Virginia travels to Big Ten country Saturday for the second-game in a two-game series with Indiana. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m, and the game will be televised exclusively by the Big Ten Network.
In 2009, the Hoos pounded Indiana 47-7 in Charlottesville behind 4 TD’s from Mikell Simpson. Virginia’s effort in that game paid off, and was its biggest offensive output in five seasons.
Last week, Virginia starting things off on the right foot by dispatching William & Mary 40-3. In that game we learned that QB Michael Rocco can manage this team down the field to pay dirt, and that freshman David Watford is not going to redshirt and will likely play an important role on this team as well.
We also learned that the Hoos have (perhaps) the deepest running back corps in more than 15 years. Three tailbacks (as well as two fullbacks) will have shots at carrying the rock for Bill Lazor’s offense, and they all bring bring different positive attributes to the position.
Indiana struggled last weekend in a 27-20 loss to in-state foe Ball State. But, watch out, because they do have a big-time receiver to look out for in #88 senior Demarlo Belcher. Belcher gives quarterback Edward Wright-Baker a big-play option, and he is currently the Big Ten’s active leader in receptions and yardage. Belcher is 6-foot-5, and will be a handful for Virginia’s much smaller corners, Minnifield, and Nicholson. Wright-Baker played in 5 games in 2010, and was 20/32 for 272 yards with no picks thrown last week against Ball State.
Virginia is 42-74-3 all-time in road openers, and the Hoos did not win a single road game in Mike London’s first season in C-Ville. All-time Virginia is only 5-11 against teams from the Big Ten. In their last game, the Hoos gave up only 169 total yards, and IU gave up 383 yards to Ball State.
Defensively, IU is led by defensive end Darius Johnson. Last season, the talented end led the Big Ten in tackles. The Hoosiers run multiple sets up front and like to mix it up. Sometimes they run a 5-0 front, other times a 3-3, and they also use a 4-3 that is similar to the one Jim Reid’s defense runs.
Indiana runs the pistol formation on offense. To complicate matters further, the Hoosiers also run a hurry-up offense. The pistol has the QB take the snap from the shotgun with a tailback a couple of yards directly behind him. Virginia’s young linebackers will have to stay at home and not over-pursue if the Hoos have a chance to shut down this style of offense.
Prediction? Well, if the Hoos can limit Belcher’s catches and also not let Indiana get anything going in the running game well it just might be smooth sailing for the Hoos on Saturday. Virginia will need to establish the run early, and play turnover-free football like they did a week ago. Hoos 34 and Indiana 17.
I’d love to see Virginia’s Colter Phillips have a huge game. His brother Paul is a back-up TE on the Hoosiers, and they will have a ton of family and friends at the game. Unfortunately, Colter will be a game-time decision to play because of a lower leg injury sustained last week. Go Hoos!