2011 Indiana Hoosiers Game Preview
Preface
The last two game results gave frustrated Buckeye fans something to cheer about, but they were also a unique accomplishment: it was the first time in school history that an unranked Ohio State team defeated two consecutive ranked teams. And now four November wins, plus an additional Penn State loss to a non-Buckeye opponent, will place tOSU in the inaugural B1G Conference Championship Game.
The Buckeyes are 293-133-20 (.679) all-time in November, including 3 wins from last season that have been vacated. They have won 19 of their last 20 games played in November, dating back to the 37-21 victory over TSUN in 2004, which was exactly (2900-plus-whatever-day-this-is-in-November) days ago.
Looking forward to this week's matchup with the Hoosiers, Ohio State leads the all-time series with Indiana 67-12-5 and has a 43-10-4 edge when the two teams play in Columbus. The two teams did not play in 2007 or 2008 due to the Big Ten schedule rotation.
The Buckeyes have won 16 straight from the Hoosiers since a 27-27 tie in Bloomington in 1990. The most recent Hoosier win was a 41-7 game in 1988 in Bloomington that represents the most lopsided setback for Ohio State in the 110-year-old series (first played in 1901). The Buckeyes have put together several winning streaks during the series, the longest of which was a 23-game stretch between 1960 and 1986.
Head coach Kevin Wilson is in his first season with Indiana. He was an assistant at Miami of Ohio under Randy Walker and followed him to Evanston in 1999. After 3 years at Northwestern, Wilson was on Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma from 2002-2010, and was their Offensive Coordinator when Sam Bradford won the Heisman.
Bill Lynch was the previous Hoosier coach. In his first season in 2007, Lynch led the Hoosiers to a 7-6 record and a trip to the Insight Bowl. He is the only head coach in Hoosier history to guide a team to a bowl game in his debut season.
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. They were coached by John Pont, who had played halfback at Miami, OH under Woody Hayes in 1949-50.
They beat tOSU 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.
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, including a 1-0 mark against Florida - a game played in 1916.
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 7-6 lead against Woody's team in 1976.
When tOSU traveled to Bloomington in 2005, they had a 1-5 record in their previous six Big-10 road games. In that 2005 game, Ted Ginn, Jr. had a kickoff return called back for a penalty well behind the play as he was approaching the goal line; later in the game he did score on a punt return TD. That game started a winning streak in Big Ten road games that reached 16, the highest ever mark for Ohio State, and 1 short of the conference record.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Indiana. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeThe Buckeyes are 293-133-20 (.679) all-time in November, including 3 wins from last season that have been vacated. They have won 19 of their last 20 games played in November, dating back to the 37-21 victory over TSUN in 2004, which was exactly (2900-plus-whatever-day-this-is-in-November) days ago.
Looking forward to this week's matchup with the Hoosiers, Ohio State leads the all-time series with Indiana 67-12-5 and has a 43-10-4 edge when the two teams play in Columbus. The two teams did not play in 2007 or 2008 due to the Big Ten schedule rotation.
The Buckeyes have won 16 straight from the Hoosiers since a 27-27 tie in Bloomington in 1990. The most recent Hoosier win was a 41-7 game in 1988 in Bloomington that represents the most lopsided setback for Ohio State in the 110-year-old series (first played in 1901). The Buckeyes have put together several winning streaks during the series, the longest of which was a 23-game stretch between 1960 and 1986.
Head coach Kevin Wilson is in his first season with Indiana. He was an assistant at Miami of Ohio under Randy Walker and followed him to Evanston in 1999. After 3 years at Northwestern, Wilson was on Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma from 2002-2010, and was their Offensive Coordinator when Sam Bradford won the Heisman.
Bill Lynch was the previous Hoosier coach. In his first season in 2007, Lynch led the Hoosiers to a 7-6 record and a trip to the Insight Bowl. He is the only head coach in Hoosier history to guide a team to a bowl game in his debut season.
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. They were coached by John Pont, who had played halfback at Miami, OH under Woody Hayes in 1949-50.
They beat tOSU 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.
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, including a 1-0 mark against Florida - a game played in 1916.
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 7-6 lead against Woody's team in 1976.
When tOSU traveled to Bloomington in 2005, they had a 1-5 record in their previous six Big-10 road games. In that 2005 game, Ted Ginn, Jr. had a kickoff return called back for a penalty well behind the play as he was approaching the goal line; later in the game he did score on a punt return TD. That game started a winning streak in Big Ten road games that reached 16, the highest ever mark for Ohio State, and 1 short of the conference record.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Indiana. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Nick Swisher will be recognized at halftime for his generosity to the tOSU baseball program.
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Nick Swisher will be recognized at halftime for his generosity to the tOSU baseball program.
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: BTN: Tom Hart (play-by-play), Derek Rackley (analysis), and Lisa Byington (sideline)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline). The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio channel 128 and XM channel 196.
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Offensive Preview
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Offensive Preview
After compiling 2 impressive and season-defining wins, the Buckeyes next welcome the struggling Indiana Hoosiers. A compelling question entering the game might be "Oh, Coach Kevin Wilson, what have you done to yourself?". Wilson spent the last several seasons overseeing the high-powered Oklahoma offense and was the recipient of the prestigious Broyles Award in 2008. He is a high energy, offensive-minded coach with a good mind for the game. His career choice, however, might be open to scrutiny after this season. It's hard to know if he realized just how bad the Hoosiers were before he arrived in Bloomington, but it must have become quickly clear the he didn't have to reload, he didn't have to rebuild, but rather he had to overhaul, not only the roster, but also the culture of the program. He inherited a team that actually put up some good offensive numbers in recent seasons, but a program with just one winning record (7-6 at that) since 1994 at the end of the Bill Mallory era. The Indiana program has had some big coaching names in its past...John Pont, Lee Corso, Sam Wyche, Bill Mallory, Cam Cameron, Gerry DiNardo...but they've never been able to sustain any level of success for more than a season or two, and they've never broken through as a true B1G contender. As evidence, look no further than this: in the last half century (since 1960), Indiana has lost less than 4 games a grand total of...twice, going 9-2 in 1967 and 8-3-1 in 1988. Wilson has begun the overhaul, starting a lot of different combinations and dismissing his top receiver, and quite frankly top offensive player, Damarlo Belcher, from the program 3 receptions short of becoming the program's all-time leader. Clearly he is putting his own stamp on the program...whether that translates to the field or not will not be determined this season, but will take a few recruiting classes to figure out.
Unfortunately they can't wait for those new classes to come in before they play any more games, because the Hoosier offense has been poor all season on the way to a 1-8 start. The Hoosiers rank 75th nationally with just 378.0 yards per contest, though that is still ahead of fellow B1G members Purdue and Penn State. The running game has been respectable, averaging 163.6 YPG (54th), and the passing game has been below average at just 229.2 YPG (72nd). Not many of those yards are translating into points either, as they rank 89th nationally at just 23.2 points per game. The QBs (and there have been 3) have taken too many sacks (23) and tossed a few too many INTs (7) for a team that has trouble moving the ball and their cumulative rating of 115.7 ranks a deplorable 96th. They have generated quite a few first downs (189) but are moving the chains on 3rd down at just 40.0%, ranking 53rd. There is no one thing that the Indiana offense is terrible at doing, but there really isn't anything they can turn to in time of need either, and their defense has been bad enough that a mediocre offense can't keep up. The bottom line is Ohio State just beat a Wisconsin team that crushed the Hoosiers 59-7. Any hopes of keeping pace with the Buckeyes will require the offense to control the ball and overachieve.
Quarterbacks
QB #5 Tre Robertson (6-0, 184, FR, Lawrence Central HS, Indianapolis, IN)
It would be difficult to characterize the Hoosier QB situation as anything other than a mess. After Ben Chappell finished his career with 3295 yards and 24 TDs last season, Indiana has used 3 different starting QBs this year, with little success. Last year's primary backup, sophomore Edward Wright-Baker (#7) began the year at the top of the chart, starting the first 4 games. Fellow sophomore Dusty Kiel (#8), who also played sparingly last season, started the first 2 games of conference play before Wright-Baker replaced him again for the disaster in Wisconsin. Since then, Robertson has been at the helm for the previous 2 contests, partly due to injuries to the previous 2 starters and partly because of performance metrics. He replaced Kiel in the Illinois game (11 of 17, 148 yards) and then played pretty well in his 2 starts against Iowa (16 of 24, 197, TD) and Northwestern (14 of 26, 169, TD, INT) the previous 2 weeks. He also brings the dual threat into play, as he is the team's second leading rusher after strong performances on the ground against Iowa (16 carries, 84 yards) and Northwestern (22 carries, 121 yards, TD). Given his ability to run and adequate throwing numbers, he seems to give the Hoosiers the best chance to win, and is likely their QB of the future. He is still taking his lumps now, however, and running into an Ohio State defense riding an emotional 2 game winning streak might not be the best thing for his confidence.
