Indiana vs. Western Michigan

The Indiana Hoosiers have had eight days to improve after a very shaky opening-night victory over Eastern Kentucky. Western Michigan enters this contest at 0-1 after getting waxed by Michigan in the Big House. The Broncos expected to at least be very competitive in that game but they were shut down and gave up 242 yards on the ground. This is the first of two games against MAC schools for IU and they need to win both of them if they hope to have a shot at a bowl game. Look at the rest of IU's non-conference schedule (WMU, at Akron, at Virginia). Akron got blown out by Penn State. They had eight yards at halftime! Virginia lost to William and Mary. Those are two very winnable games. Western Michigan is a very winnable game...if IU plays well. The non-conference portion of IU's schedule is critical for them every year. They probably need to go 4-0 to have a shot at postseason play.

Five Things to Watch
5. The Running Game
IU's running game needs to step up. They will not be the least bit successful on offense this season if they don't manage to get their yards per carry up to over four. Darius Willis was expected to be a big part of this. However, his debut did not go as planned. He fumbled his first carry and only managed three yards on three carries. Willis had a shin injury that kept him from getting very many carries. He is apparently healthy now and is looking forward to a good second game. For the sake of the offense, I certainly hope that's the case. Western Michigan gave up 242 rushing yards to Michigan. If IU can't run the ball effectively against the Broncos, they won't do it all season.

4. Containing Tim Hiller
Hiller is a former MAC freshman of the year, he has started for most of three seasons and he is considered an NFL quarterback prospect. He did not play particularly well against Michigan but looked better in the second half than he did in the opening 30 minutes. Hiller threw for 3,725 yards and 36 touchdowns last season but defensive coordinator Brian Palcic knows there are ways to contain him.
"This quarterback is not going to run-he has had a couple of knee surgeries-and he is not known to be mobile. The key to slowing him down is to get pressure. We have to turn our defensive ends loose." There you have it. If Kirlew and Middleton have good games, IU's defense should be in good shape.

3. The Wide Receivers
IU's wide receivers are the best part of this team. I thought they looked great for much of the game against Eastern Kentucky and I am looking forward to seeing how they play in week two. Tandon Doss and Demarlo Belcher look like stars and Mitchell Evans always seems to catch the ball when it is thrown his way. It will be difficult for Duwyce Wilson to crack this lineup but I would see him get a few balls. IU's wideouts do a really nice job of breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards after the catch. I think their solid play will continue throughout the season.

2. Shaky Offensive Line
The veteran offensive line was without a couple of regular starters last week and it showed. They had four penalties and the running game was ineffective. The line did not appear to be opening up any holes. The pass protection was pretty good for most of the game but Indiana needs to run the ball and that starts with the line. The penalties have to stop and the blocking has to improve for IU to win this one.

1. All Points West
Brandon West is one of the best running backs in the MAC and he will be a challenge for the Hoosier defense. West led the Broncos in rushing and all-purpose yards last season. He is not a big, bruising back that will pound at the Hoosiers all day. West is a slasher and a player very capable of busting a big play. Indiana's linebackers will have to tackle him when they get their hands on him and prevent him from getting past the second line of defense. If West can break a few big plays, it makes defending Hiller and the passing attack more difficult.

Prediction
I don't have a real good feel for this one. Has Indiana corrected a lot of the mistakes they made in the opener? Does Western Michigan miss their departed receivers more than we thought they would? Is Michigan that good or is Western going to struggle all year? A lot of questions that will be partially answered on Saturday. I think Indiana's offense will have a good day against the rebuilt and young Broncos defense. The Indiana defense will contain West but Hiller will throw for over 300 yards and have at least two touchdowns. I think Indiana will make just enough plays to win this one, 31-28.

Player of the Game
Ben Chappell will take advantage of the porous Western Michigan defense and utilize his weapons at wideout. Chappell throws for 325 yards with three touchdowns.

Please remember to pray for the families of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11. Those attacks have changed this country forever and we will never forget that day. Pray for our military who are risking their lives as a result of that terrible day.

A game recap will be posted this weekend, until then stay vigilant and God Bless America.