Indiana Football: 4 bold predictions for next season

1. Michael Penix Wins Big Ten Offensive Player Of The Year

Everyone saw the potential that not only Michael Penix had last year, but also that of the entire Indiana football program with Penix under center. Now, it is fully his team and time for him to take the Hoosiers to the next step.

Last year in just six games he threw for 1,394 yards with a 68.8 completion percentage. Also adding 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions, Penix was well on his way to one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Injuries are part of the game, but in order for Michael Penix to reach his full potential he has to stay on the field. Already this offseason he has gained nearly 20 pounds and has been a fixture in the weight room.

So how can Michael Penix have this type of year? For starters, Ohio State’s Justin Fields will almost have to have better stats than last year to keep the award, and it’s very difficult to beat 41 touchdowns to three interceptions while throwing for over 3,000 yards.

Whop Philyor, Ty Fryfogle, Peyton Hendershot – suspended indefinitely for now – and Stevie Scott, amongst others, are all back for Indiana which means Penix will have weapons and talent all over the field. We saw last year how he loves to spread the ball around and make it difficult on defenses to hone in on any one player.

With his stats last season, if that was averaged out for an entire year, Penix would be around 3,200 yards with nearly 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. As a redshirt freshman, that is pretty good. Now with another year in the Indiana system, albeit a new offensive coordinator, the confidence and ability should see a step up in production. Also, those stats that were roughly averaged out? They would have put Penix second in the Big Ten in touchdowns and third in passing yards.

Health is a major variable, but assuming he is on the field look for Michael Penix to have a Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year type season.