Wright-Baker is the primary backup this week, and can still run the offense if necessary. He has thrown for almost 1000 yards, with 4 TDs and 4 INTs. He lost his starting job after the embarrassing loss to North Texas, and lost it again after being demolished by Wisconsin. Injuries have also played a part and those defeats certainly don't lay exclusively at his feet, but against better competition he struggled to move the ball this year. He is also not the running threat that Roberson is. After his performance at Wisconsin (6 of 15, 54 yards, 2 INTs) it would be surprising to see him regain the starting role. The Kiel experiment also didn't work, as he played OK against Penn State (22 of 45, 184 yards, TD, INT) but was awful the next week against Illinois (6 of 19, 71 yards) and hasn't seen the field since.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana QB versus OSU QB
Robertson: 43/72 (59.7%), 524 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 124.5 rating; 62/267, 2 TDs
Miller: 33/63 (52.4%), 492 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs, 143.1 rating; 80/342, 2 TDs
Roberson has shown some flashes over the past 2 weeks that he might be the man to lead this offense going forward. Coach Wilson needs playmakers, and with his ability to run and throw on the run, he is a work in progress but has shown some dynamic ability. He just needs quite a bit more game experience. Speaking of experience, no one has seemingly benefited from the return of Dan Herron as much as Miller has, as the solid running game has opened some things up for Miller running and throwing the ball downfield. Both of these young QBs are still finding their way around the college field, but Miller had a breakout game of sorts against Wisconsin and has been able to move the offense effectively the past 2 weeks, though Herron has done the bulk of the heavy lifting. Both teams have backups with experience, but neither has any that match the quality of the starters.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #12 Stephen Houston (6-0, 228, SO, Lakota West (OH) HS, Little Rock, AR)
The tailback position, like the QB situation, has also featured 3 different starters in the first 9 games. Houston has started the last 5 and seems to have a firm grip on the job. He is a strong and powerful bowling ball of a runner who has really picked up his production in the past 3 weeks, putting up good numbers against Wisconsin (19 carries, 135 yards, TD), Iowa (19 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs) and Northwestern (19 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs). He also had a 48 yard reception against Illinois, so he can be a threat in the passing game, despite having only 13 receptions on the season. With 5 scores in the last 3 games, he appears to be the best offensive player on the field for the Hoosiers, and the Buckeye defense will have to look to contain him first and foremost.
The primary backup is D'Angelo Roberts (#20), a young freshman more in the scatback mold (5-10, 187). He has made one start and had 109 yards and a TD on only 12 carries against South Carolina State. He had 5 carries for 38 yards and a TD last week against the Wildcats, so though he plays sparingly he could see the field for a series or two as a change-of-pace back. Fellow freshman Matt Perez (#24) is another big back (5-11, 230) who started the first 3 games. He was never able to establish anything significant in terms of yardage (high of 47 against Virginia), though he did score 4 TDs in that span. He has seen his production dwindle to virtually nothing in recent weeks.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana RB versus OSU RB
Houston: 111/577 yards, 6 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 13 rec/125 yards, 0 TDs, 9.6 YPR
Roberts: 50/232 yards, 2 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 6 rec/51 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Perez: 55/184 yards, 4 TDs, 3.4 YPC; 3 rec/23 yards, 0 TDs, 7.7 YPR
Herron: 56/274 yards, 1 TD, 4.9 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 78/408 yards, 5 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 85/330 yards, 2 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
This would have been a close evaluation before Herron came back, but in the last 2 weeks he has been everything the Buckeyes needed and then some. Despite the quality effort and production of Hyde and Hall in previous weeks, it looked like a different offense with Herron on the field, and Miller has been able to do more the past 2 weeks as well. Houston appears to be a quality back with a bright future, and his production against Wisconsin is notable. However it is unclear that any player on either team means as much to his offense or opens things up more than Herron.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #3 Cody Latimer (6-3, 208, FR, Jefferson Township HS, Dayton, OH)
WR #13 Kofi Hughes (6-2, 205, SO, Cathedral HS, Indianapolis, IN)
WR #84 Jamonne Chester (6-2, 199, SO, Redford Covenant HS, Detroit, MI)
A suspect situation has gotten worse with the permanent dismissal of leading receiver Damarlo Belcher, who had caught 139 passes for 1602 yards and 9 TDs over the previous 2 seasons. He was poised to be the all-time leading receiver in Indiana history, and now his departure has left a large void. The rest of this corps has been mix-and-match, with Hughes getting the most work with 7 starts and 20 receptions. Despite leading the team in receiving yards, he has just 1 catch in 4 of the last 5 games, so his production has been highly inconsistent. Chester and fellow sophomore Duwyce Wilson (#81) are next on the chart with 17 receptions each. Chester has made 4 starts, while Wilson has made one. Chester has played a more prominent role recently, as he has 7 receptions for 100 yards i the past 3 games after having no catches in the first 3. Wilson had 11 receptions for 161 yards and 2 TDs in weeks 2 and 3, but has just 2 receptions in the past 3 games. Latimer has made 2 starts and will likely take over Belcher's spot. He had 3 receptions for 29 yards and a score against Iowa and a 44 yard score against North Texas, but that's about it.
In addition to Wilson, freshman Cleveland Glenville product Shane Wynn (#1) has also made one start. He has blazing speed (5-7, 153) and has 14 receptions on the season, including 4 for 63 yards in the past 2 games. Freshman Jay McCants (#15; 6-4, 205) is a bigger option to matchup against taller DBs, but he has just 5 receptions this season thus far. Senior Dre Muhammad (#82) is finishing his career in the active rotation for the first time, and he has a pair of 6 reception games this season, though none recently.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Indiana WRs versus OSU WRs
Hughes: 20 catches, 298 yards, 2 TDs, 14.9 YPR
Wilson: 17 catches, 217 yards, 3 TDs, 12.8 YPR
Chester: 17 catches, 212 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Smith: 10 catches, 227 yards, 4 TDs, 22.7 YPR
Brown: 9 catches, 112 yards, 0 TDs, 12.4 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
The loss of Belcher really cripples this unit, as the rest has been a mixture of tall and short, big and small, new and experienced, without much major impact. The situation is similar at Ohio State, where a senior was supposed to carry the load but off-field problems have left a number of youngsters filling in and getting their feet wet. Indiana has thrown the ball downfield more so the numbers are a bit higher, but in terms of impact neither of these units currently strikes fear into opposing coordinators. Indiana has a lot of depth and interchangeable pieces, which could pay off in future seasons. Players like Wynn, Chester, and Hughes could be impacting the B1G in the near future, but for now the passing game is a struggle for both teams.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #41 Max Dedmond (6-5, 250, SR, Evansville Central HS, Evansville, IN)
Like many teams, the Hoosiers have TEs that are specialists in blocking and receiving. Dedmond is the blocker, with good size and good footwork. He does have the ability to find holes in a zone, with 5 receptions each of the last 2 seasons, but his primary trade is run blocking, and he is good at it. Sophomore Ted Bolser (#83) also has good size (6-6, 245) but is more of a receiving threat. After catching 27 passes for 405 yards and 5 TDs last season, he is among the team leaders again with 14 receptions for 165 yards and a score thus far in 2011. He had 4 receptions for 46 yards and a TD against Penn State and 3 for 54 against Illinois, so he can have a significant impact in the passing game against a decent opponent. He need some work on his blocking but he is a matchup problem for linebackers over the middle.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Indiana TE versus OSU TE
Dedmond: 5 catches, 56 yards, 0 TDs, 11.2 YPR
Bolser: 14 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD, 11.8 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Stoneburner is a fixture in the Buckeye lineup and has been the team's biggest threat in the passing game this season. He is also a decent blocker who is on the field in all passing and running situations, so he is not a situational player. Bolser could develop into a complete TE, but he is not quite there yet. Dedmond and Fragel are good blockers.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #72 Andrew McDonald (6-6, 285, SR, Warren Central HS, Indianapolis, IN)
LG #73 Bernard Taylor (6-2, 278, FR, Dakota HS, Detroit, MI)
C #60 Will Matte (6-2, 282, JR, Wheaton-Warrenville South HS, Wheaton, IL)
RG #64 Collin Rahrig (6-2, 263, FR, Marian HS, South Bend, IN)
RT #70 Justin Pagan (6-5, 294, SR, St. Patrick HS, Chicago, IL)
This is the one area where the Hoosiers have had at least some stability, at least at a couple of spots. At LT, McDonald has started every game this year and has 22 career starts. He is a bit undersized for a tackle but has good footwork and lateral mobility. In the middle, Matte started every game the past 2 seasons and the first 7 games of this year before being slowed by injury. He is also a tad undersized but can use that to his advantage with good footwork and technique. At RT Pagan has started 34 career games and has split time between RT and RG this year. He has made starts at every position along the line in his career except for center, and his versatility is valuable for a team that has a lot of instability. The guard sports have been more in a state of flux. Rahrig has started 3 games at RG and moves back into the lineup this week. The youngster is undersized like many of his linemates but has a bright future. Taylor is a fellow freshman who has started the last 7 games at LG and seems to have solidifed the position after moving over from DL in camp.
