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Opponent Preview Game 2: Indiana State University Noon ET • Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette) • TV: BTN purdue needs to rebound against indiana state BY BRIAN NEUBERT BNeubert@GoldandBlack.com it's still to While extent, itsurprising no an should longer be considered a shock when a Football Championship Subdivision team takes down one of its bigger, better-funded BCS conference foes. It happens. Every year. Just last weekend, FCS power North Dakota State won at defending Big 12 champ Kansas State; Eastern Washington knocked off ranked Oregon State; and Towson blew out Connecticut, all in the larger schools' stadiums. Purdue's been fortunate. In eight games against FCS/I-AA opponents in its history, it's won each time out, by an average of about five touchdowns. The Boilermakers will look to get a much-needed win — or, some would say, avoid a Indiana State Indiana State could be without running back Shakir Bell, who hurt his shoulder in a loss in Bloomington. It'd be a big blow — he accounted for nearly half of ISU's total offense last season. most-unwelcome loss — Saturday in Ross-Ade Stadium when Indiana State visits in a bit of a precarious position. The Sycamores are coming off a loss at Indiana in which they yielded 73 points, as a defense that was one of the FCS level's best a year ago rebuilds. More importantly, Indiana pear to be in a much better spot. The Boilermakers are coming off a profoundly disappointing blowout loss at Cincinnati in their first outing under new coach Darrell Hazell. That in mind, an injuryplagued FCS team coming off a landslide loss might seem like the right opponent at the right time for the Boilermakers, but as could be predicted, Purdue says it won't be taking anything for granted against its visitors from Terre Haute. "Indiana had a tough time blocking them," quarterback Rob Henry said of the Sycamore defense. "They move around a lot and they're athletic. They play a different scheme than what we're used to and probably what everybody's used to. We definitely have to respect them, prepare well and play hard Saturday." Indiana State's defense is Indiana State Mike Sanford, a former assistant at Purdue, is in in transition after losing sevhis first season leading the Sycamores. eral key players, at linebacker State could be without running especially. back Shakir Bell, who hurt his "It's unique," Henry said. shoulder in Bloomington. Bell is "They're athletic at every spot. the focal point of ISU's offense They're not the biggest (deafter accounting for nearly half of fense) but they use a lot of its total offense last season. movements and a lot of things Not like Purdue would ap- to keep you off balance. It's obviGoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 2 • 9