Indiana Football: Staff Predictions – North Texas

In the lead up to North Texas vs. Indiana, the Hoosier State of Mind staff answered some questions about the game and offered their predictions.

Question: More to blame for passing struggles: Sudfeld or receivers?

Grand: I lean towards the receivers, but there is certainly blame to go around. I think a young receiving corps is learning game by game, hence the struggles. Shane Wynn is playing an entirely new position and the impact on the offense is clear. But, in their defense, Sudfeld does have to be better. Also, the added emphasis on the running attack has had a clear effect on the passing game, but regardless I think the receivers need to give Sudfeld more help.

Logan: Sudfeld. Sudfeld. A thousand times Sudfeld. This whole offense is out of sync and Sudfeld, as its leader, is to blame for not getting the unit together. Hearing Kevin Wilson and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns say week after week that the WRs and Sudfeld still aren’t in sync has me about to lose my mind. What an absurd excuse. Texas A&M lost their quarterback and top receiver from last year and they’re still shreading defenses. If Sudfeld still isn’t “in sync” with his receivers, how about throwing with them all day every minute he’s not studying or in class? Get it done. Step up. Be a leader. As I said earlier this week, the Hoosiers need a quarterback.

Hunt: The first three games tell us the Hoosier’s have had a semi-competent passing game to compliment a very active and voracious running game–it wasn’t until Maryland did an admirable job last week containing the rush that the short-comings of the passing game were exposed.  Sudfeld is obviously still building rhythm and rapport with a young receiving corps, but I’m pretty sure Shane Wynn and J-Shun Harris were not the ones throwing those errant passes last week.  Sudfeld completed 14-of-37 passes and added a nice little interception to boot.  Good grief.

Q: Defensive player that has to play well for Hoosiers to win

Grand: Nick Mangieri. Dealing with another dual threat QB in Dajon Williams, the linebackers have to be on their A-game. The Hoosiers got exposed last week against dual threat C.J. Brown, so you know North Texas will be ready to attack in a similar way Maryland did. Mangieri has been one of Indiana’s best defender, so the onus will be on him to lead the Hoosiers on the defensive end.

Logan: Bobby Richardson. The man started the season with three sacks against Indiana State, but hasn’t pulled down an opposing QB since that game. As mentioned in this week’s preview, North Texas averages almost 300 rushing yards in their wins and under 100 in their losses. The Hoosiers need great play up front, and Richardson is due.

Hunt: North Texas Quarterback Dajon Williams is just as capable as passing for touchdowns as he is rushing for them.  Against Nicholls Williams threw for three and ran for another deuce.  Senior tackle Bobby Richardson currently leads the team with three sacks and also has 3.5 tackles for a loss.  We need a big game from Bobby to match the athleticism of Williams.

Q: Which Hoosier team is going to show up?

Grand: The one that beat Missouri. After last weekend’s debacle, the Hoosiers will be fired up to make up for what happened against Maryland. I’m sure Kevin Wilson has been on them all week at practice and we should see a fired up IU squad. Also, let’s not forget that North Texas beat the Hoosiers in the 2011-12 season. I’m sure Wilson has made sure his team knows that North Texas should not be taken lightly.

Logan: The one that looked mediocre against Indiana State. Given Coleman’s dominance and Sudfeld’s struggles, North Texas will load up to stop the run and force Nate to make plays. I’m still not convinced he will. Knorr’s

Hunt: The Hoosiers were utterly embarrassed last week, and they should be back to a more aggressive form tomorrow.  Sudfeld will have to be better as we pretty much know what we’ll get out of the defense every Saturday.

Prediction

Grand: Indiana 31, North Texas 13. This is a must win for the Hoosiers if they still want a shot at a bowl game. I think they come out and take care of business against the Mean Green.

Logan: Indiana 24 North Texas 17. North Texas gets up for these games. Last year, they were tied against a top 10 Georgia team in Athens in the third quarter. The combination of a jacked up underdog and a mopey favorite is dangerous. Hoosiers better come out angry.

Hunt: Indiana 28, North Texas 21.  Take the points and take the under.