2008 Indiana Hoosiers


July 16, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Bill Lynch did a tremendous job in his first year as Indiana’s head coach last season.  He led the Hoosiers to a 7-6 record and an Insight Bowl berth to instill some optimism in Indiana for a sport other than basketball.  Can the Hoosiers sustain their success this season in Lynch’s second year?  Find out with Info Plays 2008 Indiana Hoosiers football predictions and team preview below.

Offense:

Indiana’s multi-dimensional QB in Kellen Lewis misses spring practice after Bill Lynch suspended him for violation of team rules.  But Lynch has said the door is open for Lewis to return in the fall if he can get his act straightened up.  Lewis was voted second-team All-Big Ten last year after throwing for 3,043 yards and 38 touchdowns, while rushing for 736 yards and nine scores as a sophomore.  If Lewis can’t get his act together, that will open the door for sophomore Ben Chappell who is your prototypical drop-back passer.  The Hoosiers plan to switch to a hurry-up offense in 2008 no matter which quarterback is under center.

James Hardy left early for the NFL after being one of the best receivers in the country last season.  His loss will be the hardest felt on the entire team.  But the Hoosiers will return a solid group of receivers nonetheless, led by Ray Fisher (52 catches) and Andrew Means (48 catches) from last year’s team.  The primary goal for this offense will be to improve its running game.  Lewis was their top rusher last year, but the Hoosiers return speedster Marcus Thigpen and the powerful Bryan Payton at fullback.  A group of offensive linemen recruited in the same class three years ago will lead the way up front.  Five of the seven recruits from 2005 will be starters Alex Perry, Rodger Saffold, Pete Saxon, Cody Faulkner and Mike Stark.  Saffold and Saxon each have over 18 starts already.

Defense:

As always is the case in the Big Ten, the front seven is crucial to win the battle in the trenches.  The strength of the Hoosiers will be their front seven this season.  Greg Middleton leads the way at defensive end after recording a monster sophomore season.  Middleton was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and received All-American mention after leading the nation with 16 sacks.  End Jammie Kirlew and tackle Greg Brown return as starters as do linebackers Will Patterson and Geno Johnson.  Patterson was second on the team last season with 104 tackles.

The biggest hole for the Hoosiers to fill on defense will be at cornerback.  There are no returning starters and this position will be up for grabs all through fall camp.  But safety is a strength for the Hoosiers with Nick Polk and Austin Thomas.  Polk returns at free safety after recording 74 tackles and two interceptions last year.  He’s one of the best athletes on the team and don’t be surprised if you see him on offense in some instances this season.  Thomas is a big hitter who had 22 tackles in one game against Michigan State in 2007.  He led IU and was among the Top 10 in the Big Ten with 112 tackles.

Indiana Hoosiers Predictions at Info Plays:  9th in the Big Ten

For the Hoosiers to record back-to-back winning seasons, Kellen Lewis must return as their starting quarterback.  With him, the offense could be better than a year ago, and the defense will take another step forward with plenty of returning starters.  The Hoosiers don’t play Ohio State or Michigan for a second straight year, and they have the luxury of eight home games on the schedule.  This could be the surprise team in the Big Ten, but no James Hardy at receiver will be a severe blow to their offense.

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