5 Reasons Indiana Football Makes Bowl Game in 2014
![indiana football](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/indiana-football-Pat-Lovell-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
The talk of the town recently has been the announced transfer of Hoosiers quarterback Tre Roberson. While it's a big hit for Indiana, it's not the end of the world. Nate Sudfeld is more than capable of leading an offense, and the team around him is improving. The Hoosiers are going bowling this season, and here's why.
5. New defensive coordinator Brian Knorr
![brian knorr wake forest](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/brian-knorr-wake-forest-Mark-Dolejs-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
5. New defensive coordinator Brian Knorr
![brian knorr wake forest](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/brian-knorr-wake-forest-Mark-Dolejs-USA-TODAY-Sports-Copy.jpg)
Yes, things didn't exactly work out for Doug Mallory being in charge of Indiana's defense. So coach Kevin Wilson went out and made an excellent hire, picking up Brian Knorr from Wake Forrest. Knorr has made excellent use of the 3-4 scheme in the past, and the Hoosiers' personnel up front already fits into that system.
4. A deep, experienced offensive line
![bernard taylor indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/bernard-taylor-indiana-Pat-Lovell-USA-TODAY-Sports1.jpg)
4. A deep, experienced offensive line
![bernard taylor indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/bernard-taylor-indiana-Pat-Lovell-USA-TODAY-Sports-Copy1.jpg)
Ten Hoosiers have starting experience on the offensive line, and six have started at least 12 games. The return of tackles Peyton Eckert and Dan Freeney, who both missed last season with injuries, is highly anticipated as well. Indiana is going to have one of the best offensive lines in the country when it's operating at full capacity.
3. Not so much breaking on the back end
![tim bennett indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/tim-bennett-indiana-Mike-Carter-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
3. Not so much breaking on the back end
![tim bennett indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/tim-bennett-indiana-Mike-Carter-USA-TODAY-Sports-Copy.jpg)
The bend-don't-break defense has really been the bent-and-breaking defense for Indiana, but the returning talent in the secondary may lead to a positive trend this season. It starts with cornerback Tim Bennett, who led the country with 21 passes defended in 2013.
2. Kevin Wilson's offensive ingenuity
![kevin wilson indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/kevin-wilson-indiana-Pat-Lovell-USA-TODAY-Sports2.jpg)
2. Kevin Wilson's offensive ingenuity
![kevin wilson indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/kevin-wilson-indiana-Pat-Lovell-USA-TODAY-Sports-Copy2.jpg)
If Kevin Wilson will only be remembered for one thing many years from now, it's going to be his ability to sculpt an explosive offense, and he doesn't necessarily need the best of the best out there to do it. If you think Tre Roberson's absence is going to kill Indiana's season, think again.
1. The Nate Sudfeld take-over
![nate sudfeld indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/nate-sudfeld-indiana-Trevor-Ruszkowski-USA-TODAY-Sports-Copy.jpg)
1. The Nate Sudfeld take-over
![nate sudfeld indiana](/ncaa-football/files/2014/06/nate-sudfeld-indiana-Trevor-Ruszkowski-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
Nate Sudfeld is finally getting this offense to himself. No, he's never shown signs of being selfish, but you really think he hasn't been dreaming of this? His efficiency could use a little work, but I'm not at all nervous for the kid if I'm an Indiana fan. The offense is in good hands, and the season ultimately comes down to his ability to take it over.
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