Depth is good in the sense that a number of other players have made starts this year, though the quality of that depth may be in question. Junior Marc Damisch (#65) has made 2 starts at LG and is still the primary backup there. Freshman Cody Evers (#76) started one game at RG and is the primary backup there. He has more size (6-4, 310) and could work his way back into the lineup in the future. Freshman Peyton Eckert (#59) has been in and out of the lineup at RT, making 5 starts. He also has better size (6-6, 295) and will likely see time this weekend. Sophomore Charlie Chapman (#74) is also in the mix.
OL Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana OL versus OSU OL
Like most of the other positions on the field, the Hoosiers are playing a lot of very young and inexperienced players. The line in particular has a number of players that have been in and out of the lineup. Many of the players are undersized but have a lot of fight in them, and they will likely only get better in future seasons as the depth chart sorts itself out with some experience. For now though, the only place on the roster with complete stability is LT, where McDonald has been an anchor. Everyone else has missed time or slid around at different spots, which makes gelling as a unit next to impossible. The Hoosiers will likely be much better with a year of experience and an offseason in the weight room, but for now they will struggle against the Buckeye front 7.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
The Hoosiers are not an awful team, but they have come up short in several close games and been blown out a couple of times. The ratings are based on the current state of the squad, but with the number of defections and injuries and the new coaching staff, it was hard to expect anything else. Coach Wilson is trying to change the culture at Indiana, which will take time. He has played a lot of freshmen and walk-ons this year, which may pay off down the line in experience and future depth. The current start chart looks like a laundry list of players at virtually every position, so the chances of the Hoosiers giving the Buckeyes a serious scare are slim. However with Roberson (a former Mr. Indiana) and Houston, there is definitely some talent to build around. It may not be obvious right now, but this is likely a program on the rise. In 2 or 3 years it would not be surprising to see the Hoosiers trying to make a run at a bowl game. Coach Wilson has the talent and work ethic to turn this program around, and he seemingly has the staff in place to do so. Whether he can do what no other modern coach at Indiana has ever done...make them at least a sporadic contender for the B1G title...remains to be seen, but this appears to be a fine hire by the IU brass. The Buckeyes may have their way with the Hoosiers this weekend, but don't be surpised if the game is a lot more competitive when they come back in 2 years.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Preview
Much has changed at Indiana, and much more has stayed the same. Although the coaching staff is all new, Indiana still has Co-Defensive Coordinators. While the new Co-Coordinators coach different position than last year's, the result has been the same. The Hoosiers have taken another step backwards defensively. That last bit is surprising, as many believed that there was nowhere to go but up for the Defenders of the Rock. Even though there were few spots below where they ended up last year; they have nevertheless managed to continue their tumble into the cellar of the FBS defensive rankings.
Although his father, Bill, is the winningest coach in Indiana football history and was the architect (on the Indiana side) of Dark Days I & II; Assistant Head Coach and Co-DC (and Safeties Coach) Doug Mallory has not been able to resurrect his father's legacy, at least not yet. It's not that the younger Mallory hasn't tasted success. In fact, he has tasted more than his share of success against the Buckeyes. As a player for That School Up North, he was a part of two victories over Ohio State (1985 and 1986 (aka Harbaugh's Guarantee)). Immediately after leaving TSUN, Mallory joined his father as a Graduate Assistant for the Hoosiers and played a bit part in Dark Day II (1988). Fast forward to the 2007 season; Mallory coached the vaunted secondary for Bo Pelini's incredible LSU defense as the Bayou Bengals beat the Buckeyes for the National Championship. The following year, Pelini was off to Nebraska and Mallory was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator for the first time. While having taken a bit of a step back career-wise, Mallory the Younger is still waiting for payback for 1985, 1986, 1988 and January of 2008.
Helping Mallory to Coordinate the Hoosier defense is fellow Pelini protege Mike Ekeler. While Mallory was coaching the secondary in Baton Rouge, Ekeler was a Graduate Assistant and Intern. When Pelini left and Mallory was promoted, Ekeler followed the former Buckeye to Nebraska where he spent the last 3 seasons coaching the linebackers. Ekeler now coaches the linebackers for the Hoosiers in addition to his Co-Coordinator duties.
Following Ekeler from Nebraska is Defensive Ends coach and Recruiting Coordinator Brett Diersen. Diersen was a defensive line and special teams intern for the Cornhuskers for the past 3 years, though from the performance of Indiana's defensive ends thus far in 2011, it remains unclear how much of Ndamukong Suh's dominance is attributable to Brett Diersen's tutelage.
The Indiana Defensive Staff is rounded out by Mark Hagen, Defensive Tackles and Special Teams Coordinator, who left the rival Boilermakers to join the Hoosiers; and Mark Hagen, a Cornerbacks coach who came to Bloomington by way of University of Louisiana-Monroe.
None of the position coaches have ever tasted victory against Ohio State, unless you count the co-coordinators who both double as position coaches. Mallory and Ekeler played minor roles in January 2008, with Mallory playing even smaller roles in darker, earlier times for the Buckeyes. This Saturday we will see how they fare when their roles are expanded. If the numbers below are any indication; Buckeye fans have little to fear.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.|.Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Indiana.....|.36.2..|..458.3..|234.7.|223.7.|.4..|.10..|.11..|.199..|61-123.|49.59%|..34-40..|85%.|.23-40.|58%.|32:03|
Ohio_State..|.17.9..|..309.5..|113.1.|196.4.|.9..| ..4..|.17..|.123..|38-113.|33.6%.|..14-18..|78%.|.12-18.|67%.|28:25|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
The most striking thing about the above numbers is that they are worse than last year. While getting worse from 2009 to 2010 was not entirely unexpected; a further step back in 2011 was a shock in Bloomington, especially as there was not far to go. Even if That School Up North had not improved by over 100 places in the Scoring Defense rankings, Indiana would still be in the conference cellar in that and most other defensive metrics.
The only number that is even close to average is Passing Defense, and even that does not imply anything good about this defense. The only reason teams don't put up big passing numbers against Indiana is because they don't need to. When teams do pass, they meet little resistance. Five teams rank below the Hoosiers in Yards Per Attempt, two teams rank below them in Pass Efficiency Defense and NONE rank below them in Touchdown Percentage (% of pass attempts that result in touchdowns). With numbers like these, what Indiana needs is to go up against a demoralized opponent with no confidence. Oops.
Defensive Line
DE #95 Bobby Richardson (6-3, 263, Fr.)
DT #97 Larry Black Jr. (6-2, 305, Jr.)
DT #98 Adam Replogle (6-3, 290, Jr.)
DE #25 Ryan Phillis (6-3, 244, Fr.)
Adam Replogle is the unquestioned leader of this unit. The Centerville native is 5th on the team in tackles (39), which is remarkable for a defensive tackle. He leads the team with 4 Sacks and 5.5 Tackles For Loss, and has forced a fumble and batted down a pair of passes. He also leads the defense in career starts with 32. He has been a Captain for every game except the opener against Ball State. Larry Black has started next to Replogle in every game this year and has 36 tackles (3.5 for loss).
