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VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6 107 The running game, though, is in flux, as Coleman gives way to returnee Devine Redding and UAB transfer Jordan Howard. "The running game should still be productive," Weaver said, "but they're not going to have that guy who can go to the house literally any time he touches it." Coach Kevin Wilson has a history at IU of producing potent offenses, but defense remains the program's soft underbelly, as it's been for seemingly generations. Indiana allowed a league-worst 36 points per game in Big Ten play last season and more than 450 yards, every bit as much the cause for its 1-7 record as the quarterback issues. IU is hopeful to make improve- ments in its front seven, particular- ly if young defensive tackle Darius Latham emerges into the standout many believe he can be, but Indi- ana will never be the most phys- ical team in the Big Ten and now its secondary is in complete rebuild mold. Its lone returnee in the defensive backfield, former heralded recruit Antonio Allen, was dismissed fol- lowing his arrest on a sordid array of drug-related charges. That loss serves as a severe blow to Indiana's defense, but it might not matter if the Hoosiers can't find a way to generate a more effective pass rush. If Indiana is going to enjoy a winning season, a 4-0 start against Southern Illinois, Florida Interna- tional, Western Kentucky and at Wake Forest may be non-negotia- ble, because the Big Ten schedule is a bear, with a visit from Ohio State and trips to Penn State and Michi- gan State among the first four. This is an important season for Wilson. "It's Year 5 for Kevin Wilson at Indiana and this is where people might look at it like a make-or- break year for him and this staff," Weaver said. "They've made a lot of improvements throughout the pro- gram and recruiting has gotten bet- ter, but so far it hasn't shown up on the field in wins and losses. This is the year where a lot of people feel it needs to, and that's probably a fair assessment. Five years is probably enough time to get a decent gauge on whether this is the right person or not for the program." — Brian Neubert Third Time A Charm? Indiana Indiana's offense came to a halt last season after Nate Sudfeld's injury. His return gives the Hoosiers hope that they can win in 2015, but a good start is a must. G O L D A N D B L AC K 'S E A R LY L I N E : P U R D U E - 2 After going 0-5-1 following back-to- back losses to Indiana in the first half of the 20th century, Purdue has yet to lose three consecutive games to the Hoosiers since 1946. 1901: 11-6 loss 1910: 15-0 loss 1921: 3-0 loss 1936: 20-20 tie 1942: 20-0 loss 1946: 32-20 loss 1978: 20-7 win 1983: 31-30 win 1989: 15-14 win 1992: 13-10 win 1995: 51-14 win

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