Indiana (7-5) vs. Oklahoma State (6-6)
December 31, 6 p.m. (NFL Network)
Indiana is one of the best stories this season and nobody is talking about it. The Hoosiers lost their coach, Terry Hoeppner, in the offseason, and the team rallied to accomplish the goal he wanted so much -- to play in a bowl game. The last time IU played in a bowl game, Bill Clinton was in his first term as president. So this is a big deal.
Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis has been a bright spot in Bloomington. He put up 34 total touchdowns and almost 300 yards a game. James Hardy emerged as one of the best playmakers in the country, and is as dangerous as a receiver can get in the red zone. The 6'7" target has 16 touchdowns and 74 catches. Oklahoma State will miss Martel Van Zant, the cornerback would have found himself shadowing Hardy if not for an ankle injury.
Lewis is going to be a nightmare for a nightmarish Cowboys defense. Mike Gundy's team is one of the worst in the country against the pass, so if Lewis tucks and takes off, how will the secondary respond? Will they break down and leave Hardy wide open for a pass just before Lewis crosses the line of scrimmage?
But OSU has a lot of weapons of its own. Dantrell Savage averages 117 yards per game and quarterback Zac Robinson has established himself as a homerun hitter on offense. What will happen when Robinson leaves the pocket? Will the IU defense let Adarius Bowman run free? He might be one of the best wide receivers in the country.
All I know is, when James Hardy hauls in a touchdown, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of an awkward Gundy tirade.
The line: Oklahoma State -4
The pick: Indiana