Munch on Muncie

U coach Terry Hoeppner needs a Snickers bar. \nAfter the Hoosiers' game against Western Michigan, the second-year coach is unsatisfied with his team's performance.\nPlus, he's still hungry. \nThough a candy bar of chocolate, nougat, caramel and peanuts might not alleviate the football team's woes -- or Hep's hunger -- this week's game in Muncie against the Ball State Cardinals could satisfy both. \n"We have so much we can build on, both positive and negative," coach Hep said in a Sept. 4 article in the Indiana Daily Student. "You improve the most between game one and two. Well, we need to, that's very apparent, but I'm confident we can."\nOK, coach. I'm not so confident. \nI believe this team could, should and will win in Muncie -- but there are several flaws that line the underbelly of this team so far. Here are three things you should look for when you're not in Muncie watching the team ... or even watching the game on television ... or even acknowledging the score when you overhear it waiting in line at Jimmy John's. \nLet's start with the least important -- and I'll tease you till the end with the Snickers song from the commercial: \n"Happy peanuts soar\nOver chocolate covered mountain tops ..."\n-- Defending the Punt Return\nSpecial teams are the chores in the house of any football program. They're bland, cut and dry, and they're annoying -- but if you don't do them (and do them right), your house is a mess, and no one will come to see you. Last year, IU's house was a pigsty (see lowest attendance in the Big Ten). In games against Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan State, teams exposed special team gaps wider than a Mike Vanderjagt field goal. Special teams could blow the doors wide open to an opponent's lead as quickly as it shuts closed on a possible IU double-U (think about it). \n"And waterfalls of caramel\nPrancing nougat in the meadow ..."\n-- Offensive Line\nA stingy IU defense this season would be a pleasant surprise, but an overpowering offense is expected to propel the Hoosiers beyond the Big Ten basement. There's a reason why the Kansas City Chiefs, bare-shelved in the defensive closet, are AFC West contenders every NFL season. They are a product of the best O-line in the league, and their protection gives quarterback and former IU grad Trent Green the time he needs in the pocket. If the OL can be KC, then IU might not be KO'd. \n"Sings a song of satisfaction\nTo the world."\n-- Defensive Schemes\nLast year the defense allowed 33 points per game. Now, with graduation removing veterans from key spots at the line and linebacker positions -- a multitude of confusing defensive schemes might be just the answer, so long as those answers don't leave more questions and confuse our own defense. If IU can't contain the Broncos, Salukis and Huskies, how can they expect to stop offensive-savvy studs like the Buckeyes, Spartans or Hawkeyes? \nWill Meyers has been there.\nA junior linebacker last season, Will is one of the few and proud who remain the veteran anchors for this cream and crimson defense. \n"Being a football player, it's tough not always seeing what you work for," Meyers said. "But now it's here, and we're pretty hungry."\nHungry, Will?\nWhy wait?\nGrab a Snickers ... then beat the snot out of State.