2008 Indiana College Football Picks & Predictions
Indiana advanced to the Insight Bowl last season, but it could have been playing in a much better bowl game had the Hoosiers not fallen apart down the stretch of the season. Can the Hoosiers build off of a winning season or will they fall right back down to the bottom of the Big Ten? Get Jimmy’s college football predictions in his 2008 Indiana Hoosiers season preview.
Offense
Just when things were looking up for the Hoosiers, they could come crashing right back down. Second-team All-Big Ten QB Kellen Lewis missed spring practices after being suspended by head coach Bill Lynch for violating a team rule. Lynch has said that the door is open for Lewis to return and hopefully he will for the sake of the Hoosier nation. Lewis passed for 3,043 yards and 28 touchdowns last season while rushing for 736 yards and nine more scores as just a sophomore. If Lewis doesn’t make it back, Ben Chappell, a traditional drop back passer will take over. Lynch has also said that Indiana will go to a no-huddle offense this season to put more pressure on opposing defenses. The passing game will likely drop off some as Indiana’s go-to deep threat, James Hardy, left early for the NFL. Receivers Ray Fisher and Andrew Means return and they caught 52 and 48 balls respectively. The running game must improve to give the Hoosiers a more balanced attack. Lewis was the best runner in 2007, but Lynch wants to get speedster Marcus Thigpen and bruiser Bryan Payton more involved this year. The line is among the best in the conference and that should make Lynch’s scheme a success.
Defense
Like several other solid offensive teams in the league, the Hoosiers struggle defensively. The front is solid though with defensive end Greg Middleton leading the way. Middleton had a huge sophomore season, leading the nation with 16 sacks. Cornerback is the glaring weakness on the defense and the area where teams will really look to take advantage of the Hoosiers this season. The Hoosiers ranked 81st in the nation against the pass, allowing 243.7 passing yards per game, and not having lock down corners is a big reason why. The front seven has been doing its job, but the secondary has not been holding up on its end of the bargain.
Special Teams
This is an area where the Hoosiers can really excel to help themselves out. Kickers Austin Starr and kick returner Marcus Thigpen are two of the nation’s best. Starr connected on 21 of 23 field goal attempts. In 2006, Thigpen led the nation with a 30.1 yard return kick average. He also ran three back for touchdowns. Teams almost always kicked away from him last season, but when ever he touches it, he’s a major threat to score.
Prediction – 9th in Big Ten
With go-to receiver James Hardy gone, the offense is not going to be quite as effective as he garnered so much attention. Also, Lewis might not even be back and a weak secondary will also cost the Hoosiers. This team will be behind Iowa and Purdue, but slightly better than Minnesota and Northwestern.
Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 college football picks will help you beat the oddsmakers all season long on the gridiron. Make sure you’re playing with Jimmy for the most consistent football betting winning in the industry.
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