While Replogle and Black have been fixtures on the inside, five different players have started on the outside. On Saturday Freshmen Bobby Richardson and Ryan Phillis will each garner their 4th start of the year. Phillis has played in every game and has 13 tackles while Richardson did not play until he started Game 5 (Penn St.). He has played in every game since and has 13 tackles and a sack.
Indiana's most productive end has been #44 Darius Johnson (6-0, 243, Sr.) who has 29 tackles including 3 for loss in 8 games. Indiana's press release touts the 5th year Senior's 65 tackles for 2010, which led all Big Ten defensive linemen. The Hoosiers are mum however on why he is listed as the backup to Phillis for the 2nd straight game. Johnson has battled injuries in the past, and was held out of the opener for unspecified reasons. Backing up Richardson at the other end is #94 Javon Cornley (6-5, 235, So.). The Columbus native started against Wisconsin and Iowa and has 8 tackles so far. Further depth at end comes from #93 Fred Jones (6-4, 265, Sr.). Jones had 3 starts and 18 tackles in non-conference play. In spite of appearing in every game, Jones has yet to make a tackle in Big Ten play.
DL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU DL
A grade of D+ might seem harsh for a line that features Adam Replogle, the sad fact is that he has no help. While Black is 20 pounds lighter than last year and might be considered solid by Indiana standards, the ends are quite simply a weakness. Replogle faces double teams with regularity and all of his sacks have come against Illinois and Iowa, two of the more suspect offensive lines in the conference. He is the best Indiana has to offer, and he attended a high-school with a respectable pipeline to Columbus; but it is debatable whether he could crack the starting lineup for the Buckeyes. The Silver Bullets are better across the board here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #47 Chase Hoobler (6-2, 232, rFr.)
MLB #53 Jeff Thomas (6-1, 239, Sr.)
WLB #43 Leon Beckum (5-11, 213, Sr.)
For the first time since the season opener, the Hoosiers are back to full strength at the second level. Beckum suffered a knee injury late in Game 1 (Ball State) and did not return until week 8, starting against Iowa. He took over for Jeff Thomas in the middle last week as his fellow fifth year senior sat out the game with an injury.
In spite of missing the Northwestern game, Thomas still leads the team with 58 tackles and the 8.5 TFLs, and he shares the top spot with 34 solos. He also has one sack to go along with three pass breakups. Beckum led the team with 9 tackles for loss in 2010. In the 2 games since his return, he has 21 tackles (2 for loss) including a career-high 13 last week against Northwestern.
Earning his 7th start of the year alongside his more experienced teammates is redshirt freshman Chase Hoobler. Many Buckeye fans will remember the name: Chase is the younger brother of former Buckeye Chad Hoobler. The Orrville Alum has played in every game and has 30 tackles (1 for loss) so far in 2011.
Backup linebackers are #43 Ishmael Thomas (6-5, 208, Rs-Fr.), #49 Griffen Dahlstrom (6-3, 218, So.) and #46 Mike Replogle (6-2, 221, Fr.). Replogle's older brothers are defensive tackle Adam and student coach Tyler, who led the linebackers last year. The younger Replogle has 4 tackles on the year while Dahlstrom has 6 and Thomas has 1, having made his first appearance last week against Northwestern.
LB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU LBs
Three of Indiana's last 4 opponents have rushed for over 300 yards. The Hoosier defensive tackles are not Goebel and Big Hank, but they aren't nearly bad enough to serve as an excuse for the linebackers for that sort of stat. While the individuals involved might be better players than the numbers indicate, as the injury issues and the revolving door of starters have had an effect; as with the line this is a case of Ohio State being superior at every position.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #9 Greg Heban (6-1, 186, So.)
S #37 Mark Murphy (6-2, 202, Fr.)
S #8 Drew Hardin (6-0, 200, Fr.)
CB #17 Michael Hunter (6-1, 170, Fr.)
Murphy is the hands-down leader of this group. He leads the team in tackles with 50 and has an interception, 3 pass break-ups (PBU) and a quarterback hurry. Greg Heban might protest the "hands-down" part of the last sentence. He has 45 tackles of his own, half of the team's 4 interceptions and 5 PBU. Murphy's safety-mate Hardin adds 34 tackles and a PBU to the secondary's stat line. Michael Hunter has 10 tackles on the year and will be making his 3rd start on Saturday.
Reserves include corners, #22 Kenny Mullen (5-10, 166, Fr), #23 Lawrence Barnett (5-10, 191, So.), and safeties, #4 Forisse 'Flo' Hardin (6-1, 198, Fr.), and #27 Alexander Webb (6-0, 193, Jr). Barnett started the first 7 games and has 33 tackles and 4 PBU. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown against Virginia. While the other members of this group have participated in games, some with starts to their credit, none has made a significant impact.
DB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU DBs
As previously mentioned, this team is almost average in pass defense (62nd out of 120 FBS teams); but this is only because no one, not even Northwestern, has had to pass to move the ball on this team. Their opponents have been 5.5 times more likely to throw a touchdown than an interception. While some of this is due to a non-existent pass rush; the backfield does not escape responsibility. This unit finishes the Silver Bullet Sweep. The Buckeyes are better at every position, and it is not close.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
There is little that can be said about this group. While Brady Hoke has taken a team from 108 to 7 in Scoring Defense in his first year at the helm, the Indiana staff has taken the Defenders of the Rock from bad to worse. Adam Replogle is the only thing standing between this defense and a failing grade.
Overall Defensive Rating: D-
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Special Teams Preview
This week's opponent, the Indiana Hoosiers, invade Ohio Stadium on Saturday for a noon game. The Hoosiers do not have Special Teams statistics that impress, but do have a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Buckeyes must not fall asleep on the Hoosiers Special Teams, though. It is enough to remember a similarly out-manned Ohio University team from last year.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, IUHoosiers.com, OhioStateBuckeyes.com)
Indiana
Punting
Adam Pines: 54 for 2055 yards, 38.1 avg, 57 long, 2 touchbacks (85th Nationally)
Team: 54 for 2055 yards, 38.1 avg, 57 long, 2 touchbacks (88th Nationally)
Kicking
Mitch Ewald: 9-11 FGs, 53 long, 26-26 PATs
Punt Returns (None meet minimum returns per game to be ranked)
Dre Muhammad: 7 for 36 yards, 5.1 avg, 24 long
Nick Stoner: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 8 for 46 yards, 5.8 avg, 24 long
Kickoff Returns
Shane Wynn: 39 for 808 yards, 20.7 avg, 1 TD, 99 long (100th Nationally)
Kenny Mullen: 7 for 80 yards, 11.4 avg, 32 long
Stephen Houston: 2 for 13 yards, 6.5 avg, 10 long
Max Dedmond: 1 for 6 yards
Jake Reed: 1 for 0 yards
Team: 50 for 907 yards, 18.1 avg, 1 TD, 99 long (111th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
17 for 101 yards, 5.94 avg, 1 TD (40th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
31 for 647 yards, 20.87 avg, 6 touchbacks (53rd Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 48 for 1982 yards, 41.29 avg (47th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil: 10 of 12 FGs, 22-22 PATs
Punt Returns:
Jordan Hall: 10 for 66 yards, 6.6 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 210 yards, 11.1 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (27th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Jordan Hall: 15 for 453 yards, 30.2 avg, 90 long (11th Nationally)
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 25 for 672 yards, 26.9 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
19 for 116 yards, 6.11 avg (42nd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
33 for 583 yards, 17.67 avg, 6 touchbacks (8th Nationally)
Special Teams
Indiana (Rivals)
Punter
#18 Adam Pines (6-0, 184, Jr., Highland Park HS, Highland Park, IL)
#9 Mitchell Voss (5-11, 177, So., Wheeler HS, Valparaiso, IN)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#16 Mitch Ewald (5-10, 174, So., Waubonsie Valley HS, Naperville, IL)
#9 Mitchell Voss (5-11, 177, So., Wheeler HS, Valparaiso, IN)
Punt Returners
#14 Nick Stoner (6-1, 167, Fr., Center Grove HS, Greenwood, IN)
#82 Dre Muhammad (5-10, 180, Sr., Harding HS, Ft Wayne, IN)
Kick Returners
#1 Shane Wynn (5-7, 153, Fr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH
#22 Kenny Mullen (5-10, 166, Fr., Bishop Luers HS, Ft. Wayne, IN)
Long Snapper
#91 Matt Dooley (6-4, 251, Fr., Christian Academy HS, Scottsdale, AZ)
#67 Zackary Young (6-6, 267, So., Piper HS, Kansas City, KS)
Holder
#17 Teddy Schell (6-5, 230, Sr., Barrington HS, Barrington, IN)
#18 Adam Pines (6-0, 184, Jr., Highland Park HS, Highland Park, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Head-to-Head: Indiana Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
The Indiana punt return defense is struggling like every other facet of their football squad. The punter Adams only averages 38 yards per punt and the return defense has given up a touchdown. They will face a Buckeye punt return team that is averaging over 11 yards per return and has played very solidly so far. They also blocked a punt against Wisconsin to set up a score.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Indiana Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team.
