2003: 2-10 overall, 1-7 Big Ten (T-9th)
Coach: Gerry DiNardo 5-19 in 2 years at the school
Returning starters: 21, 10 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter
Players to watch: QB Matt LoVecchio (155-291, 1,778, 3 TD, 9 Int.), TB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (938 yds., 225 att., 7 TD), FL Courtney Roby (45 rec., 504 yd.), DE Victor Adeyanju (5 TFL), DT Jodie Clemons (6 sacks, 12 TFL), LB Kyle Killion (97 tackles, 7 TFL), SS Herana-Daze Jones (96 tackles, 2 Int.)
Hot topics: The entire offensive line and front seven on defense returns to a team that made progress in running the ball and stopping the run. Green-Ellis nearly gained a 1,000 yards as a true freshman. And the Hoosiers have finally given out the full allotment of 85 scholarships after DiNardo inherited a depleted program.
Cold facts: The Hoosiers play only five home games and LoVecchio did not live up to the promise that followed him as a transfer from Notre Dame.
Overview: DiNardo hopes IU picks up where Green-Ellis left off. Despite starting only three games, he gained 203 yards against Penn State and finished up with 155 in the finale against Purdue. But the Hoosiers are still in a transitional phase, rebuilding under two new coordinators.
--Jon Spencer
Originally published Wednesday, September 8, 2004
