That’s a really big question with an answer we’ll have to wait six months to find out. BUT if what I hear from numerous sports podcasters about IU is true, Hoosier fans are in for another great season. The podcasts I watched on YouTube are listed below. The two podcasts from which I got the most information were College Football with Sam and Joel Klatt.
Big Ten Football Addiction
College Football with Sam
Crimson cast podcast
Dan Dakich
Indy Star TV: Hoosiers
Locked on Hoosiers
Joel Klatt
Jason Whitlock: Fearless
The most pessimistic of their predictions has IU going 9-3 for the season and 6-3 in the B1G with losses to Ohio State, Michigan, and either USC or Washington. “Sam” optimistically has IU going 13-0/9-0 and repeating as National Champs by beating Oregon in the championship game. Joel Klatt, former University of Colorado QB, and current color commentator with Gus Johnson on FOX Sports, is not as excited about IU ranking them fourth in his preseason poll. The other podcasters mentioned IU only as contending once again for the national championship without including the detail Sam and Klatt included.
The biggest unknown mentioned by all of them was how Josh Hoover, the QB transfer from TCU, will fare as the replacement for Heisman Trophy winner and number one NFL draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. Hoover has a turnover problem throwing far too many interceptions, but the predictors feel he will improve upon that due to a more talented offensive line allowing him more time to find his receivers.
Indiana returns 10 starters from last year’s team, most on defense. They return 3 offensive linemen; Carter Smith is one being called the best O-lineman in the B1G. The new OL recruits are expected to be a stronger group than last year’s team. They’re expected to be a Top 3 offense and top 3 defense again this year and are the third most likely team to be national champs. Although running backs Roman Hemby and Kealon Black are both gone, Turbo Richard, a transfer from Boston College, is supposed to fill the void. An Indiana holdover from Indianapolis, Khobie Martin, is highly thought of, and expected to get more playing time this season.
Klatt isn’t as kind to IU as was Sam. Klatt picks them to contend for the B1G and national championships. Preseason, Klatt ranks IU no. 4 overall but gives the National title to Oregon, Klatt’s preference for B1G champ, too. Regardless, they are predicted to be a final four playoff team who will play for national glory again. This year’s schedule is alleged to be harder than either of the last two. Charlie Becker, at wide receiver, returns to become an All-American and first round NFL draft choice. Nick Marsh, a Michigan State transfer, is expected to make a big impact on the running and receiving games. Becker and Marsh are hoping to make Josh Hoover look like a number one draft pick and be the best receiver/runner duo in the country. AJ Harris and Jamari Sharp will be the strength of the defensive secondary and are expected to dominate at that position.
One thing for certain, IU has the best coaching staff in the country and will be prepared for each game. They will be the most efficient and best coached team in college football. The team is deeper this year and will have the number one defense in college football in spite of losing all the leaders of the defense to the NFL. That should translate into a better offensive, fewer turn-over-prone team who will be in the “Natty” game again this year.
I just hope all the mediocrity Hoosier fans have seen on display until two years ago doesn’t suddenly reappear, and that the progress and accomplishments in IU football haven’t been a dream. Indiana’s first four games are at home so a 4-0 start is good bet. IU has Ohio State and Michigan back-to-back on consecutive Saturdays, and USC on week 11. Week13 ends the season with in-state rival, Purdue.
References: podcast: College Football with Sam
Podcast: Joel Klatt’s Preseason Top 25 College Football picks
Podcast: Big Ten Football Addiction
Podcast: Locked on Hoosiers
