IU offense clashes with Bowling Green defense

Following the first two weeks of the college football season, Indiana (1-1) ranks 11th in the FBS in total offense and fourth in points scored.

The Hoosiers’ offense will face its biggest challenge of the season thus far on Saturday when IU plays the Bowling Green State Falcons (2-0) at Memorial Stadium.

IU Coach Kevin Wilson said Bowling Green has a good and sound defense. He credits their vision and alignment as reasons for their success.

“They back it up with their film, and they back it up with numbers,” he said. “Last year they were top 10 in most defensive stats. Right now they lead the MAC in total defense, and to me that’s reasonably impressive because they’ve played two upper-level offenses.”

Bowling Green defeated Tulsa and Kent State, who both won 11 games last season and played in the championship games of their respective conferences.

“They’ve played two quality opponents, two teams that are very dynamic on offense,” Wilson said. “They’ve came out playing great defense like they always do.”

IU Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell said the Falcons’ defense is physical and gap-sound.

“They’re definitely going to commit to stopping the run, and we got to make some plays out in space,” he said. “We got to do a good job of our fundamentals, coming off the ball and playing a physical football game because that’s what they’re all about and their guys have bought into that system.”

Wilson said it is important for IU to avoid turning the ball over on offense.

“We’ve had two passing turnovers that have led to potentially 14 points,” he said. “We had a pick six in the first game, we had a pick in the last game that took points off the board. I’m expecting us to bounce back.”

IU’s third-year head coach said he sees the game as a great opportunity because he knows Bowling Green will be good.

For Bowling Green, a win means at least one more week of remaining undefeated in 2013 and the halfway point to earning bowl eligibility.

For IU, a win represents a turnaround game and the next piece of the puzzle as the Hoosiers try to make a bowl game for the first time since 2007.

“I know they’re going to come in ready to play,” Wilson said. “For us, we got to show what we’re about and we need to bounce back.”

Saturday night will be a battle between IU’s high-powered offense and Bowling Green’s physical defense, and one will have to give way to the other.

Follow reporter Andy Wittry on Twitter @AndyWittryIDS.