Week 6: Indiana Hoosiers Preview

I'm kind of getting that feeling that the scoreboard operator better be on his toes this Saturday when the Cream and Crimson of Indiana come to town.

The Hoosiers are led by QB - Ben Chappell. The 6'2", 242 pound, senior ranks 4th nationally, averaging 342 yards through the air per game. Last week, versus the team up north, Chappell connected on 45 completions in 64 attempts for 480 yards, all school records. Sure, Chappell may have racked up some impressive numbers against lesser competition so far this year (Towson, W.Kentucky and Akron). But, Chappell still has completed 72% of his passes thus far this season while tossing 12 TDs versus one lone interception.

Chappell has 3 excellent wide outs with exceptional size and deceiving speed. Damarlo Belcher, a 6'5" Jr., leads Indiana with 31 receptions and 3 TDs. Tandon Doss, a 6'3" Jr., and Terrance Turner, a 6'3" Sr., round out a very solid receiving unit. Last week, Doss had 15 receptions for 221 yards. Belcher, 10 for 91.

Don't over look Ted Bolser, a 6'6"252 pound freshman tight- end, when Indiana gets inside the red zone. 4 of Bolser's 10 receptions this year have resulted in TDs.

No doubt, the Buckeyes' defensive backfield is going to be tested. In particular, Christian Bryant, a 5'9" freshman who is filling in for the injured Tyler Moeller, will be targeted by Chappell and Indiana's high powered passing attack.

Indiana's relatively young offensive line is led by 6'8" 331 pound senior tackle James Brewer. This unit has only allowed 4 sacks so far this year. But, Saturday will be the toughest test to date for Indiana's front five.

Indiana's offense so far in 2010 has been impressive, very impressive. Indiana's defense on the other hand, well... not so good. Despite the favorable schedule strength, Indiana is dead last in the Big Ten allowing nearly 210 rushing yards per game. In addition, Indiana has been susceptible to the big play. Five of the 6 scoring drives against them last week were 5 plays or less.

This Indiana defense may just be what the good Doctor ordered for an Ohio State offense which was very sluggish last week in Champagne. With Terrelle Pryor nursing a sore thigh, look for plenty of opportunities for Brandon Saine and Daniel "BOOM" Herron to come this Saturday in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium. Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry may also get their fair share of carries this week.

When Indiana puts 8 in the box, one-on-one coverage will be there to exploit. Look for a long TD reception out of a receiver this week. The most likely culprits are going to be Dane Sanzenbacher, 23-351 and 6TDs this year, or DeVier Posey, 18-261 and 2TDs thus far.

With a trip to Camp Randall looming on the horizon next week, this game could fall into that classic 'look ahead' category. But, the focus should be there after the lackluster effort against Illinois last week and the Buckeyes will win going away as Jim Tressel secures his 100th victory as Ohio State Coach.

Buckeyes 41, Hoosiers 28.

Next up: Wisconsin Badgers