The Mike P'review of IU vs. Minnesota

This can be viewed as well on The Hoosier Scoop or by clicking here.

After a tough loss to a much-improved Illinois team, the Hoosiers went on the road and got a much need win at Iowa. That game is over and done, time for the Golden Gophers to come to town. Minnesota is coming in 1-4, but don’t let that fool you. Ohio State is the only team that has not had their hands full with them. The Hoosiers have to come out with the mind set that Minnesota can beat them; not thinking this is already a win. We all remember what happened last year at the Metrodome.

Defense: This is a game that will really test the secondary, and how they can play against a high-powered pass offense. Webber has been efficient this year, completing almost sixty percent of his passes and gaining just shy of 1,300 yards. They also spread the ball around to different receivers. So far this Minnesota has used eleven receivers, nine of those eleven have six or more catches. Decker and Wheelwright have been the two main receivers, with thirty six and twenty two catches respectively. However, IU can’t stretch the secondary out and not protect against the run. This is a team that is averaging 192.8 yards per game on the run, and almost five yards per carry. They are doing all of this behind a line that has only allowed Webber to be sacked three times. The good thing for the IU defense is that Minnesota does not protect the ball. They have fumbled the ball twelve times, lost eight of those, all while throwing 10 picks. This should be a game to rack up the takeaway stats.

Offense: This could be where it gets really interesting. With all the positives that Minnesota does on offense, it is their defense that hurts them, and will allow IU to really be able to rack up the yards. The defense IU gets this week appears to have more holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. They are allowing almost 37 points per game so far, with all opponents having scored over thirty. I know I have said that the line, Lewis, and the receivers are important in every game. This game should allow some IU records to fall for the passing game. The Minnesota secondary has issues, they have allowed 1840 yards and sixteen TD’s on the season so far, and only picked off the opposing team three times. They have only forced five fumbles, and recovered three. IU should be able to protect the ball easily this week.

This game will depend a lot on the Hoosiers mind set and the play calls. The secondary of Minnesota is weak, Coach Lynch has got to attack them and let the offense really open up the deep ball. If IU can come out early and get a couple big plays and easy scores, it should open up the running game, and give them the ability to control the clock. Last year Minnesota embarrassed this team, and for all intent and purpose ended any chance IU had to make a bowl game. This year is payback.

IU wins big on Saturday, 42-17.

I hope this provokes some good conversation on the game, whether you agree with me or not. I want to hear what you have to say.