Indiana at Akron

This is probably the biggest game of the season for the Hoosiers. If they win, they head to Ann Arbor at 3-0 with a game against a woeful Virginia squad left on their nonconference schedule. Beat Virginia and they would only have to steal two Big Ten games to go bowling. I am not saying it would be easy but the bottom the conference hasn't done much to put fear in the heart of opponents. On the other hand, lose this game and you fall to 2-1 before going to Michigan and hosting Ohio State. That would leave IU at least three Big Ten wins from a bowl game.
Indiana beat the Zips by 17 in Bloomington in 2007 and did not play them last season.
The Akron Zips are in the MAC and they have never beaten a Big Ten school. They opened the season by losing 31-7 at Penn State (and it wasn't even that close) and then beating a I-AA school last week. This game is on the road and I know it won't be easy but it is a game IU really needs.

5. Penalties!
The Hoosiers had 13 penalties last week and it almost cost them the game. They cannot continue to set give teams yardage and expect to win close games. False starts and illegal procedures get an offense off schedule and make it extremely difficult to sustain a drive. Defensive penalties can get the opposing offense an extra chance to score. Bill Lynch took responsibility for the penalties last week and said we could judge him on the penalties after Saturday's game. I think the goal is to cut the number in half: 6 penalties or less. I will be following this crucial part of the game very closely.

4. Second Half Shutout
I have been really surprised at how well Indiana's offense has started each of their first two games. They come out and look in rhythm and stake Indiana a lead that they can build on. However, the second half of both contests has been the exact opposite. Indiana hasn't scored a touchdown in the second half of either game this season and that needs to change very quickly. I don't know if it is a lack of coaching adjustments or if the players are not executing the game plan in the second half but it needs to be fixed on Saturday. IU cannot afford to be shut out in the second half for the third straight game.

3. The Running Game
Which running game will we consistently see? Will it be the one that struggled to push the pile against Eastern Kentucky (73 yards, 2.4 a carry)? Or will it be the running game that moved the chains and hit a few big plays against Western Michigan (187 yards, 5.7 a carry)? There is no doubt that if we see IU revert to the EKU numbers they will lose every game they have left on their schedule. Demetrius McCray and Bryan Payton both looked good last Saturday and I was thrilled to see a couple of big runs. More importantly, there weren't very many negative rushing plays. I hope we get to see Darius Willis soon but he is listed as questionable for the second straight week with an ankle injury. I expect Indiana to run for between 150 and 175 yards.

2. Will Solid Defense Continue?
Indiana's defense has played well so far this season. I have been impressed by the play of Middleton and Kirlew. The linebackers have all looked pretty good. Austin Thomas and Nick Polk have not shown any ill effects from their knee injuries and Ray Fisher has made a seamless transition to cornerback. Akron is not near as dangerous as Western Michigan on offense. However, they have a few weapons that Indiana will have to watch out for. Chris Jacquemain is a senior quarterback that has a good arm and is the leader for the Zips. Their best playmaker is Daryn Bowser. Bowser, a wide receiver, has caught all four of Jacquemain's TD passes this season. If Indiana can hold another opponent under 20 points, I think they get their third victory.

1. Can the Hoosiers Win on the Road?
This is a very big game for Akron. The Zips opened a new stadium this season (InfoCision Stadium) and the program has a lot of positive energy surrounding it. IU will be the first Big Ten school to ever play at Akron so you know the fans will be jacked up. Akron will expect to win this game, IU might be a Big Ten team but they are not going to intimidate anyone. I would expect a sellout and Indiana is going to have to come out ready to play and ready to match Akron's intensity. I know it is not the toughest place in the country to play but winning on the road is tough, no matter where it is.

Prediction
I initially thought Indiana would lose this game. However, I was not impressed with Akron's performance against Penn State and I think Indiana has a good shot to win on Saturday. IU has to cut down on penalties, stop Bowser, score in the second half and capitalize on their red zone chances. I think they will do just enough to win their third close game in a row. The game is at 3:30 and will be broadcast on ESPNU. I will recap on sometime after the game. Until then, stay vigilant and God Bless America.