I don’t think I have ever been so excited for the idea of Indiana State.
Opening day is drawing nearer and nearer, and soon our dear friend college football will be back for several months before leaving us like that girl who always makes us want more.
IU football has higher expectations than usual, as this appears to be a winning football team.
Today, we are focusing on how the non-conference schedule will shape up for the cream and crimson. Let’s see how it’s looking.
Indiana State
After battering the Sycamores 73-35 at home last season, the rematch will again be in Bloomington this year. Indiana State went 1-11 last year against a FCS schedule.
ISU struggles to put points up, which works just fine for a high scoring IU team. It is safe to say we will start the season with a comfortable victory.
Bowling Green
This game is more frightening. The defending MAC champs host IU, and this will be the first game where we get a real look at how IU’s defense has improved.
Falcon quarterback Matt Johnson put up 3,467 yards last season. He’ll only continue to improve with new coach Dino Baber and his quarterback friendly offensive system. Running back Travis Greene, with 1,594 yards in 2013, is no slouch either.
IU should be capable against a questionable Falcon offensive line. Considering that there may be some new coach growing pains, I feel comfortable that IU will take this one, but by no means will it be easy.
Missouri
This is the main focus of our non-conference schedule. How the Hoosiers fare against Bowling Green will have a massive effect on how this battle goes in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri, the reigning SEC East champions, lose a lot of talent coming into this year, such as SEC Defensive Player of the Year Michael Sam and second round pick Kony Ealy on the defensive line.
The problem is, in most places where the Tigers lose talent, they have plenty more waiting for their chance. Most new starters have solid experience playing as back-ups.
Quarterback Maty Mauk is a star waiting to happen. He gained some valuable experience with four starts against SEC teams in James Franklin’s absence.
Mauk is a gun-slinging stud and a truly exciting player to watch. The issue for him will be losing his three top receivers to graduation, transfers and a suspension. One of those receivers was former No. 1 recruit Dorial Green-Beckham, who transferred to Oklahoma. Missouri will be relying on young, inexperienced wide outs that may not be fully adapted by Sept. 20.
Mizzou brings another very talented defensive line, but I think IU’s deep offensive line is impressive enough to contain them. If so, Sudfeld should not have too much trouble passing on a worrisome secondary.
This game seems even and will be a tightly contested ball game, regardless. In the end, it appears that Missouri’s home field advantage may be the tipping point, and I foresee a coming out party for Mauk.
I give Missouri a tight victory over the Hoosiers, but if IU’s defense improves, as most are hoping, this might be a stolen road win.
North Texas
After Missouri, Indiana starts up the Big Ten season against Maryland before ending the non-conference slate with North Texas.
Another team coming off a breakthrough season last year with nine wins, the Mean Green (Can we please all take a moment and enjoy that name again?) are only returning nine starters. That is the second lowest in the FBS.
Their offense is based around a strong run game and has plenty of backfield talent even after losing top rusher Brandin Byrd. The offensive line is formidable with four returning starters and is the high point of the team.
The defense is pretty deep and highlighted by corners Kenny Buyers and James Jones. This defense is the opposite of Missouri in that I do not think the pass rush will have any effect on IU, but the secondary will make things difficult.
This might be a day to lean on Tevin Coleman and that Hoosier run game.
Regardless, I say IU wins this one. That will especially be the case if the offense gets off to an early lead, because this inexperienced North Texas may not be able to rally.
A 3-1 non-conference record is pretty ideal for an IU team that needs to get off to a strong start to succeed in the brutal Big Ten East.
brodmill@indiana.edu