The Hoosier kick return defense is also mediocre. They ran 53rd in the nation, allowing almost 21 yards per return. Ohio State's kickoff return team is one of the elite units in the NCAA, ranking 6th, with an average of almost 27 yards per return. In fact, the kickoff return unit played a large role in last week's victory over Wisconsin, getting the offense within striking distance for the TD with a long return to midfield.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Indiana Punt Return Team.
The Buckeyes' punter Ben Buchanan is having a decent year, averaging over 41 yards per punt. The punt return defense is doing their job as well, giving up only a little over 6 yards per return. Indiana counters with - not much. The Hoosiers have only forced 17 punts in 8 games, only 8 of which they were able to return. Their already-unimpressive average of 5.8 is even less so when you consider that one return was 24 yards. The other 7 returns only averaged only 3.14 yards - not intimidating numbers.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Indiana Kickoff Return Team.
This is arguably Indiana's weakest unit in the Special Teams. Yes, they have a 99 yard return for a TD, With that big return they are averaging 18.1 yards per return to rank 111th out of 116 teams. Throwing out that one return and they average a little over 16 yards per return which would rank them dead last. Ohio State's kickoff return unit continues its impressive season, defending 33 kickoffs and yielding only 17.67 yards per return to rank among the best in the Nation (8th). A big edge goes to Ohio State here.
Edge: Ohio State
Final Summary: Indiana does not bring impressive athletes, statistics or success into the game this week. Ohio State should dominate the battle of field position. Look for the Special Teams to contribute heavily to a solid Buckeye win.
PredictionsUnfortunately they can't wait for those new classes to come in before they play any more games, because the Hoosier offense has been poor all season on the way to a 1-8 start. The Hoosiers rank 75th nationally with just 378.0 yards per contest, though that is still ahead of fellow B1G members Purdue and Penn State. The running game has been respectable, averaging 163.6 YPG (54th), and the passing game has been below average at just 229.2 YPG (72nd). Not many of those yards are translating into points either, as they rank 89th nationally at just 23.2 points per game. The QBs (and there have been 3) have taken too many sacks (23) and tossed a few too many INTs (7) for a team that has trouble moving the ball and their cumulative rating of 115.7 ranks a deplorable 96th. They have generated quite a few first downs (189) but are moving the chains on 3rd down at just 40.0%, ranking 53rd. There is no one thing that the Indiana offense is terrible at doing, but there really isn't anything they can turn to in time of need either, and their defense has been bad enough that a mediocre offense can't keep up. The bottom line is Ohio State just beat a Wisconsin team that crushed the Hoosiers 59-7. Any hopes of keeping pace with the Buckeyes will require the offense to control the ball and overachieve.
Quarterbacks
QB #5 Tre Robertson (6-0, 184, FR, Lawrence Central HS, Indianapolis, IN)
It would be difficult to characterize the Hoosier QB situation as anything other than a mess. After Ben Chappell finished his career with 3295 yards and 24 TDs last season, Indiana has used 3 different starting QBs this year, with little success. Last year's primary backup, sophomore Edward Wright-Baker (#7) began the year at the top of the chart, starting the first 4 games. Fellow sophomore Dusty Kiel (#8), who also played sparingly last season, started the first 2 games of conference play before Wright-Baker replaced him again for the disaster in Wisconsin. Since then, Robertson has been at the helm for the previous 2 contests, partly due to injuries to the previous 2 starters and partly because of performance metrics. He replaced Kiel in the Illinois game (11 of 17, 148 yards) and then played pretty well in his 2 starts against Iowa (16 of 24, 197, TD) and Northwestern (14 of 26, 169, TD, INT) the previous 2 weeks. He also brings the dual threat into play, as he is the team's second leading rusher after strong performances on the ground against Iowa (16 carries, 84 yards) and Northwestern (22 carries, 121 yards, TD). Given his ability to run and adequate throwing numbers, he seems to give the Hoosiers the best chance to win, and is likely their QB of the future. He is still taking his lumps now, however, and running into an Ohio State defense riding an emotional 2 game winning streak might not be the best thing for his confidence.
Wright-Baker is the primary backup this week, and can still run the offense if necessary. He has thrown for almost 1000 yards, with 4 TDs and 4 INTs. He lost his starting job after the embarrassing loss to North Texas, and lost it again after being demolished by Wisconsin. Injuries have also played a part and those defeats certainly don't lay exclusively at his feet, but against better competition he struggled to move the ball this year. He is also not the running threat that Roberson is. After his performance at Wisconsin (6 of 15, 54 yards, 2 INTs) it would be surprising to see him regain the starting role. The Kiel experiment also didn't work, as he played OK against Penn State (22 of 45, 184 yards, TD, INT) but was awful the next week against Illinois (6 of 19, 71 yards) and hasn't seen the field since.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana QB versus OSU QB
Robertson: 43/72 (59.7%), 524 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 124.5 rating; 62/267, 2 TDs
Miller: 33/63 (52.4%), 492 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs, 143.1 rating; 80/342, 2 TDs
Roberson has shown some flashes over the past 2 weeks that he might be the man to lead this offense going forward. Coach Wilson needs playmakers, and with his ability to run and throw on the run, he is a work in progress but has shown some dynamic ability. He just needs quite a bit more game experience. Speaking of experience, no one has seemingly benefited from the return of Dan Herron as much as Miller has, as the solid running game has opened some things up for Miller running and throwing the ball downfield. Both of these young QBs are still finding their way around the college field, but Miller had a breakout game of sorts against Wisconsin and has been able to move the offense effectively the past 2 weeks, though Herron has done the bulk of the heavy lifting. Both teams have backups with experience, but neither has any that match the quality of the starters.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #12 Stephen Houston (6-0, 228, SO, Lakota West (OH) HS, Little Rock, AR)
The tailback position, like the QB situation, has also featured 3 different starters in the first 9 games. Houston has started the last 5 and seems to have a firm grip on the job. He is a strong and powerful bowling ball of a runner who has really picked up his production in the past 3 weeks, putting up good numbers against Wisconsin (19 carries, 135 yards, TD), Iowa (19 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs) and Northwestern (19 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs). He also had a 48 yard reception against Illinois, so he can be a threat in the passing game, despite having only 13 receptions on the season. With 5 scores in the last 3 games, he appears to be the best offensive player on the field for the Hoosiers, and the Buckeye defense will have to look to contain him first and foremost.
