OFFENSE

Kevin Wilson arrives after nine seasons on the staff at Oklahoma, and his reputation as an offensive innovator will be tested. The Hoosiers lose Ben Chappell (24 TDs and nearly 3,300 yards in ’10) at quarterback, and Wilson didn’t see enough from sophomores Dusty Kiel or Edward Wright-Baker in spring practice to name either the starter. That stirred speculation that incoming freshman Tre Roberson could win the job in fall camp.

Finding a quality passer is job one, because Indiana has a formidable group of receivers. Senior Damarlo Belcher has NFL size and hands, proving it last season with a team-best 78 receptions. Sophomore Duwyce Wilson stretches defenses with his speed. Kofi Hughes looked like the team’s most improved player during the spring. He’ll play in the slot, where he can deliver on running plays. As a converted quarterback, Hughes is also a threat on trick plays. Tight end is covered with a solid blocker (Max Dedmond) and dependable receiver (Ted Bolser).

The running game needs to improve. The Hoosiers were last in the Big Ten last season at 100.3 yards per game, and top halfback Darius Willis is recovering from knee surgery.

DEFENSE

The only Big Ten game Indiana won last season was the finale at Purdue, in part because the defense allowed 30 or more points in six league games. Run defense remained an issue as Indiana allowed 171.8 yards per game. The strength of this group should be the line, which will be anchored by experienced players like Darius Johnson, Adam Replogle, Larry Black and Mick Mentzer.

Three of Indiana’s 21 recruits are linebackers, including the only 4-star prospect, Zack Shaw. Wilson has insisted that he would not hesitate to play a true freshman, so Shaw, Kyle Kennedy and Mike Replogle (Adam’s brother) will get extensive looks, although two starters — Jeff Thomas in the middle and Leon Beckum on the weak side — return.

The secondary remains under construction. Indiana finished last in the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense while allowing 238.3 yards per game. Cornerback Lawrence Barnett had the best spring, showing the speed to break up plays. But this is another spot where IU lacks speed, an issue only better recruiting can fix. 

SPECIALISTS

If the Hoosiers can keep games close, they could have an edge here. Mitch Ewald showed a strong and dependable right leg as a freshman, making all 33 extra points and 16-of-19 field goals, including three of 40 yards or longer. Chris Hagerup has punted the last three seasons but lost his spot to Adams Pines in the spring. With receiver Tandon Doss gone to the NFL, Wilson will audition guys to return kicks. 

FINAL ANALYSIS

Indiana was three plays from an eight-win season last year with one of the best offenses the Hoosiers have had in years. But dropped passes (Iowa), blown coverages (Michigan) and other mistakes (Northwestern) left the Hoosiers with five wins and a coaching change.

This team has a solid collection of receivers and backs (if Willis is healthy), but the king-sized hole at quarterback will test Wilson’s creativity and patience. Roberson could win the job, but the Big Ten can be unkind to a 6'1", 180-pound freshman.

The defense returns five starters but few stars or big-time playmakers. After coaching at Oklahoma, Wilson is conditioned to seeing speed from his defensive unit. The Hoosiers don’t have much of that quality.