mike Vlahogeorge (QB 6-4 220 Lafayette, Ind. (Jefferson)
Greg Weeks (FB 6-1 215 Sarasota, Fla. (Booker)
Awards & Recognition
Preseason-Conference
2004 BigTen Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Michigan (10).........120
2 Ohio State (1).........103
3. Wisconsin...............88
4. Iowa.......................84
5. Minnesota...............81
6. Purdue....................69
7. Penn State.............59
8. Michigan State........48
9 Northwestern..........36
10. Illinois...................26
11. Indiana.................12
BigTen-Conference Awards
Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year
LB - A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
Pre-Season Offensive Player of the Year
QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
Big Ten Player of the Week Honors
Sept. 6, 2004 (Week 1)
OFFENSE: QB - Brett Basanez, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Chad Greenway, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P - Rhys Lloyd, Minnesota
Sept. 13, 2004 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: S - Herana-Daze Jones, Indiana
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & PR - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Sept. 20, 2004 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: RB - Marion Barber III, Minnesota
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State
Sept. 27, 2004 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Oct. 4, 2004 (Week 5)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue & RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - John Pickens, Northwestern
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Jerome Brooks, Purdue
Oct. 11, 2004 (Week 6)
OFFENSE: RB - Noah Herron, Northwestern
DEFENSE: S - Ernest Shazor, Michigan
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & K - Ben Jones, Purdue
Oct. 18, 2004 (Week 7)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Drew Tate, Iowa & QB Drew Stanton, Michigan State
DEFENSE: CB - Scott Starks, Wisconsin
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Kyle Schlicher, Iowa & K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Preseason-National
Davey O'Brien Watch List
QB - Matt LoVecchio, Indiana
2004 BigTen Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Michigan (10).........120
2 Ohio State (1).........103
3. Wisconsin...............88
4. Iowa.......................84
5. Minnesota...............81
6. Purdue....................69
7. Penn State.............59
8. Michigan State........48
9 Northwestern..........36
10. Illinois...................26
11. Indiana.................12
BigTen-Conference Awards
Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year
LB - A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
Pre-Season Offensive Player of the Year
QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
Big Ten Player of the Week Honors
Sept. 6, 2004 (Week 1)
OFFENSE: QB - Brett Basanez, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Chad Greenway, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P - Rhys Lloyd, Minnesota
Sept. 13, 2004 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: S - Herana-Daze Jones, Indiana
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & PR - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Sept. 20, 2004 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: RB - Marion Barber III, Minnesota
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State
Sept. 27, 2004 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Oct. 4, 2004 (Week 5)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue & RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - John Pickens, Northwestern
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Jerome Brooks, Purdue
Oct. 11, 2004 (Week 6)
OFFENSE: RB - Noah Herron, Northwestern
DEFENSE: S - Ernest Shazor, Michigan
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & K - Ben Jones, Purdue
Oct. 18, 2004 (Week 7)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Drew Tate, Iowa & QB Drew Stanton, Michigan State
DEFENSE: CB - Scott Starks, Wisconsin
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Kyle Schlicher, Iowa & K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Preseason-National
Davey O'Brien Watch List
QB - Matt LoVecchio, Indiana
Historical Data
Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) Founded in 1820
Football 1st Season: 1887
Stadium: Memorial (1960) 52,180
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1900
Colors: Cream and Crimson
Mascot: None
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 2 total, 1 Big Ten Championship in 1945, 1 Co-Championship in 1967
Head Coach: Gerry DiNardo has made a career of rebuilding football programs. Gerry was born November 10, 1952 and graduated from Notre Dame in 1974. A three year starter at right guard for Ara Pareseghian, DiNardo won a National Championship in 1973 and was an All American in 1974. Gerry has been an assistant coach at Maine, Easter Michigan and Colorado (where he won another National Championship). He then went on the become head coach at Vanderbilt followed by LSU and finally Indianna. He was named Assistant Coach of the Year while at Colorado and SEC Coach of the Year at Vanderbilt.
