Struggling to find offense against Idaho in Week 2, Indiana football now takes on Western Kentucky in Week 3 and cannot start the same as last week. Though the Hilltoppers should pose no threat due to losing most of their top tier players from last season, the Hoosiers’ offense is questionable at best right now.
Bold predictions for Indiana football vs. Western Kentucky
#3. Shaun Shivers dominates the running game with 100+ rushing yards
Is this really a bold prediction after Shivers ran all over the Vandals’ defense, finishing with 155 rushing yards and a touchdown against Idaho on Saturday? Yes. Western Kentucky is definitely different than Idaho. While the Hilltoppers defense is not the best, being able to create running lanes and hitting the holes for Shivers will be tougher than most think.
Most of Shivers yardage came on chunk plays where he rushed for 20+ yards three times and 10+ yards many more. The transfer from Auburn looked great, but can he produce similarly against a tougher defense? We will get the answer to that question on Saturday afternoon.
My belief is that Shaun Shivers will run all over the Hilltoppers’ defense and open up a strong passing game for Bazelak and the Hoosiers offense. While Shivers may not get into the endzone, he may be the game’s MVP if he continues his dominance. Shivers will finish his second consecutive game with 100+ rushing yards and continue to impress Tom Allen and Indiana football fans.