Indiana @ Western Kentucky preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2008 ) Western Kentucky 13, Indiana 31

The terms Indiana football and road favorite aren't used in the same sentence very often.

However, that will be the case Saturday when the Hoosiers travel to Western Kentucky.

Indiana rolled to a 51-17 win in its opener against Towson, but the fact the Hoosiers are 12-point favorites probably has more to do with how poorly the winless Hilltoppers have played this season. Western Kentucky has been outscored 112-38 in road losses to Nebraska and Kentucky.

The Hilltoppers will try to be more competitive in their home opener, a game that has some historic implications. The game marks the first time a Big Ten team has visited Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The game gives a team from the Sun Belt Conference an opportunity to host and defeat a team from a BCS league, an rare occurrence.

Obviously, the Hilltoppers must play much better than they did in their first two games to take advantage of their chance. Western Kentucky opened the season with a 49-10 loss to the Cornhuskers. Last week's game against Kentucky ended in a 63-28 defeat.

The overall numbers for the Hilltoppers have been ugly. The first two games have been over by halftime, with Western Kentucky being outscored 63-14 in the first half. The Hilltoppers have allowed 1,018 yards while gaining 583. Western Kentucky has picked up 28 first downs and allowed 45.

Quarterback Kawaun Jakes has completed 20-of-37 passes for 217 yards while throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Bobby Rainey has gained 339 yards on 52 carries and scored three touchdowns.

The game will be the first home game for new Western Kentucky coach Willie Taggart.

A long layoff between games is the biggest issue facing Indiana. The Hoosiers haven't played since Sept. 2, meaning they will have 16 days between games. Indiana has the unusual scheduling quirk of having a bye in the second week of the season.

Indiana's win over Towson was no contest. The Hoosiers jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and were ahead 38-14 at halftime. Quarterback Ben Chappell threw for two touchdowns and wasn't intercepted. He completed 16-of-23 passes for 182 yards. Darius Willis gained 102 yards on 14 carries and ran for two touchdowns, including a 49-yarder.

Cornerback Matt Ernest returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown while Nick Freeland kicked two field goals.

The long break between games will get Tandon Doss, Indiana's top receiver in 2009, back on the field. He didn't play against Towson because of a groin injury,

The teams met at Indiana last season with the Hoosiers winning 31-13.