Indiana Hoosiers 2017 NCAA Football Preview

College Football Predictions – Indiana Hoosiers 2017 NCAA Football Preview

2016 Recap

2016 Record – 6-7

2016 ATS – 6-7

The Hoosiers had a decent campaign ending the regular season with a 6-6 record. They played Utah really tough in the Foster Farms Bowl but lost a close one 26-24. They did not exactly pick up wins vs a MURDERERS ROW of nasty opponents, but as you know, we like to look at the facts and a 6-6 season is not bad for a team that has struggled mightily in the Big 10 for a long-time. Their last winning season ? 2007. 7-6.

2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

Big 10 – TBD

East Division – TBD

OFFENSE

Who doesn’t love trips down memory lane ? The Hoosiers were #1 (!) in the Big 10 in scoring offense in 2015. Yup, that happened. Last year they slipped to a tie for 8th, and if it were not for the surprising play of the defense, there is no doubt they would have never made a bowl game.

QB Richard Lagow is back this season and gives the Hoosiers a shot at having a really good passing attack. Last season he had a poor 19-17 TD to INT ratio and hopefully that will improve. The Hoosiers’ #1 WR Nick Westbrook is back for duty and he was just a couple of yards short of 1,000 last year (995). Indiana also gets Simmie Cobbs back in the mix and he had a 1,000 yard campaign in 2015 while averaging over 17 yards per reception. We worry about the running game. Leading RB Devine Redding (1,122, 7 TD) departs and the talent level left behind is anyone’s guess. They do return 3/5 starters on the offensive line but it will be interesting to see how (if ?) they can have a balanced attack when playing against the better defenses in the Big 10. <grabs popcorn>

DEFENSE

The Hoosiers have the makings of a fine looking defense. Last year they only allowed 27 points per game, bagged 33 sacks and allowed just 52.5% completions. This year they return 9 (!) starters to the stop unit and have some fine talent at all three levels of the defense. The defensive line returns 3/4 starters and are projected to have three seniors leading the way. The LB unit features one of the most underrated LBs in college football in Tegray Scales who tallied 126 tackles, 7 sacks and 23.5 (!!) TFL in 2016. The secondary brings back 4/4 starters including star DB Rashard Fant who earned 2nd team Big 10 honors in 2016. This defense will go under the radar but we love the potential.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The group returns essentially intact. PK Griffin Oakes was 16/26 on FGs last year but just 5/11 on attempts from 40+. It would be ideal if the Hoosiers could find some extra spice in the return game.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot

The schedule looks pretty manageable overall. They only have back-back road games once all season.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

The last time Indiana won a bowl game was back in the 1991 Copper Bowl. Many of the young Sparkies out there were not even born.

MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 6.0

MEGALOCKS says:

Overall, we give the HOOSIERS a 6.0 ATS Value Rating (Above Average) this season.

Guilty as charged. We are suckers for under-the-radar teams that feature good defenses and capable QBs. We are worried about their ability to run the football, but overall, still feel like they can surprise vs the point spread.

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