Hoosiers Hopeful in Handling at Home

Red-clad Hoosier fans will try to overwhelm scarlet-clad Buckeyes fans tonight at Memorial Stadium. The stands will be littered with cherry-colored clothing as Indiana pins their hopes on toppling Big 10 powerhouse, The Ohio State University, for just the 13th time in the neighborly battle. The Buckeyes are victors of 65 meeting between the teams, but the Hoosiers are out to scribe a new chapter in their robust red rivals.
The challenge is a difficult one for the 3-1 Hoosiers. Last week, Indiana dropped their Big 10 opener in a tight skirmish against Michigan. The Wolverines held on to defeat Indiana by three points, thanks in part to quarterback Tate Forcier’s late drive. Tonight the Hoosier crowd welcomes a hungry Buckeye bunch, coming off back-to-back shutouts. Ohio State was installed a 17 point favorite earlier in the week despite Indiana’s home-field advantage. The Buckeyes should respect the 2009 Hoosiers for the product they’ve put on the field so far this year. Although the scarlet and grey have not lost to Indiana since 1988 and have allowed a mere eight points over the last 10 quarters, the Buckeyes are firmly focused for a fierce football game.
The Hoosiers have fight in them, and have demonstrated so with exemplary players refusing to quit. The experience of seasoned veterans can only help Indiana against Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes. The offensive line has big guys up front that are capable of storming in to pull off an upset tonight in Bloomington. The same offense lead the Hoosiers to three consecutive wins to open the season. Indiana snipped Eastern Kentucky 19-13 in week one. They snubbed Western Michigan 23-19 the following week and attacked Akron in September’s third week, 38-21. Ben Chappell is the team’s anchor behind center. Chappell has kept the interceptions in check, while instituting his favorite receiver, Tandon Doss, into Indiana’s balanced offense. Chappell, in his first year as starter, is a productive passer. Redshirt freshman, Darius Willis, has guided the ground game. Willis ushered in two touchdowns against Michigan last week and escorted the ball 152 yards. Trea Burgess is another runner representing a threat to defenses facing Indiana. The junior rusher starred in the home opener and scooted through the endzone late in the fourth quarter against Akron. Demetruis McCray has a career-high 134 yards rushing in week two’s win over Western Michigan. The running attack took a huge jump and an increased workload. In the second week of the season, the Hoosiers ran the ball 33 times for 187 yards. It was the Hoosier defense that carried the team through the game though, preserving the victory with a forced turnover.
The perseverant passer Chappell, knows how to get his offense going and flowing quickly. I am confident the Ohio State defense can handle the onslaught, but they will have to do so without their top defender, Kurt Coleman. The stifling safety was suspended by the conference for initiating helmet-to-helmet contact during the Illinois game a week ago. Anderson Russell, a shaky, sometimes indecisive defender, will replace Coleman. I expect Indiana to run the ball against the Buckeyes to control the clock. Last week, the Hoosiers 197-yard rushing day was the second most ever against the Wolverines. That statistic indicates how the Hoosiers strategize against opponents. The home team will need a lot more than a smart ground attack to outmuscle the visiting Buckeyes. Chappell’s targets will have to run exceptional routes and the quarterback will need to read them well. Indiana’s ace in the hole could be their kick return unit. Against Akron, Ray Fisher returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a score. The special teams staggered the Zips and will strive to stun the scarlet and grey Saturday. Nick Freeland is a strong kicker for Indiana. He tied a school record last week by booting four field goals against a team with an unblemished record. He did miss wide left on a 42 yard attempt in the fourth quarter. A resourceful defense, starting with linebacker Will Patterson, and a firm offense to spread the ball will be key to Indiana’s success. Special teams might make a difference against the ninth-ranked team in the nation. Sloppiness will not be tolerated or spell success. I still think the Hoosiers will need much more to lift themselves over the burden the Buckeyes will bring.

Parting points: Rainy Saturday First Weekend of the Month Song: “No One” by Alicia Keys