MnB B1G Preview: Indiana

Each Wednesday, up through August, I’ll cover a different Big Ten team or Michigan non-conference opponent. This week, I’m covering the Indiana Hoosiers, who avoid Michigan in 2012.

To see all of our football previews, click here.

2012 Indiana Hoosiers Football Preview

2011 Record: 1-11 (0-8 Big Ten)

Head Coach: Kevin R. Wilson, second season (1-11 all at Indiana)

Projected Returning Starters: 19

Spring Game: April 14^th (Cream 19 Crimson 16)

Notes: Not surprisingly, Indiana has had the lowest winning percentage of all Big Ten teams over the past ten seasons. The only year they went to a bowl game, the 2007 season, the Hoosiers posted seven wins. In fact, Indiana is averaging half a win less per season than their nearest competitor, Illinois. Even by Indiana standards, 2011 was an awful season, as the Hoosiers only beat FCS opponent South Carolina State. Out of their 11 losses, six were decided by 14 points or more. Still, Indiana started the season competitive, with their first four losses by no more than seven points each.

BVTSB Take: Out of all the Big Ten teams, Indiana returns the most starters in 2012, and the fourth most in the nation. While the team is certainly more experienced, that doesn’t mean they will be Leaders Division contenders. Three quarterbacks for the Hoosiers saw playing time in 2012, with Tre Roberson finishing the season as the starter. He returns in 2012 and projects to be at the top of the depth chart when the season begins. Expect Cameron Coffman to back up Roberson, as neither of the other two quarterbacks who saw playing time in 2011 are returning in 2012. Together running back Stephen Houston and Roberson accounted for over 1200 yards on the ground last season – Houston also returns. Two of Indiana’s top receivers are back this season as well, leading receiver Kofi Hughes and Jamonne Chester. Indiana had only 10 receiving TDs in 2011, expect an improvement in year two under co-offensive coordinators Rod Smith, former Michigan quarterbacks’ coach, and Kevin Johns. Indiana has a fairly forgiving non-conference schedule, facing Indiana State and Ball State at home, while traveling to Massachusetts and Navy. Indiana plays Northwestern, Michigan State, and Iowa from the Leaders Division, avoiding Michigan and Nebraska. The schedule and experience is promising for Indiana. Expect a huge improvement in 2012.

2012 Early Projection: 5-7

To see the 2012 Big Ten composite schedule, click here.

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