Five storylines to watch as Indiana football opens training camp

The Kevin Wilson era officially begins today as the Indiana Hoosiers open preseason camp. 23 newcomers checked into the hotel Saturday afternoon to get comfortable before hitting the practice fields. The Hoosiers get set for another year of Cream and Crimson football.

Coach Wilson and Indiana open camp.

Below are five storylines to watch as the Hoosiers begin the 2011-12 campaign:

New coaching staff – This is obviously the biggest change from last year. One day after the Hoosiers beat Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket, Fred Glass pulled the plug on Bill Lynch after four seasons.

IU brings in an offensive mastermind in Kevin Wilson from Oklahoma and there was an immediate attitude change.

Wilson hasn’t been a college football head coach but he has worked under great systems at Miami (OH.), Northwestern and Oklahoma.

Although he has a strong mind when it comes to the offensive side, he stresses the importance of a quality defense and a fundamentally sound special teams. This change is for the better of IU as the Hoosiers look to return to a bowl game since 2007.

Who’s at QB? – Dusty Kiel, Edward Wright-Baker, Tre Roberson? With Ben Chappell graduating, the quarterback is up for grabs and whoever gets the job will have had limited playing time to this point. Dusty Kiel by all indications seems to be the favorite right now but the competition is stiff and I think true-freshman Roberson (2010 Indiana Mr. Football) has a shot.

With either choice, it’s going to take time to develop. Both Kiel and Wright-Baker are beginning their third year of college ball (redshirt-sophomores) which helps with bulk and skill level. Coach Wilson is adamant in not naming a starter well in advanced. He wants to keep the pressure on them and let the best QB for this team win. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Wright-Baker to come in an run specific plays throughout a game if he is not the starter.

Injury bug – IU has had their fair share of injuries in the past. Running-back Darius Willis always seems to have some nagging injuries as do other players. Kevin Wilson brought in two more full-time strength and conditioning coaches along with a full-time nutritionist who each should assist the program greatly. Obviously injuries are a part of the game but there are a lot of things teams can do to be prepared and avoid at all costs. With the talent level not quite where Wilson would like, key players staying on the field will be critical.

How’s the foot? – Indiana has never been particularly solid in the kicking game. Special teams has been a weakness. Anything beyond 40 yards was considered a “risk” by many because the confidence wasn’t there. To be a contender, Indiana needs a solid and reliable kicking game. The two competing for the jobs again this year are Nick Freeland (RS-JR) and Mitch Ewald (RS-SO).

Ewald handled the job last year and when I looked up the stat I was surprised to see finished 16 for 19. He was 0-1 from 50+ and 3-4 from 40-49 yards. Fortunately IU didn’t need Ewald more so he could prove what he could do. Nonetheless, if IU wants to win the close ones and “finish,” field goals are imperative.

Leaders, Legends and the addition of Nebraska: – The Big Ten, consisting of 12 teams, finally has divisions. And with divisions comes a playoff game to be played December 3rd at Lucas Oil Stadium. Whether to like the names or not, the splits will benefit all teams moving forward.

Leaders: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin.
Legends: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern

Football powerhouse Nebraska joins the Big Ten, providing the conference with even more credibility. I expect the Cornhuskers to come out of the Legends division in just their first year. Adding Nebraska adds title game, greater respect for Big Ten football, expanded coverage on Big Ten Network, and thus more success for the league.

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