One in a series of early-summer looks at the opponents the Iowa football team will face this season.
2013 RECORD: 5-7, 3-5 Big Ten (fourth place in the Leaders Division)
COACH: Kevin Wilson (10-26 entering fourth season overall and at Indiana)
RETURNING STARTERS: Offense (11), Defense (10), Specialists (1)
TOP RETURNERS: QB Tre Roberson, 6-0, 203, jr., 83-of-138 passing, 1,126 yards, 15 TDs, four interceptions; QB Nate Sudfeld, 6-5, 232, jr., 194-of-322 passing, 2,523 yards, 21 TDs, nine interceptions; RB Tevin Coleman, 6-1, 210, jr., 131 carries for 958 yards, 12 TDs; WR Shane Wynn, 5-7, 167, sr., 46 receptions, 633 yards, 11 TDs; LB David Cooper, 6-1, 237, sr., 85 tackles; SS Mark Murphy, 6-2, 210, sr., 84 tackles.
THE SPRING THING: Kevin Wilson continues to deal with a pair of talented quarterbacks and a high-octane offense which has allowed the Hoosiers to compete, but the questions are on defense where Indiana has struggled throughout his first three seasons.
Tre Roberson and Nate Sudfeld continue to top the depth chart at quarterback and Tevin Coleman is a capable Big Ten back, but Indiana has some room to grow at receiver.
Productive Shane Wynn returns but the loss of Cody Latimer and Kofi Hughes – players who combined for 119 catches last season – leaves Indiana with work to do at receiver. Nick Stoner and Isiah Roundtree, two seniors, will be counted on to step up from complementary roles.
The Hoosiers’ offensive line should again be sound, anchored by left tackle Jason Spriggs.
THE BIG THING: Indiana’s defense allowed a Big Ten-worst 7.4 yards per play last season, prompting an overhaul of the Hoosiers’ defensive staff. Brian Knorr is Indiana’s new coordinator and his task is to find a way for the team to allow fewer than 35 points per game, something that has not happened since Kevin Wilson was hired. The Hoosiers have shifted to a 3-4 look on defense and the ability to adapt will be important as Indiana works toward the start of the season.
THE SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 – Indiana State
Sept. 13 – at Bowling Green
Sept. 20 – at Missouri
Sept. 27 – Maryland
Oct. 4 – North Texas
Oct. 11 – at Iowa
Oct. 18 – Michigan State
Nov. 1 – at Michigan
Nov. 8 – Penn State
Nov. 15 – at Rutgers
Nov. 22 – at Ohio State
Nov. 29 – Purdue
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