Former IU coach Terry Hoeppner had a vision for this program, but the sustained success he was hoping for appears improbable under the current regime. The Hoosier native came over from Miami (Ohio) and built the foundation for success the program enjoyed in 2007 - though he died before the season started. His motto was for the '07 group to "Play 13", and his top assistant, Bill Lynch, was held over as the head coach to ensure that the group did, indeed, make it to a bowl game. By winning seven games, Lynch got the Hoosiers to the elusive bowl game, and earned a shot to run the program himself. Last season's 3-9 regression could bode ominous for his future, as things don't look to be getting better in Bloomington.

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Lynch was forced to kick QB Kellen Lewis off the team for repeated violations of team rules. In steps Ben Chappell to run the offense on a full-time basis. Lynch, an offensive mind and former OC under Hoeppner, scrapped the spread and is running his version of the Nevada "Pistol", where the tailback lines up directly behind the quarterback. He'll look to control the clock with a ground game that features no standouts coming in, but a plethora of guys who will get a chance. All five O-linemen return. The problem lies with the defense, which was abysmal (to be kind) last fall, ranking 108th in scoring defense. The linebackers are a strength, but the back four are questionable - the Hoosiers had just six interceptions all of 2008.

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