There is a general feeling around the Big Ten that the Hoosiers have taken a significant step forward by hiring Terry Hoeppner to reignite their program. Gerry DiNardo's team failed to generate any momentum in 2003 and when the Hoosiers lost their season finale to Purdue by a 63-24 margin, the evidence was clear that Indiana had to turn to another leader.

Hoeppner is an offensive guru who tutored Ben Roethlisberger at Miami (Ohio) and has long aspired to the Indiana head coaching position. Hoeppner was 48-24 in six years with the RedHawks and is an offensive innovator. The Hoosiers should have significantly more pop than last year when they averaged just over 320 yards of total offense per game.

Hoeppner has installed a spread offense and QB Blake Powers will get the opportunity to run it. At 6-5 and 210 pounds, Powers is big and strong enough to withstand the first wave of pressure and then make plays downfield. While he has a bit of a sore arm, he'll get his first opportunity in the opener at Central Michigan.

The coach says the spread formation should give the offense significant opportunities to put points on the board. "It forces the defense to defend both the width and the depth of the field," Hoeppner told the Indianapolis Star. "The true spread offenses operate from the shotgun all the time and rely on no-huddle as part of it, but they truly don't get the play-action pass where they fake the run, draw you in and throw the ball deep."

Central Michigan does not appear to have much of a chance of stopping a decent passing attack. While All-MAC DE Dan Bazuin is back at defensive end, the secondary should be vulnerable. They ranked 107th last year in pass defense and the Indiana receivers are anxious to expose this weakness.

"We have a lot of talent right now," said QB coach and passing game coordinator Matt Canada. "Our wideouts are inexperienced as far as game-day playing, but you look at those guys and we have a lot of talent there. Our running backs are as good as anybody, and I think our quarterbacks are going to do a good enough job of getting us in the right plays.

"We just want to play smart, play fast and we want them to do what they're asked to do on a play. You don't have to be Superman. You have to do your job and play smart. Don't put our defense in a bad position, and just make plays. I think they'll be up to the challenge."

Hoeppner's team has a great chance of getting off to a solid start against non-conference foes like Central Michigan, Nicholls State and Kentucky. If his players gain confidence using the spread offense, the Hoosiers may be able to write a feel-good story in the Big Ten this season.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Hoosiers will go as far as Blake Powers can take them. Powers has only thrown 22 passes in his career, but first-year head coach Terry Hoeppner is counting on him to get the job done as a passer and a ball-handler. In order for Indiana's spread offense to be effective, Powers must be able to carry out every handoff, pitch and fake with aplomb. RB Chris Taylor is the No. 1 back and he should get an assist from Yamar Washington. Powerful Josiah Sears, a 245-pound fullback, should get the call in short-yardage situations.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Hoosier defense features outstanding OLB Kyle Killion, who was a second-team All-Big Ten performer last year. Killion is a hitting machine with superb instincts. CB Tracy Porter had three interceptions last year and is a fine cover man. However, the defensive line has to step up this season. Indiana allowed 196.7 yards per game on the ground last year and that simply won't get the job done.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is not going to be my team in three or four years. This is my team now. Indiana is a great university that has been a sleeping giant, and we are going to wake it up." -- Coach Terry Hoeppner on his goal to turn the Indiana football program around.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Central Michigan, Sept. 2 -- The Hoosiers have an excellent chance to get off to a winning start in the Terry Hoeppner era against one of the softest teams in the MAC. Hoeppner, the former Miami (Ohio) coach, should have no problem figuring out a game plan that will allow his players to take apart the Chips.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Jahkeen Gilmore -- He's the leading returning receiver and he figures prominently in the passing game. Gilmore has the size at 6-1 and 209 to handle smaller defensive backs and can also run away from the bigger ones. He caught 23-308-2 last year and needs to show more consistency.

CB Buster Larkins -- He's a reliable coverage guy who registered 45 tackles a year ago. Hoeppner is counting on him to be active in run support and a do a solid job in third-down passing situations.

QB Blake Powers -- Hoeppner likes Powers and the intangibles he brings to the team. Powers has size (6-5 and 210 pounds) and also has good velocity on his fastball. If he can stay upright and healthy, Powers can be very productive against the Chips.

RB Chris Taylor -- He begins the season as the No. 1 back for the Hoosiers and could cement himself in the role with a good game against Central Michigan. Taylor takes over for BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who transferred out of Indiana at the end of last season.

ROSTER REPORT: Senior John Panozzo has been moved from fullback to middle linebacker to take advantage of his leadership ability. Hoeppner has described him as the quarterback of the defense. . . . Quarterback Blake Powers (arm) is probable against Central Michigan. . . . . WR James Hardy (heel) and DL Russ Richardson (heel) are questionable.