Momentum has certainly slowed for the Indiana football team. After starting the season 5-1, the Hoosiers have lost two straight and face a tough opponent in the 6-2 Wisconsin Badgers. The offense, which is second in the Big Ten in scoring at 35.4 points per game, has continued to shine, but holes in the defense have proven too much to overcome for the squad. Unfortunately, the future does not look much better for the Hoosiers this weekend as they travel to Madison, Wisconsin to take on a perennial powerhouse.
Randall Camp Stadium will be a tough place for the Hoosiers to play
Wisconsin’s offense features one of the premiere running backs in the Big Ten in sophomore back P.J. Hill. Hill has already broken 1000 yards on the season, averaging five yards per carry while leading the Big Ten in scoring with 13 touchdowns. Rushing is the key—the Badgers run for almost 200 yards per game—but senior quarterback Tyler Donovan leads a potent corps of receivers, led by junior tight end Travis Beckum. Stopping Hill will be next to impossible, but even then, the Badgers present a tough task for Indiana.
Kellen Lewis and James Hardy have continued to be bright spots for the Hoosiers this season. Lewis has proven that he can both roll out of the pocket and pass to a variety of targets when necessary, his favorite being Hardy. Lewis is second in the Big Ten in passer rating (behind Ohio State’s Todd Boeckman), while Hardy is second in the conference in receiving (behind Michigan State’s Devin Thomas). Where the team has lacked, however, is the running game. While Lewis can and will rush for big gains, the Hoosiers have not yet found a consistent ground threat. Sophomore Bryan Payton has shown promise, but was shut down by Penn State.
Saturday’s game will be a tough one for Indiana, as they are again facing a big, tough defense. They will also be heading into Camp Randall, one of the hardest stadiums to play at in the country. With big games from Lewis, Hardy, and an x-factor (whether on offense or defense), the Hoosiers have a shot. If no one steps up, however, this could make football fans wait another week to be bowl eligible. My pick: Wisconsin 28, Indiana 17.
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