Indiana football has made only a single post-season bowl appearance in the last two decades, and experienced its seventh consecutive losing season in 2014 (4-8). The Hoosier faithful have certainly been more than patient in their wait for a return to Big Ten respectability, and the prospects for 2015 once again appear questionable at best.
Coach Kevin Wilson, who returns for his fifth season at the helm in Bloomington (14-34 in his first four years), has some reason for optimism although IU’s second year in the rugged Big Ten-East Division presents an imposing challenge. Wilson was thought by many to be on the coaching hot seat a year ago, but was given an end of season vote of confidence from his athletic department, no doubt inspired by the Hoosiers’ season ending, and only, conference victory in the traditional Old Oaken Bucket game over in state rival Purdue.
The positive side of the 2015 outlook begins with the IU offense which has eight returning starters, led by quality senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld. Despite an injury shortened junior season, Sudfeld threw for nearly 1,200 yards in 2014, and led the Hoosiers to a stunning 31-27 early season road upset of highly regarded Missouri, capped by a game winning 75-yard drive in the last two minutes. Sudfeld, who threw for more than 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2013, has a chance to end his career among the Hoosiers’ all-time leaders in every passing statistical category. He is on the pre-season watch lists for both the Maxwell Award and the Unitas Golden Arm Award, which recognizes outstanding senior student-athletes for their leadership, community service, academic and athletic achievement.
Beyond Sudfeld, the Hoosiers feel good about the strength of their offensive line, led by junior guard Dan Feeney and three other returning starters. Pre-season camp sentiment suggests that the O-line may be among the best in the conference. With an average size of 6’5” and 305 lbs., there is no shortage of confidence that the group can compete physically with any of the quality defenses the Hoosiers will face this season. Performance of this unit will be key as the Hoosiers seek to replace consensus All-American, and 2,000 yard rusher, Tevin Coleman (now of the Atlanta Falcons) and leading receivers Shane Wynn and Nick Stoner. UA-Birmingham transfer Jordan Howard is thought to be the primary candidate to fill the void left by Coleman at running back.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers will be inexperienced due to the loss of seven defensive starters from a year ago. Senior linemen Adarius Rayner and Nick Mangieri are among the returnees and they will provide leadership, along with junior linebacker T.J. Simmons. Sophomore defensive back, and honorable mention All-Big Ten freshman, Chase Dutra has emerged as a leader among what will be a young secondary.
The Hoosiers’ prospects for breaking their consecutive losing season streak lie obviously with Sudfeld’s return to his 2013 form, and the performance of the young defense. Much will be determined with the first three games of the season, which are all at home, and against non-conference, group of 5 opponents who had a combined losing record in 2014. After the first three games there will be typical, tough road games against Penn St., Michigan St. and Maryland, not to mention hosting defending national champion Ohio State and a revitalized Michigan at Memorial Stadium.
With only six conference victories in the last four seasons, improvement will be measured by adding significantly to that total. Two or more Big Ten wins may be enough to accomplish that. A .500 year would be a major achievement and, with a healthy Sudfeld for the full season, would not come as a complete surprise.
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