Minnesota(3-6 overall 0-5 Big Ten Unranked) VS Indiana(4-5 overall 3-2 division unranked)

When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Metrodome
TV: ESPNU
Radio: WCCO-AM (830)

Last Week

Minnesota was soundly defeated by Ohio State, 44-0, in front of over 105,000 fans in Columbus. The offense crossed midfield on its own effort only once throughout the contest, while the defense gave up nearly 500 yards to the top-ranked team in the nation.

Indiana continued its quest for a bowl game with its defeat of Michigan State. Led by redshirt freshman quarterback Kellen Lewis, the Hoosiers built a 46-7 lead in the third quarter, and went on to win 46-21. Indiana is now just one victory away from bowl eligibility.

How they Stack Up

Offense
Mired in one of the worst offensive stretches under coach Glen Mason, Minnesota's offense failed mightily for the third straight weekend, this time putting up just 182 total yards against Ohio State. Senior quarterback Bryan Cupito continued to struggle, going 13-of-25 for 120 yards while throwing three interceptions. The receiver corps was non-existent and junior running back Amir Pinnix finished with 47 yards on 14 carries.

Indiana's offense rolled over Michigan State, putting up nearly 450 yards in the blowout victory. Lewis finished with 336 all-purpose yards; 75 rushing and 261 passing, while playing a part in six touchdowns. Sophomore running back Marcus Thigpen finished with 104 rushing yards on 20 attempts.

Defense
Minnesota's defense has given up a combined 92 points in its last two Big Ten contests, while allowing 885 yards and 50 first downs. Playing without senior cornerback Trumaine Banks and junior linebacker John Shevlin, Mason made dramatic moves on Saturday, moving sophomore Alex Daniels, junior John Jakel and redshirt freshman Otis Hudson to the defensive line.

Indiana held Michigan State to 215 total yards and just eight first downs in Saturday's contest. Senior safety Will Meyers finished the day with 10 tackles and leads the team in season tackles with 63 total. The Hoosiers, like the Gophers, struggled greatly against Ohio State two weeks ago, giving up 540 total yards and 25 total first downs.

Special Teams
Minnesota's special teams unit has played an almost nonexistent role during the Gophers' past three contests. Sophomore kicker Jason Giannini has gone 2-of-4 on field goal attempts while sophomore punter Jason Kucek has been kept busy during Minnesota's streak of offensive ineptitude, punting 17 times during the stretch.

Indiana's special teams unit has played a small role in the Hoosiers' resurgence over the past three weeks. Sophomore kicker Austin Starr has hit field goals in all three games, connecting on kicks of 51, 46 and 34 yards, while senior punter Tyson Beattie has punted 17 times during the stretch.

Players to Watch

Senior quarterback Bryan Cupito has struggled mightily in Minnesota's last three contests, completing 40-of-77 passes for 364 yards, while tossing four interceptions. Last week, he threw three interceptions, the most in his career since facing Purdue in the 2005 Big Ten opener.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Kellen Lewis has been extremely efficient in two of the Hoosiers past three contests, picking up two Big Ten Player of the Week awards in the process. Last week, he finished with 261 passing yards, while passing for five touchdowns. He also rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown in the contest.

Thoughts on the Game

"I think a lot of people would say at this juncture, (Indiana is) one of the surprises in the Big Ten, if not the biggest surprise with what they've been able to accomplish, especially with the start they got." - Coach Glen Mason

"You look at these late season games when the schedule comes out and you hope they're meaningful ... Their backs are against the wall. We'll get their best shot, there's no doubt about that." - Indiana Head Coach Terry Hoeppner