FOOTBALL PREVIEW ‘17
INDIANA
OUTLOOK
Indiana made a bowl last season. That’s a headline worthy of repeating. It was
Indiana’s second bowl in more than two decades. Now the Hoosiers are going
to have to try to replicate that success with new coach Tom Allen after Kevin
Wilson resigned under duress after a scandal that involved how he treated
players who were injured.
Allen, the former defensive coordinator, knows his defense will lead the way
in 2017, and the question is whether the offense can put up enough points to
win games. New offensive coordinator Mike DeBord was hired from Tennessee
to lead the offense, and he’s very much a defensive coordinator’s pick - an
extremely conservative play-caller.
Opening the season with Ohio State won’t be easy. Out-of-conference games
vs. Virginia, FIU and Georgia Southern are all winnable games. The season-
ending stretch of at Illinois, vs. Rutgers and at Purdue could be needed to
snag a second-straight bowl.
COACH SPEAK
Tom Allen: “I think anytime it’s your first year, it
gives opportunities to be excited. Having that
experience is huge and having the whole offseason
behind us and spring ball, that creates a lot
excitement and confidence for what’s ahead.”
TEAM STRENGTH
Secondary. Marcelino Ball is a big-time playmaker.
He can rush the passer, he can cover a tight end,
he can stop the run and he has playmakers around
him to allow him to focus on his assignment. IU’s
secondary is ready to compete at the highest level.
Photos by Indiana University Athletics
26 EXTOL SPORTS / AUGUST 2017
BIGGEST QUESTION
Running Back. Indiana was 92nd in rushing
offense last season and doesn’t return a lot of
firepower. Even worse, against winning teams
the Hoosiers averaged less than 100 yards
per game last season. Throw in a new offensive
coordinator and there are huge question marks
about Indiana’s rushing attack.