IU Offensive Leaders
QB Kellen Lewis – 32-61 for 506 yards, 6 TDs; 24 carries for 118 yards, 1 TD\nWR James Hardy – 6 catches for 180 yards, 4 TDs\nRB Marcus Thigpen – 31 carries for 116 yards
IU Defensive Leaders
DL Greg Middleton – 5 tackles, 4 solo; 3 sacks\nLB Geno Johnson – 12 tackles, 7 solo; 1.5 TFL\nS Mitchell Evans – 4 tackles, all solo; 2 INTs
IU will win if...\n-They limit Jabari Arthur’s touches. The Hoosiers have had trouble shutting down good wideouts so far this season, and taking away Akron’s only offensive weapon will go a long way to stopping the Zips.\n-They get on top big and fast. The Zips defense was a force to be reckoned with against Ohio State, but their offense has scored one touchdown in two games. Putting points on the board quickly could keep IU on top all afternoon.
Akron Offensive Leaders
QB Chris Jacquemain – 25-45 for 173, 1 TD\nRB Dennis Kennedy – 21 carries for 80 yards, 3.8 YPC\nWR Jabari Arthur – 15 catches for 157 yards, 1 TD
Akron Defensive Leaders
LB Brion Stokes – 12 tackles, 9 solo; 5 TFL, 1 sack\nDB Andre Jones – 18 tackles, 11 solo; 1 sack\nDB John Mackey – 15 tackles, 13 solo; 1 INT
Akron will win if...\n-They can keep it close early. Akron held Ohio State to three first-half points last weekend and 20 points overall. If they can keep the game close, the Zips might have a chance to end the Hoosiers’ two-game winning streak. \n-Shut down the passing game. IU has struggled to establish a solid rushing attack, employing several running backs in their first two games. However, sophomore quarterback Kellen Lewis and wide receivers sophomore Ray Fisher and junior James Hardy haven’t been deterred yet, beating opponents through the air. Grounding IU’s potent passing attack might be the Zips’ best chance for a victory on Saturday.
Player to Watch
Kellen Lewis
Much has been made of how Akron’s defense shut down a top 10 Ohio State team a week ago. Kellen Lewis has been it for the Hoosiers so far, hurting opponents both through the air and on the ground, all the while amassing 624 total yards of offense and seven touchdowns. Lewis has to be ready to face the dynamic 3-5-3 he’ll see Saturday. If he can punch holes in the Zips’ defense – both through the air and on the ground – the Hoosiers should have an easy day against their second Mid-American Conference opponent in as many weeks.