The primary backup is D'Angelo Roberts (#20), a young freshman more in the scatback mold (5-10, 187). He has made one start and had 109 yards and a TD on only 12 carries against South Carolina State. He had 5 carries for 38 yards and a TD last week against the Wildcats, so though he plays sparingly he could see the field for a series or two as a change-of-pace back. Fellow freshman Matt Perez (#24) is another big back (5-11, 230) who started the first 3 games. He was never able to establish anything significant in terms of yardage (high of 47 against Virginia), though he did score 4 TDs in that span. He has seen his production dwindle to virtually nothing in recent weeks.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Indiana RB versus OSU RB
Houston: 111/577 yards, 6 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 13 rec/125 yards, 0 TDs, 9.6 YPR
Roberts: 50/232 yards, 2 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 6 rec/51 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Perez: 55/184 yards, 4 TDs, 3.4 YPC; 3 rec/23 yards, 0 TDs, 7.7 YPR
Herron: 56/274 yards, 1 TD, 4.9 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 78/408 yards, 5 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 85/330 yards, 2 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
This would have been a close evaluation before Herron came back, but in the last 2 weeks he has been everything the Buckeyes needed and then some. Despite the quality effort and production of Hyde and Hall in previous weeks, it looked like a different offense with Herron on the field, and Miller has been able to do more the past 2 weeks as well. Houston appears to be a quality back with a bright future, and his production against Wisconsin is notable. However it is unclear that any player on either team means as much to his offense or opens things up more than Herron.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #3 Cody Latimer (6-3, 208, FR, Jefferson Township HS, Dayton, OH)
WR #13 Kofi Hughes (6-2, 205, SO, Cathedral HS, Indianapolis, IN)
WR #84 Jamonne Chester (6-2, 199, SO, Redford Covenant HS, Detroit, MI)
A suspect situation has gotten worse with the permanent dismissal of leading receiver Damarlo Belcher, who had caught 139 passes for 1602 yards and 9 TDs over the previous 2 seasons. He was poised to be the all-time leading receiver in Indiana history, and now his departure has left a large void. The rest of this corps has been mix-and-match, with Hughes getting the most work with 7 starts and 20 receptions. Despite leading the team in receiving yards, he has just 1 catch in 4 of the last 5 games, so his production has been highly inconsistent. Chester and fellow sophomore Duwyce Wilson (#81) are next on the chart with 17 receptions each. Chester has made 4 starts, while Wilson has made one. Chester has played a more prominent role recently, as he has 7 receptions for 100 yards i the past 3 games after having no catches in the first 3. Wilson had 11 receptions for 161 yards and 2 TDs in weeks 2 and 3, but has just 2 receptions in the past 3 games. Latimer has made 2 starts and will likely take over Belcher's spot. He had 3 receptions for 29 yards and a score against Iowa and a 44 yard score against North Texas, but that's about it.
In addition to Wilson, freshman Cleveland Glenville product Shane Wynn (#1) has also made one start. He has blazing speed (5-7, 153) and has 14 receptions on the season, including 4 for 63 yards in the past 2 games. Freshman Jay McCants (#15; 6-4, 205) is a bigger option to matchup against taller DBs, but he has just 5 receptions this season thus far. Senior Dre Muhammad (#82) is finishing his career in the active rotation for the first time, and he has a pair of 6 reception games this season, though none recently.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Indiana WRs versus OSU WRs
Hughes: 20 catches, 298 yards, 2 TDs, 14.9 YPR
Wilson: 17 catches, 217 yards, 3 TDs, 12.8 YPR
Chester: 17 catches, 212 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Smith: 10 catches, 227 yards, 4 TDs, 22.7 YPR
Brown: 9 catches, 112 yards, 0 TDs, 12.4 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
The loss of Belcher really cripples this unit, as the rest has been a mixture of tall and short, big and small, new and experienced, without much major impact. The situation is similar at Ohio State, where a senior was supposed to carry the load but off-field problems have left a number of youngsters filling in and getting their feet wet. Indiana has thrown the ball downfield more so the numbers are a bit higher, but in terms of impact neither of these units currently strikes fear into opposing coordinators. Indiana has a lot of depth and interchangeable pieces, which could pay off in future seasons. Players like Wynn, Chester, and Hughes could be impacting the B1G in the near future, but for now the passing game is a struggle for both teams.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #41 Max Dedmond (6-5, 250, SR, Evansville Central HS, Evansville, IN)
Like many teams, the Hoosiers have TEs that are specialists in blocking and receiving. Dedmond is the blocker, with good size and good footwork. He does have the ability to find holes in a zone, with 5 receptions each of the last 2 seasons, but his primary trade is run blocking, and he is good at it. Sophomore Ted Bolser (#83) also has good size (6-6, 245) but is more of a receiving threat. After catching 27 passes for 405 yards and 5 TDs last season, he is among the team leaders again with 14 receptions for 165 yards and a score thus far in 2011. He had 4 receptions for 46 yards and a TD against Penn State and 3 for 54 against Illinois, so he can have a significant impact in the passing game against a decent opponent. He need some work on his blocking but he is a matchup problem for linebackers over the middle.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Indiana TE versus OSU TE
Dedmond: 5 catches, 56 yards, 0 TDs, 11.2 YPR
Bolser: 14 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD, 11.8 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Stoneburner is a fixture in the Buckeye lineup and has been the team's biggest threat in the passing game this season. He is also a decent blocker who is on the field in all passing and running situations, so he is not a situational player. Bolser could develop into a complete TE, but he is not quite there yet. Dedmond and Fragel are good blockers.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #72 Andrew McDonald (6-6, 285, SR, Warren Central HS, Indianapolis, IN)
LG #73 Bernard Taylor (6-2, 278, FR, Dakota HS, Detroit, MI)
C #60 Will Matte (6-2, 282, JR, Wheaton-Warrenville South HS, Wheaton, IL)
RG #64 Collin Rahrig (6-2, 263, FR, Marian HS, South Bend, IN)
RT #70 Justin Pagan (6-5, 294, SR, St. Patrick HS, Chicago, IL)
This is the one area where the Hoosiers have had at least some stability, at least at a couple of spots. At LT, McDonald has started every game this year and has 22 career starts. He is a bit undersized for a tackle but has good footwork and lateral mobility. In the middle, Matte started every game the past 2 seasons and the first 7 games of this year before being slowed by injury. He is also a tad undersized but can use that to his advantage with good footwork and technique. At RT Pagan has started 34 career games and has split time between RT and RG this year. He has made starts at every position along the line in his career except for center, and his versatility is valuable for a team that has a lot of instability. The guard sports have been more in a state of flux. Rahrig has started 3 games at RG and moves back into the lineup this week. The youngster is undersized like many of his linemates but has a bright future. Taylor is a fellow freshman who has started the last 7 games at LG and seems to have solidifed the position after moving over from DL in camp.
Depth is good in the sense that a number of other players have made starts this year, though the quality of that depth may be in question. Junior Marc Damisch (#65) has made 2 starts at LG and is still the primary backup there. Freshman Cody Evers (#76) started one game at RG and is the primary backup there. He has more size (6-4, 310) and could work his way back into the lineup in the future. Freshman Peyton Eckert (#59) has been in and out of the lineup at RT, making 5 starts. He also has better size (6-6, 295) and will likely see time this weekend. Sophomore Charlie Chapman (#74) is also in the mix.
OL Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Indiana OL versus OSU OL
Like most of the other positions on the field, the Hoosiers are playing a lot of very young and inexperienced players. The line in particular has a number of players that have been in and out of the lineup. Many of the players are undersized but have a lot of fight in them, and they will likely only get better in future seasons as the depth chart sorts itself out with some experience. For now though, the only place on the roster with complete stability is LT, where McDonald has been an anchor. Everyone else has missed time or slid around at different spots, which makes gelling as a unit next to impossible. The Hoosiers will likely be much better with a year of experience and an offseason in the weight room, but for now they will struggle against the Buckeye front 7.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
The Hoosiers are not an awful team, but they have come up short in several close games and been blown out a couple of times. The ratings are based on the current state of the squad, but with the number of defections and injuries and the new coaching staff, it was hard to expect anything else. Coach Wilson is trying to change the culture at Indiana, which will take time. He has played a lot of freshmen and walk-ons this year, which may pay off down the line in experience and future depth. The current start chart looks like a laundry list of players at virtually every position, so the chances of the Hoosiers giving the Buckeyes a serious scare are slim. However with Roberson (a former Mr. Indiana) and Houston, there is definitely some talent to build around. It may not be obvious right now, but this is likely a program on the rise. In 2 or 3 years it would not be surprising to see the Hoosiers trying to make a run at a bowl game. Coach Wilson has the talent and work ethic to turn this program around, and he seemingly has the staff in place to do so. Whether he can do what no other modern coach at Indiana has ever done...make them at least a sporadic contender for the B1G title...remains to be seen, but this appears to be a fine hire by the IU brass. The Buckeyes may have their way with the Hoosiers this weekend, but don't be surpised if the game is a lot more competitive when they come back in 2 years.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Preview
Much has changed at Indiana, and much more has stayed the same. Although the coaching staff is all new, Indiana still has Co-Defensive Coordinators. While the new Co-Coordinators coach different position than last year's, the result has been the same. The Hoosiers have taken another step backwards defensively. That last bit is surprising, as many believed that there was nowhere to go but up for the Defenders of the Rock. Even though there were few spots below where they ended up last year; they have nevertheless managed to continue their tumble into the cellar of the FBS defensive rankings.
