Indiana Notes, Quotes
by Sports Xchange
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Indiana is healthy for the most part, and that will allow offensive coordinator Matt Canada to open the playbook a bit more than he did in previous games. QBs Ben Chappell and Kellen Lewis both likely will see time, and both bring different looks. Chappell is more of a typical pocket passer, someone who doesn't make many mistakes on the field. Lewis, meanwhile, is a scrambling, big-play guy, someone the Boilermakers have struggled to contain in recent years. Indiana needs a big game from its quarterbacks, and RB Marcus Thigpen needs to establish a presence early to force Purdue to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Hoosiers have struggled to stop the pass this season, and that's not good news vs. a Boilermakers squad that ranks second in the Big Ten throwing the ball. IU needs to find a consistent pass rush out of its defensive ends, especially Greg Middleton. Middleton has a history with Purdue?he committed to the Boilers before backing out to go to Indiana?and he would love to send Tiller out with a loss. But it will be the play of IU's cornerbacks that will make the difference. If Indiana can avoid giving up the big play and clamp down in the secondary on third down, IU will have a shot to score the victory.QUOTE TO NOTE: "Well, it's Bucket Week, and I mean that sincerely starting back on Monday. I know our guys are ready and anxious. When you have a rivalry game like this the last week of the season, no matter what has gone on before it, it's a big game. I know Purdue feels the same way." -- Head coach Bill Lynch admitting this week is different from the others this season, which is a far cry from his usual contention that no game is bigger than any other.
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