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Indiana’s first opponent, Florida International

By Ben Beane

Sep 12, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; The Indiana Hoosiers raise their hands together before warm ups before the game against the Fiu Golden Panthers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; The Indiana Hoosiers raise their hands together before warm ups before the game against the Fiu Golden Panthers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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The season starts in just over a week. Let’s take a look at Indiana’s first opponent, Florida International, who are led by former NFL offensive coordinator, Ron Turner.

Indiana will travel to Miami to face Florida International in their first game of the 2016 season on September 1st. This will be the second straight season that the two have played, with Indiana winning the first contest at home, 36-22.

Facing opponents like Florida International help Indiana find their identity when the season starts. With the Big Ten going to a 9-game conference schedule, they only have three weeks before going up against some of the best teams in the country. Their first conference game is against Michigan State, who are already appearing as favorites to win the Big Ten on many preseason rankings.

Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Not to take anything away from Florida International, as they gave Indiana a pretty competitive game last season, but they simply aren’t a big football program. Located in Conference USA, they struggle to keep up with teams like Marshall, who beat them 52-0 last season, and Western Kentucky, who routed them 63-7. Since 2013, they have an abysmal combined record of 10-26.

The last three years have been part of a rebuilding phase for the program however. They landed Coach Ron Turner who has spent time as the head coach for Illinois and San Jose State, as well as offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, during the time they reached the Super Bowl in 2006. The program was in a sorry state when he took over, and only managed to win one game in his first season, but has seen improvement since.

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It will take some time before top-rated recruits start looking FIU’s way, but they still have some quality players like Junior Quarterback Alex McGough, who threw for 2,722 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. They also possess versatile running back Alex Gardner who not only rushed for 760 yards and 9 touchdowns, but also contributed 442 yards receiving. Florida International’s offense should see a boost under the offensive-minded Turner. While Tom Allen has promised a much more aggressive Indiana defense, they will probably still be susceptible to big plays like they always have. Players like Gardner could give them trouble.

A lacking FIU defense should be just what Richard Lagow needs to get his confidence, however. With weapons like Devine Redding, Simmie Jobbs Jr., and Nick Westbrook, Indiana should walk up and down the field. Even if the game turns out to be a shutout, which Indiana will hope it doesn’t, they should be able to outscore FIU with ease. The on-the-rise Big Ten team just has too much talent for the low-level Conference-USA side, who may eventually become a respectful program, but currently is still finding their bearings.

If Indiana takes the game seriously, it shouldn’t phase them. The only way Florida International keeps it close is if IU goes into it thinking it is a guaranteed win and don’t put in the effort. With Kevin Wilson and Tom Allen there to keep them in check, however, I don’t see it happening. Expect other pre-conference opponents Ball State and Wake Forest to give them more trouble, but even then, Indiana really shouldn’t be losing outside the Big Ten.

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