Opponent: Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-8, 1-5 in B1G Ten) 

Series History:  IU leads 8-1. Not a lot to be pulled from this. The Hoosiers and Huskers have played only twice since the end of WWII.

Last Meeting: December 30,  1982. IU won 67-50.

So what to learn of the 12 member of the B1G Ten: Nebraska has been pretty much as advertised in its initial season with the conference. In the last 5 seasons in the Big 12, Nebraska finished anywhere from 7th to 12th. The Huskers are led by senior guard Bo Spencer’s 14.8 points per Game. 5’11″  Freshman guard Toney McCray broke into the starting lineup shortly before  conference play started and has averaged 12.5 points per game in B1G Ten play.

But enough about them, let’s get back to the all out panic: On the SpreeCast last night, Scott asked when it became okay to be pissed off. For the first time all season, IU has lost two consecutive games. And though it was not exactly an upset that Indiana lost to the Buckeyes last night, the manner in which IU lost was certainly unsettling.  This game is important for a couple of reasons; 1) IU needs to defeat real live B1G Ten teams on the road and this is probably the easiest road game remaining. 2) IU needs to calm fears that we’re in the middle of another January swoon.

Stat to ponder while you’re working up the courage to call Crimsoncast Live: 1.13 points per possession. The Hoosiers defense has gone from a slight concern to a full out disaster. While the Hoosiers have remained decent at getting turnovers from opponents, conference opponents are both shooting exceptionally well(each is above 50% eFG) and rebounding their relatively few misses, (conference opponents are getting a rebound on roughly 33% of their misses.)  Nebraska gives IU a chance against an opponent who is not particularly good at either shooting or rebounding. If IU  continues to give up over 1.1 points per possession I’ll join the panic.

Scouting Future Opponents:

Penn State hosts Illinois on Thursday 

Wisconsin hosts Northwestern on Wednesday

Iowa visits Mackey Arena to take on Purdue on Tuesday night

Prediction: A win moves the fan base off the ledge and all sing kumbaya.  The Hoosiers have more trouble than we’d like, but in the end they finally win 82-67.