QB sleeves FTW
Expectations are relatively high in Bloomington after an average(for IU) season in 2009 where the Hoosiers went a "meh" 4-8 and missed out on a Bowl game. After a sort-of hot start where they came out of the gates 3-0, Indiana got robbed of a win against UM at the Big (and quiet) House on a phantom "simultaneous possession interception" call that went the wrong way and the score ended 36-33 in favor of the Skunk Bears.
After that, things only got harder as Ohio State paid a visit and handed out the annual beat-down of the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers lone conference win came against Illinois by a score of 27-14, which may have been the high point of the 2009 campaign. "Wait wait wait, SBB" you might say. "Why are expectations high(ish) for 2010 in Bloomington?". I'll tell you, and it all starts on the offensive side of the ball.
On offense, Indiana returns Sr. quarterback Ben Chappell. Chappell stand 6'3" and weighs in at 239 lbs with a laser, rocket arm which he used to pass for just over 2,900 yards last season. Although he has poor choice in sleeves(QB sleeves are sooooo 1994) the guy can gun with the best of them.
On the flip side, what came of all those yards? Ummmm not much. Although Chappell completed almost 63% of his passes, he threw for 17 TDs and 15 INTs, numbers comparable to Matt Barkely. For things to improve Chappell has got to cut down on his turnovers drastically. Also returning on offense is stud receiver Tandon Doss who amassed 962 yards through the air and 5 TD receptions in 2009. Fellow WR Terrance Turner who came in with 443 yards and 1TD will likely be the number 2 receiver for the team. In the backfield, Sophomore Darius Willis returns from a 2009 season that say him rush for 607 yards at an average of 4.7 per carry and 6 TDs. Not exactly huge numbers, but not bad all things considered.
State Trooper is very excited....
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers have a veteran team with 3 seniors and 5 juniors returning. Of those, the most well known and probably most skilled player is senior linebacker Tyler Replogle who hails from Centerville, OH. Tyler finished 12th in the conference in 2009 with total tackles and looks to improve on that during his final season at IU.
Schedule and Predictions for 2010:
Towson (W): Towson? Yeah, Towson. W just because it's Towson.
BYE WEEK: Usually a bye doesn't deserve a comment, but when it comes in week 2 you have to ask WTF? Gotta get rested up after a tough game against mighty Towson? and before WKU? Give me a break. The AD who signed off on this should be fired. Unless he already has, then he should be brought back and promptly re-fired.
@WKU (W): I realize Indiana isn't a football powerhouse, but AT Western Kentucky? Come on. Just look at their mascot.
SEXAAAYYYYY
After that, things only got harder as Ohio State paid a visit and handed out the annual beat-down of the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers lone conference win came against Illinois by a score of 27-14, which may have been the high point of the 2009 campaign. "Wait wait wait, SBB" you might say. "Why are expectations high(ish) for 2010 in Bloomington?". I'll tell you, and it all starts on the offensive side of the ball.
On offense, Indiana returns Sr. quarterback Ben Chappell. Chappell stand 6'3" and weighs in at 239 lbs with a laser, rocket arm which he used to pass for just over 2,900 yards last season. Although he has poor choice in sleeves(QB sleeves are sooooo 1994) the guy can gun with the best of them.
On the flip side, what came of all those yards? Ummmm not much. Although Chappell completed almost 63% of his passes, he threw for 17 TDs and 15 INTs, numbers comparable to Matt Barkely. For things to improve Chappell has got to cut down on his turnovers drastically. Also returning on offense is stud receiver Tandon Doss who amassed 962 yards through the air and 5 TD receptions in 2009. Fellow WR Terrance Turner who came in with 443 yards and 1TD will likely be the number 2 receiver for the team. In the backfield, Sophomore Darius Willis returns from a 2009 season that say him rush for 607 yards at an average of 4.7 per carry and 6 TDs. Not exactly huge numbers, but not bad all things considered.
State Trooper is very excited....Schedule and Predictions for 2010:
Towson (W): Towson? Yeah, Towson. W just because it's Towson.
BYE WEEK: Usually a bye doesn't deserve a comment, but when it comes in week 2 you have to ask WTF? Gotta get rested up after a tough game against mighty Towson? and before WKU? Give me a break. The AD who signed off on this should be fired. Unless he already has, then he should be brought back and promptly re-fired.
@WKU (W): I realize Indiana isn't a football powerhouse, but AT Western Kentucky? Come on. Just look at their mascot.
SEXAAAYYYYY
Akron (W): They beat the Zips at Akron last year by a score of 38-21. I think the Hoosiers win by at least that margin this year at home.
Michigan (W): Forcier can't help but turn the ball over. Bill Lynch's gum gets its' revenge and the Hoosiers win a tight game. WOOOO 4-0!! INDIANA IS.....ummmm well not back, but HERE!
@OSU (L): The talent gap is too much to overcome. Throw in the fact that they're playing at the 'Shoe and you get a lopsided score. Bill Lynch's gum doesn't have a chance.
Arkansas State (W): Eating another cupcake. 5-1.
@Illinois (W): It's no secret, I think the Illini are in for a rough year.
Northwestern (W): The Wildcats barely beat the Hoosiers at home with Kafka and Wooton. Both of those guys are gone and the game is in Bloomington. Indiana Wins.
Iowa (L): Iowa is just too good on defense to let IU score enough. Chappell tosses a couple of picks and Iowa wins by double digits.
@ Wisonsin (L): Wisconsin is another tough team. Playing away from home and the talent gap won't help the Hoosiers here, Wisky wins. Jump Around.
Penn State (L): This game is going yo be held at FedEx field? Why? Doesn't matter IU loses.
@Purdue (L): The Old Oaken Bucket or something like that. I suppose this is a rivalry game, who knew that those existed outside of THE Game? Purdue has better players especially on defense, it's at Purdue and Purdue won last year away from home. Purdue wins.
Michigan (W): Forcier can't help but turn the ball over. Bill Lynch's gum gets its' revenge and the Hoosiers win a tight game. WOOOO 4-0!! INDIANA IS.....ummmm well not back, but HERE!
@OSU (L): The talent gap is too much to overcome. Throw in the fact that they're playing at the 'Shoe and you get a lopsided score. Bill Lynch's gum doesn't have a chance.
Arkansas State (W): Eating another cupcake. 5-1.
@Illinois (W): It's no secret, I think the Illini are in for a rough year.
Northwestern (W): The Wildcats barely beat the Hoosiers at home with Kafka and Wooton. Both of those guys are gone and the game is in Bloomington. Indiana Wins.
Iowa (L): Iowa is just too good on defense to let IU score enough. Chappell tosses a couple of picks and Iowa wins by double digits.
@ Wisonsin (L): Wisconsin is another tough team. Playing away from home and the talent gap won't help the Hoosiers here, Wisky wins. Jump Around.
Penn State (L): This game is going yo be held at FedEx field? Why? Doesn't matter IU loses.
@Purdue (L): The Old Oaken Bucket or something like that. I suppose this is a rivalry game, who knew that those existed outside of THE Game? Purdue has better players especially on defense, it's at Purdue and Purdue won last year away from home. Purdue wins.
