Indiana Hoosiers - 2021 NCAA Football Season Preview & Win Total Predictions

The Indiana Hoosiers are a program on the rise and are trying to cement their status as one of the best teams in the Big Ten Conference. Junior QB Michael Penix Jr. (1.645 yds and 14 TDs) returns to lead an Indiana offense that features plenty of firepower. WR Ty Fryfogle (7 TDs) is the top option in the passing game and averaged 19.5 yards per reception.

For the Hoosiers to go to the next level, the offensive line will have to be more physical. Indiana averaged fewer than four yards per carry and lost leading rusher Stevie Scott to the NFL. Tim Baldwin Jr. and Sampson James figure to share the load in the backfield.

Indiana made tremendous strides on defense in 2020 and return nine starters from a defense that allowed 70 less yards per game. The defensive line was excellent at generating a pass rush, but must replace DT Jerome Johnson (4 sacks), who left for the NFL. Senior LB Micah McFadden returns, after leading Indiana in tackles and sacks a season ago.

The Hoosiers’ secondary is full of playmakers and allowed 241 yards through the air. Talented CB Tiawan Mullen finished fourth in the team in tackles and picked off three passes.