Although his father, Bill, is the winningest coach in Indiana football history and was the architect (on the Indiana side) of Dark Days I & II; Assistant Head Coach and Co-DC (and Safeties Coach) Doug Mallory has not been able to resurrect his father's legacy, at least not yet. It's not that the younger Mallory hasn't tasted success. In fact, he has tasted more than his share of success against the Buckeyes. As a player for That School Up North, he was a part of two victories over Ohio State (1985 and 1986 (aka Harbaugh's Guarantee)). Immediately after leaving TSUN, Mallory joined his father as a Graduate Assistant for the Hoosiers and played a bit part in Dark Day II (1988). Fast forward to the 2007 season; Mallory coached the vaunted secondary for Bo Pelini's incredible LSU defense as the Bayou Bengals beat the Buckeyes for the National Championship. The following year, Pelini was off to Nebraska and Mallory was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator for the first time. While having taken a bit of a step back career-wise, Mallory the Younger is still waiting for payback for 1985, 1986, 1988 and January of 2008.
Helping Mallory to Coordinate the Hoosier defense is fellow Pelini protege Mike Ekeler. While Mallory was coaching the secondary in Baton Rouge, Ekeler was a Graduate Assistant and Intern. When Pelini left and Mallory was promoted, Ekeler followed the former Buckeye to Nebraska where he spent the last 3 seasons coaching the linebackers. Ekeler now coaches the linebackers for the Hoosiers in addition to his Co-Coordinator duties.
Following Ekeler from Nebraska is Defensive Ends coach and Recruiting Coordinator Brett Diersen. Diersen was a defensive line and special teams intern for the Cornhuskers for the past 3 years, though from the performance of Indiana's defensive ends thus far in 2011, it remains unclear how much of Ndamukong Suh's dominance is attributable to Brett Diersen's tutelage.
The Indiana Defensive Staff is rounded out by Mark Hagen, Defensive Tackles and Special Teams Coordinator, who left the rival Boilermakers to join the Hoosiers; and Mark Hagen, a Cornerbacks coach who came to Bloomington by way of University of Louisiana-Monroe.
None of the position coaches have ever tasted victory against Ohio State, unless you count the co-coordinators who both double as position coaches. Mallory and Ekeler played minor roles in January 2008, with Mallory playing even smaller roles in darker, earlier times for the Buckeyes. This Saturday we will see how they fare when their roles are expanded. If the numbers below are any indication; Buckeye fans have little to fear.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.|.Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Indiana.....|.36.2..|..458.3..|234.7.|223.7.|.4..|.10..|.11..|.199..|61-123.|49.59%|..34-40..|85%.|.23-40.|58%.|32:03|
Ohio_State..|.17.9..|..309.5..|113.1.|196.4.|.9..| ..4..|.17..|.123..|38-113.|33.6%.|..14-18..|78%.|.12-18.|67%.|28:25|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
The most striking thing about the above numbers is that they are worse than last year. While getting worse from 2009 to 2010 was not entirely unexpected; a further step back in 2011 was a shock in Bloomington, especially as there was not far to go. Even if That School Up North had not improved by over 100 places in the Scoring Defense rankings, Indiana would still be in the conference cellar in that and most other defensive metrics.
The only number that is even close to average is Passing Defense, and even that does not imply anything good about this defense. The only reason teams don't put up big passing numbers against Indiana is because they don't need to. When teams do pass, they meet little resistance. Five teams rank below the Hoosiers in Yards Per Attempt, two teams rank below them in Pass Efficiency Defense and NONE rank below them in Touchdown Percentage (% of pass attempts that result in touchdowns). With numbers like these, what Indiana needs is to go up against a demoralized opponent with no confidence. Oops.
Defensive Line
DE #95 Bobby Richardson (6-3, 263, Fr.)
DT #97 Larry Black Jr. (6-2, 305, Jr.)
DT #98 Adam Replogle (6-3, 290, Jr.)
DE #25 Ryan Phillis (6-3, 244, Fr.)
Adam Replogle is the unquestioned leader of this unit. The Centerville native is 5th on the team in tackles (39), which is remarkable for a defensive tackle. He leads the team with 4 Sacks and 5.5 Tackles For Loss, and has forced a fumble and batted down a pair of passes. He also leads the defense in career starts with 32. He has been a Captain for every game except the opener against Ball State. Larry Black has started next to Replogle in every game this year and has 36 tackles (3.5 for loss).
While Replogle and Black have been fixtures on the inside, five different players have started on the outside. On Saturday Freshmen Bobby Richardson and Ryan Phillis will each garner their 4th start of the year. Phillis has played in every game and has 13 tackles while Richardson did not play until he started Game 5 (Penn St.). He has played in every game since and has 13 tackles and a sack.
Indiana's most productive end has been #44 Darius Johnson (6-0, 243, Sr.) who has 29 tackles including 3 for loss in 8 games. Indiana's press release touts the 5th year Senior's 65 tackles for 2010, which led all Big Ten defensive linemen. The Hoosiers are mum however on why he is listed as the backup to Phillis for the 2nd straight game. Johnson has battled injuries in the past, and was held out of the opener for unspecified reasons. Backing up Richardson at the other end is #94 Javon Cornley (6-5, 235, So.). The Columbus native started against Wisconsin and Iowa and has 8 tackles so far. Further depth at end comes from #93 Fred Jones (6-4, 265, Sr.). Jones had 3 starts and 18 tackles in non-conference play. In spite of appearing in every game, Jones has yet to make a tackle in Big Ten play.
DL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU DL
A grade of D+ might seem harsh for a line that features Adam Replogle, the sad fact is that he has no help. While Black is 20 pounds lighter than last year and might be considered solid by Indiana standards, the ends are quite simply a weakness. Replogle faces double teams with regularity and all of his sacks have come against Illinois and Iowa, two of the more suspect offensive lines in the conference. He is the best Indiana has to offer, and he attended a high-school with a respectable pipeline to Columbus; but it is debatable whether he could crack the starting lineup for the Buckeyes. The Silver Bullets are better across the board here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #47 Chase Hoobler (6-2, 232, rFr.)
MLB #53 Jeff Thomas (6-1, 239, Sr.)
WLB #43 Leon Beckum (5-11, 213, Sr.)
For the first time since the season opener, the Hoosiers are back to full strength at the second level. Beckum suffered a knee injury late in Game 1 (Ball State) and did not return until week 8, starting against Iowa. He took over for Jeff Thomas in the middle last week as his fellow fifth year senior sat out the game with an injury.
In spite of missing the Northwestern game, Thomas still leads the team with 58 tackles and the 8.5 TFLs, and he shares the top spot with 34 solos. He also has one sack to go along with three pass breakups. Beckum led the team with 9 tackles for loss in 2010. In the 2 games since his return, he has 21 tackles (2 for loss) including a career-high 13 last week against Northwestern.
Earning his 7th start of the year alongside his more experienced teammates is redshirt freshman Chase Hoobler. Many Buckeye fans will remember the name: Chase is the younger brother of former Buckeye Chad Hoobler. The Orrville Alum has played in every game and has 30 tackles (1 for loss) so far in 2011.
Backup linebackers are #43 Ishmael Thomas (6-5, 208, Rs-Fr.), #49 Griffen Dahlstrom (6-3, 218, So.) and #46 Mike Replogle (6-2, 221, Fr.). Replogle's older brothers are defensive tackle Adam and student coach Tyler, who led the linebackers last year. The younger Replogle has 4 tackles on the year while Dahlstrom has 6 and Thomas has 1, having made his first appearance last week against Northwestern.
LB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU LBs
Three of Indiana's last 4 opponents have rushed for over 300 yards. The Hoosier defensive tackles are not Goebel and Big Hank, but they aren't nearly bad enough to serve as an excuse for the linebackers for that sort of stat. While the individuals involved might be better players than the numbers indicate, as the injury issues and the revolving door of starters have had an effect; as with the line this is a case of Ohio State being superior at every position.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #9 Greg Heban (6-1, 186, So.)
S #37 Mark Murphy (6-2, 202, Fr.)
S #8 Drew Hardin (6-0, 200, Fr.)
