IU vs Kentucky

COACHES
Gerry DiNardo Last weekend's win versus then-No. 24 Oregon marked the first road-win in DiNardo's three-year tenure at IU and a possible building block for future Hoosier teams. DiNardo has preached patience with his young Hoosier team, and for the first time in his three years in Bloomington, has a full allotment of 85 scholarships players. Rich Brooks Brooks is in his second season as Kentucky's head coach. Brooks served as Oregon's head coach from 1977-94 and then made the jump to the NFL to coach the St. Louis Rams. After St. Louis, Brooks was hired as the Altanta Falcons defensive coordinator before returning to the college game in Lexington. Brooks guided the Wildcats to a 4-8 record last year. STEGER'S TAKE
IU Offense: The offense has now had two games to work out the kinks, and it still needs a little more work. However, the Hoosiers will be able to run the ball well and should throw the ball even better. IU Defense: The name of the game for the Hoosiers this season has been defense. The Hoosiers will probably create two or more turnovers from Kentucky's problematic offense. Kentucky Offense: The Wildcats have a struggling running game and a desperate passing game. Expect the Wildcats to rush for no more than 50 yards, though they could get close to 200 yards through the air. Kentucky Defense: Employing the 3-4 scheme, the Wildcats will hold the Hoosier running game to just a few yards per carry because of IU's solid, yet inconsistent, offensive-line play. Expect the Wildcats to focus on stopping the run and making the Hoosiers try to win with the passing game. IU Special Teams: The Hoosiers' special teams rank among the top in country -- don't expect that to change. The return game will give the Hoosiers good field position, and the kicking game will see its best game yet. KENTUCKY Special Teams: The Wildcats have the ability to return the ball effectively, which could be one of the difference-makers in the game. I believe the Wildcats will be able to stay in the game with their special teams. Intangibles: Kentucky's team reminds me of the Hoosiers from last season. They have a new quarterback and some solid players, but they are searching for a team identity. I think the Hoosiers will be able to avoid the hangover from last week's victory and will win their third game. Prediction: DiNardo's program takes another step in the right direction. It's not easy, but IU makes enough plays to go 3-0. FINAL SCORE:IU-24 Kentucky-13