Indiana at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 8 at N.C. State Sept. 15 vs. Kentucky Sept. 22 vs. Utah Sept. 29 vs. Ohio State Oct. 6 at Wisconsin Oct. 13 vs. Illinois Oct. 20 at Iowa Nov. 3 vs. Northwestern Nov. 10 at Michigan State Nov. 17 at Penn State Nov. 24 vs. Purdue 2000 results (3-8, 2-6 in Big Ten) N.C. State L 41-38 Kentucky L 41-34 Cincinnati W 42-6 Iowa W 45-33 Northwestern L 52-33 Michigan L 58-0 Minnesota W 51-43 Penn State L 27-24 Illinois L 42-35 Wisconsin L 43-22 Purdue L 41-13

Even with super blue-chip signal caller Antwaan Randle El keying a high-octane offense that scored over 30 points in seven games, the Hoosiers struggled to a disappointing 3-8 record after going 4-7 in both '99 and '98. With a few breaks, though, things could have been different. They lost four games (N.C. State, Kentucky, Penn State, Illinois) in the final minute, with turnovers and a bad defense combining to spell their demise.

OFFENSE
Next season, Cameron will have all his recruits on the field for the first time. Once again, the offense will be explosive, although just how lethal depends upon how smoothly they adapt to a new QB directing the offense. That's right, it won't be Randle El working his magic under center. Instead, he'll work initially at WR while also operating as the Hoosiers' primary punt returner. Taking over the reigns will be fourth-year junior Tommy Jones, a strong-armed 6-3, 240-pounder who enjoyed a brilliant prep career in Ohio. He's a classic drop-back type, impressing in the spring with his accuracy delivering the football. Look for Randle El to also see some situational action at QB, assuming that Jones is the answer as the full-time starter. If that's not the case, you would figure that Randle El's time at WR will come to an abrupt end.

While shifting a great college quarterback like Randle El to wide receiver is a gamble for Cameron and his staff, there are two key reasons why the decision is sound in my opinion. First of all, the Hoosiers will be looking to replace their top three wideouts from a year ago, Versie Gaddis, Jerry Dorsey and Derin Graham. They'll need Randle El to adapt quickly to the position change. The other reason the move makes so much sense has to do with Randle El's future in the NFL. Had he played QB this season, he still would have been projected to wide receiver in the NFL, as was the case with former Rice signal caller Bert Emanuel. Now, though, there won't be a mystery as to how Randle El will transition to the new spot. He'll already have one full season at IU, plus the all-star games to showcase his skills as a pure wideout and punt returner.

Also needing to step up at wide receiver will be senior Henry Frazier, a former juco transfer who possesses 4.4 speed and has also proven to be an excellent blocker. The wide-receiver spot will also provide an opportunity for the newcomers to get on the field right away. At tight end, the staff has high hopes for talented redshirt freshman Aaron Halterman. He's a sure handed 6-5, 258-pounder who should provide an excellent hook zone option for Jones.

Assisting Jones in his first year as the starting QB will be an offensive line that figures to be a strong suit for the first time during the Cameron era. All five starters return, with converted TE Craig Osika anchoring things up front. The 6-4, 293-pounder has the potential to rank as the top center in the Big Ten. Junior Enoch DeMar, considered their second-best offensive lineman overall, moves from RT to RG this season.

Running behind this veteran line will be a talented and deep backfield that features proven RB Levron Williams and physically gifted FB Jeremi Johnson. This season, you could see the 5-11, 265-pound Johnson operate some in a one-back set while also being utilized as a pass receiver out of the backfield. Brian Lewis is a very capable backup to Williams.

DEFENSE
In order for the Hoosiers to enjoy a breakthrough year and earn a bowl bid, the much-maligned defense will have to show noticeable improvement. Up front in the 4-3, hard-nosed senior Kemp Rasmussen has shifted inside where the Hoosiers hope to maximize his quickness and knack for batting down passes. Senior Dominique Smith, an athletic 300-pounder, has to be a force next to Rasmussen at DT.

OLB Justin Smith has the ability to make his presence felt, finishing last season with six sacks and 15 tackles for loss. They also will be looking for strongside LB Devin Schaffer to play to the level of his athletic talent consistently. In the middle, true sophomore Brandon Baker enters fall practice as the starter, but he'll be pushed by youngster Martin Lapostolle, a 6-2, 235-pounder out of Canada who looked good in the spring.

In the secondary, the Hoosiers top cover man figures to be senior Sharrod Wallace, but watch out for sophomore Michael Hanley. He's a gifted 5-11, 175-pounder who saw action as a true freshman in '99, then sat out last year (academics). If he's back as the starting CB opposite a solid veteran like Wallace, the Hoosiers deep patrol will be in dramatically better shape. While Ron Bethel and Joe Gonzalez enter the fall as the first-team safeties, providing major competition figures to be a pair of juco transfers, Antonio Watson and Willie Northern.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Sophomore Ryan Hamre will handle the punting duties. PK Adam Braucher, also a sophomore, has shown good range.

Overview: Over the last two years, Indiana has been the trendy pick by some observers as the team that figured to be the most improved in the Big Ten. Because of the defensive woes, IU failed to realize those lofty expectations. This year, the Hoosiers may not be viewed as a team to watch. In fact, I would guess that they'll be picked to finish either in the cellar or in the ninth or 10th spot in the conference. And some will certainly question the decision to move such a gifted collegiate signal caller like Randle El to WR.

While it's risky, I can see why Cameron made the move. Hopefully for the Hoosiers, Jones will get the job done at QB and Randle El will develop quickly into the primary go-to option in the passing game while excelling as a dangerous punt returner. They have plenty of talent in the backfield with Williams and Johnson, while the offensive line, anchored by Osika, could be the best its been during the Cameron era.