Consensus All-Americans: 6
College Hall-of-Famers: 5
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 1
Award Winners: 1 Maxwell Trophy, 1 Walter Camp POY, 3 AFCA Coach of the Years, 1 Eddie Robinson COY, 1 Paul Bear Bryant COY
National Championships: None
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-5 years, Coaches-4 years
Stadium: Memorial (1960) 52,180
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1900
Colors: Cream and Crimson
Mascot: None
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 2 total, 1 Big Ten Championship in 1945, 1 Co-Championship in 1967
Head Coach: Gerry DiNardo has made a career of rebuilding football programs. Gerry was born November 10, 1952 and graduated from Notre Dame in 1974. A three year starter at right guard for Ara Pareseghian, DiNardo won a National Championship in 1973 and was an All American in 1974. Gerry has been an assistant coach at Maine, Easter Michigan and Colorado (where he won another National Championship). He then went on the become head coach at Vanderbilt followed by LSU and finally Indianna. He was named Assistant Coach of the Year while at Colorado and SEC Coach of the Year at Vanderbilt.
Consensus All-Americans: 6
College Hall-of-Famers: 5
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 1
Award Winners: 1 Maxwell Trophy, 1 Walter Camp POY, 3 AFCA Coach of the Years, 1 Eddie Robinson COY, 1 Paul Bear Bryant COY
National Championships: None
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-5 years, Coaches-4 years
Records
All Time: 392-542-38 (.423) - [CFDW lists this at 417-565-44 (.428)]
Home 256-205-15 (.554), Away 132-328-22 (.297), Neutral 4-9-1 (.321)
Bowl Games: 3-5-0 (.375), most recently a loss to Virginia Tech (1993) in the Independence Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 184-413-24 (.316)
All Time vs Ohio State: 12-62-5 (.184), Last win against the Buckeyes was in 1988 at home (Memorial Stadium). Indiana has only beaten the Bucks 2 times since 1951.
Last Season: Indiana finished 2-10-0 (.166)
L - Connecticut
L - Washington
W - Indiana State
L - Kentucky
L - Michigan
L - Michigan State
L - Northwestern
L - Ohio State
L - Minnesota
W - Illinois
L - Penn State
L - Purdue
Last 5 Years: 17-40-0 (.298)
Last 10 Years: 34-78-0 (.304)
Home 256-205-15 (.554), Away 132-328-22 (.297), Neutral 4-9-1 (.321)
Bowl Games: 3-5-0 (.375), most recently a loss to Virginia Tech (1993) in the Independence Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 184-413-24 (.316)
All Time vs Ohio State: 12-62-5 (.184), Last win against the Buckeyes was in 1988 at home (Memorial Stadium). Indiana has only beaten the Bucks 2 times since 1951.
Last Season: Indiana finished 2-10-0 (.166)
L - Connecticut
L - Washington
W - Indiana State
L - Kentucky
L - Michigan
L - Michigan State
L - Northwestern
L - Ohio State
L - Minnesota
W - Illinois
L - Penn State
L - Purdue
Last 5 Years: 17-40-0 (.298)
Last 10 Years: 34-78-0 (.304)
Links
Official Sites:
Official School Site - Indiana University Student Newspaper - Indiana Daily Student (IDS)
Official Athletic Site - IU Hoosiers
Previews/Breakdowns:
NCAA Football Preview - Indianna Hoosiers - Sports Network
Hoosiers Ho-Hum....Again - The Ozone
Indiana 2004 Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
Prospectus:
Prospectus/Media Guide - IU Hoosiers (Multiple PDF files are linked on this page as the 2004 Media Guide)
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Indianapolis Star - Local News
Herald Times - Local News
Official Athletic Site - IU Hoosiers
Previews/Breakdowns:
NCAA Football Preview - Indianna Hoosiers - Sports Network
Hoosiers Ho-Hum....Again - The Ozone
Indiana 2004 Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
Indiana 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
Prospectus:
Prospectus/Media Guide - IU Hoosiers (Multiple PDF files are linked on this page as the 2004 Media Guide)
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Indianapolis Star - Local News
Herald Times - Local News
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
Two Cousins College Football Emporium - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data [/QUOTE]__________________