CB #17 Michael Hunter (6-1, 170, Fr.)
Murphy is the hands-down leader of this group. He leads the team in tackles with 50 and has an interception, 3 pass break-ups (PBU) and a quarterback hurry. Greg Heban might protest the "hands-down" part of the last sentence. He has 45 tackles of his own, half of the team's 4 interceptions and 5 PBU. Murphy's safety-mate Hardin adds 34 tackles and a PBU to the secondary's stat line. Michael Hunter has 10 tackles on the year and will be making his 3rd start on Saturday.
Reserves include corners, #22 Kenny Mullen (5-10, 166, Fr), #23 Lawrence Barnett (5-10, 191, So.), and safeties, #4 Forisse 'Flo' Hardin (6-1, 198, Fr.), and #27 Alexander Webb (6-0, 193, Jr). Barnett started the first 7 games and has 33 tackles and 4 PBU. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown against Virginia. While the other members of this group have participated in games, some with starts to their credit, none has made a significant impact.
DB Rating: D-
Head-to-Head: Indiana versus OSU DBs
As previously mentioned, this team is almost average in pass defense (62nd out of 120 FBS teams); but this is only because no one, not even Northwestern, has had to pass to move the ball on this team. Their opponents have been 5.5 times more likely to throw a touchdown than an interception. While some of this is due to a non-existent pass rush; the backfield does not escape responsibility. This unit finishes the Silver Bullet Sweep. The Buckeyes are better at every position, and it is not close.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
There is little that can be said about this group. While Brady Hoke has taken a team from 108 to 7 in Scoring Defense in his first year at the helm, the Indiana staff has taken the Defenders of the Rock from bad to worse. Adam Replogle is the only thing standing between this defense and a failing grade.
Overall Defensive Rating: D-
2011 Indiana Hoosiers Special Teams Preview
This week's opponent, the Indiana Hoosiers, invade Ohio Stadium on Saturday for a noon game. The Hoosiers do not have Special Teams statistics that impress, but do have a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Buckeyes must not fall asleep on the Hoosiers Special Teams, though. It is enough to remember a similarly out-manned Ohio University team from last year.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, IUHoosiers.com, OhioStateBuckeyes.com)
Indiana
Punting
Adam Pines: 54 for 2055 yards, 38.1 avg, 57 long, 2 touchbacks (85th Nationally)
Team: 54 for 2055 yards, 38.1 avg, 57 long, 2 touchbacks (88th Nationally)
Kicking
Mitch Ewald: 9-11 FGs, 53 long, 26-26 PATs
Punt Returns (None meet minimum returns per game to be ranked)
Dre Muhammad: 7 for 36 yards, 5.1 avg, 24 long
Nick Stoner: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 8 for 46 yards, 5.8 avg, 24 long
Kickoff Returns
Shane Wynn: 39 for 808 yards, 20.7 avg, 1 TD, 99 long (100th Nationally)
Kenny Mullen: 7 for 80 yards, 11.4 avg, 32 long
Stephen Houston: 2 for 13 yards, 6.5 avg, 10 long
Max Dedmond: 1 for 6 yards
Jake Reed: 1 for 0 yards
Team: 50 for 907 yards, 18.1 avg, 1 TD, 99 long (111th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
17 for 101 yards, 5.94 avg, 1 TD (40th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
31 for 647 yards, 20.87 avg, 6 touchbacks (53rd Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 48 for 1982 yards, 41.29 avg (47th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil: 10 of 12 FGs, 22-22 PATs
Punt Returns:
Jordan Hall: 10 for 66 yards, 6.6 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 210 yards, 11.1 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (27th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Jordan Hall: 15 for 453 yards, 30.2 avg, 90 long (11th Nationally)
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 25 for 672 yards, 26.9 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
19 for 116 yards, 6.11 avg (42nd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
33 for 583 yards, 17.67 avg, 6 touchbacks (8th Nationally)
Special Teams
Indiana (Rivals)
Punter
#18 Adam Pines (6-0, 184, Jr., Highland Park HS, Highland Park, IL)
#9 Mitchell Voss (5-11, 177, So., Wheeler HS, Valparaiso, IN)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#16 Mitch Ewald (5-10, 174, So., Waubonsie Valley HS, Naperville, IL)
#9 Mitchell Voss (5-11, 177, So., Wheeler HS, Valparaiso, IN)
Punt Returners
#14 Nick Stoner (6-1, 167, Fr., Center Grove HS, Greenwood, IN)
#82 Dre Muhammad (5-10, 180, Sr., Harding HS, Ft Wayne, IN)
Kick Returners
#1 Shane Wynn (5-7, 153, Fr., Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH
#22 Kenny Mullen (5-10, 166, Fr., Bishop Luers HS, Ft. Wayne, IN)
Long Snapper
#91 Matt Dooley (6-4, 251, Fr., Christian Academy HS, Scottsdale, AZ)
#67 Zackary Young (6-6, 267, So., Piper HS, Kansas City, KS)
Holder
#17 Teddy Schell (6-5, 230, Sr., Barrington HS, Barrington, IN)
#18 Adam Pines (6-0, 184, Jr., Highland Park HS, Highland Park, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Head-to-Head: Indiana Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
The Indiana punt return defense is struggling like every other facet of their football squad. The punter Adams only averages 38 yards per punt and the return defense has given up a touchdown. They will face a Buckeye punt return team that is averaging over 11 yards per return and has played very solidly so far. They also blocked a punt against Wisconsin to set up a score.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Indiana Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team.
The Hoosier kick return defense is also mediocre. They ran 53rd in the nation, allowing almost 21 yards per return. Ohio State's kickoff return team is one of the elite units in the NCAA, ranking 6th, with an average of almost 27 yards per return. In fact, the kickoff return unit played a large role in last week's victory over Wisconsin, getting the offense within striking distance for the TD with a long return to midfield.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Indiana Punt Return Team.
The Buckeyes' punter Ben Buchanan is having a decent year, averaging over 41 yards per punt. The punt return defense is doing their job as well, giving up only a little over 6 yards per return. Indiana counters with - not much. The Hoosiers have only forced 17 punts in 8 games, only 8 of which they were able to return. Their already-unimpressive average of 5.8 is even less so when you consider that one return was 24 yards. The other 7 returns only averaged only 3.14 yards - not intimidating numbers.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Indiana Kickoff Return Team.
This is arguably Indiana's weakest unit in the Special Teams. Yes, they have a 99 yard return for a TD, With that big return they are averaging 18.1 yards per return to rank 111th out of 116 teams. Throwing out that one return and they average a little over 16 yards per return which would rank them dead last. Ohio State's kickoff return unit continues its impressive season, defending 33 kickoffs and yielding only 17.67 yards per return to rank among the best in the Nation (8th). A big edge goes to Ohio State here.
Edge: Ohio State
Final Summary: Indiana does not bring impressive athletes, statistics or success into the game this week. Ohio State should dominate the battle of field position. Look for the Special Teams to contribute heavily to a solid Buckeye win.
BB73's prediction: 44-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 45-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 45-3 Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 33, Wisconsin 29)
(169) jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (17 + 152 last week = 169)
(170) BB73's prediction: 20-31, Wisconsin (25 + 145 last week = 170)
(197) Bucklion's prediction: 20-27, Wisconsin (25 + 172 last week = 197)
(207) Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-27, Wisconsin (32 + 175 last week =
207)
(212) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (34 + 178 last
week = 212)
(217) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-25, Wisconsin (34 + 183 last week = 217)
(220) JCOSU86's prediction: 17-14, Ohio State (31 + 189 last week= 220)
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 45-7, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 45-3 Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 33, Wisconsin 29)
(169) jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (17 + 152 last week = 169)
(170) BB73's prediction: 20-31, Wisconsin (25 + 145 last week = 170)
(197) Bucklion's prediction: 20-27, Wisconsin (25 + 172 last week = 197)
(207) Bucky Katt's prediction: 13-27, Wisconsin (32 + 175 last week =
207)
(212) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (34 + 178 last
week = 212)
(217) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-25, Wisconsin (34 + 183 last week = 217)
(220) JCOSU86's prediction: 17-14, Ohio State (31 + 189 last week= 220)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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yeah, it will be our blog that will fire them up, not the 42-20, 59-7, 45-24, 59-38 outcomes in their last four big ten games. 
