Week 2 – Indiana at Massachusetts

Week 2 CFN Fearless Prediction – Indiana at Massachusetts

Indiana (1-0) at Massachusetts (0-1) Sept. 8, 3:30, ESPN3

Here’s The Deal: It wasn’t exactly the way either one wanted to start the season, but at least Indiana got the win. The Hoosiers were pressed way too hard against Indiana State, and while the Sycamores are in the FCS, they’re a good FCS team. Even so, it wasn’t exactly the big step forward to kick things off for IU, and with winnable games against UMass this week and Ball State to follow, a 3-0 start, no matter how it looks, would be a fantastic start for a program that’s undergoing a total overhaul under second-year head man Kevin Wilson.

The Minutemen kicked off life in the FBS with a thud, going nowhere against Connecticut in a 37-0 loss without much to get excited about. Coach Charley Molnar has said from the start that it’s going to be a long road and a tough season, and it’s going to get nastier next week against Michigan, but Indiana is beatable.

Why Indiana Might Win: The UMass offensive line was destroyed by Connecticut. The Minutemen couldn’t hold up against a decent Big East offensive line, and gained a mere three yards rushing against an active Husky defensive front. The Indiana linebackers had a rough game against Indiana State, but they should be able to control the action against a UMass line that can’t generate much in the way of power and isn’t going to have too many wrinkles. There won’t be much worry of getting the top blown off by the Minutemen passing game, so the IU safeties should be able to sell out to help against the run.

Why Massachusetts Might Win: Can the Hoosiers get their ground game going? There weren’t any big runs against Indiana State and there were too many short gains that put the offense in long situations. D’Angelo Roberts only gained 67 yards on 22 carries and Stephen Houston averaged a mere 3.3. yards per pop. For all the problems UMass had against UConn, the defensive line wasn’t’ bad allowing a mere 147 yards and two scores and almost no big runs. Can the Minutemen be active and effective against the mediocre Hoosier O line? Indiana might have to get the passing game going to win, and it will help to get back …

What To Watch Out For: Kofi Hughes. The team’s best receiver missed the opener after being suspended for violating team rules. Past a wrist injury that bothered him in 2010, he stepped up his play over the second half of last year and got a few carries to get the ball in his hands. While he’s not a blazer, he’s big and uses his size well. On the other side, the Minutemen will likely be without starting quarterback Kellen Pagel for a second straight week with concussion problem. Mike Wegzyn took over the starting job and struggled in his first game, completing 9-of-22 passes for 56 yards and a pick, and backup A.J. Doyle misfired on his only attempt.

What Will Happen: Hughes will make a huge difference for the Indiana offense. The Hoosiers weren’t bad against Indiana State, but they struggled to put the game away. The defensive front will hold up well and IU quarterback Tre Roberson will do just enough with his legs and his arm to come up with a 2-0 record.

CFN Prediction: Indiana 34 … Massachusetts 14
ATS Consultants Line (Click for more lines and picks) Indiana -13.5 O/U: 51.5
Must Watch Rating (5 – Phineas & Ferb, 1 – Steve Harvey): 1.5