In Week 2 of the 2026 college football season, the Howard Bison will travel to Bloomington, IN, to play against the Indiana Hoosiers. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM and will take place at Memorial Stadium. Fans can tune in to watch the action on BTN.
The Howard Bison enter the game without a win in their last regular-season outing, having lost to Temple Owls 55-7. This game will be an opportunity for Howard to test themselves against a top-tier opponent. Without a conference affiliation, Howard seeks to establish some momentum on the road.
On the other side, the Indiana Hoosiers are coming off a strong start to their season with a decisive 52-16 victory over North Texas Mean Green. Ranked #6 in the AP poll, Indiana looks to maintain their form and continue their winning streak at home. As the defending champions of the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Hoosiers aim to build on their impressive track record.
Indiana vs Howard At a Glance
- Game Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
- Game Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM
- Broadcast: TV coverage on BTN
- Indiana's Current Record: 1-0 this season
- Howard's Previous Game: Lost 55-7 to Temple Owls
- Spread Odds: Howard +55.5, Indiana -55.5 (both at -110)
Indiana Hoosiers Set to Dominate at Memorial Stadium
Offensive Overview
The Indiana Hoosiers kicked off their 2026 season with an impressive offensive performance, scoring 52 points against North Texas. The team ranks 18th in points scored this season, a promising start for their offensive unit. The Hoosiers have accumulated 231 passing yards, placing them 70th in the nation, while their rushing attack has garnered 134 yards, ranking 82nd.
Quarterback Josh Hoover was pivotal in this offensive show, completing 16 passing attempts for 231 yards. His performance included four touchdowns with no interceptions, reflecting his precision and control under center. Wide receiver Charlie Becker led the receiving corps with 64 yards and two touchdowns, showing early signs of being a key target for Hoover this season.
Defensive Strengths
Indiana's defense also made a strong statement in their first game, holding North Texas to just 16 points. The defense ranks 12th nationally in points allowed, showcasing their ability to control opposing offenses effectively. They also recorded a sack and an interception, placing them 7th and 2nd respectively in these categories.
The Hoosiers' defensive unit managed to limit North Texas to 215 passing yards and 152 rushing yards, demonstrating their balanced approach to shutting down both facets of the opposing team's offense. The defense's capability to force turnovers will be a critical factor as they progress through the season.
Key Players to Watch
Running back Turbo Richard delivered a solid performance with 58 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding a versatile threat to the Hoosiers' offense. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air will be crucial in future games. On special teams, kicker Nico Radicic was flawless, converting all seven extra points and a field goal attempt, highlighting his reliability.
Tight end Brock Schott also made his presence felt with a reception for 25 yards, adding depth to the passing attack. These players are expected to play significant roles as Indiana continues their season with confidence.
Upcoming Challenges
Indiana's upcoming schedule includes a home game against the Howard Bison, followed by another home matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. These games at Memorial Stadium will provide opportunities for the Hoosiers to further establish their dominance on their home turf. The team will aim to maintain their strong start and build momentum before heading on the road to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Injury-wise, the Hoosiers will be without running back Khobie Martin, who is sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The team will need to adjust their game plan to fill this void effectively as they face their upcoming opponents.
Indiana Top Betting Trends
- SU - As Favorite: Last 23 Games (2024–2026) → 23-0 (100.0%)
- SU - All Games: Last 26 Games (2024–2026) → 25-1 (96.2%)
- SU - After Win: Last 24 Games (2024–2026) → 23-1 (95.8%)
- SU - Home Games: Last 17 Games (2024–2026) → 17-0 (100.0%)
- SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 18 Games (2024–2026) → 17-1 (94.4%)
Howard Bison Gearing Up for a Tough Challenge
Quarterback Analysis
Tyriq Starks leads the Howard Bison at quarterback, having attempted 14 passes in the last game. Starks managed to accumulate 34 passing yards, demonstrating the challenges the offense faced. Despite his efforts, he recorded only one passing touchdown.
Ja'Shawn Scroggins also saw action under center, completing 5 attempts for 5 yards. Scroggins had a tough outing, throwing one interception. His performance highlights the need for improvement to support the team's offensive efforts.
Rushing Game Insights
Travis Kerney spearheads the rushing attack with 28 yards in the last game, yet remains without a rushing touchdown. Eden James contributed 25 rushing yards and caught one pass for a loss of four yards. Billy Roberson II added another dimension with his 3 rushing yards, although he too was unable to find the end zone.
Receiving Corps Overview
Among receivers, Antonio Hunter and Zaden Jackson both caught two passes, providing 11 and 9 yards respectively. John Simmons III also pitched in with a 15-yard reception. Despite their contributions, the wideouts were unable to score, underlining an area for potential growth.
Breylin Smith had a single catch for 7 yards, further emphasizing the need for a diversified receiving strategy. Tight end data wasn't available, indicating limited production from that position.
Kicking Game
Matt Conord, the team's kicker, made an extra point but missed on field goal attempts. This marks an area where consistency could make a significant impact on the scoreboard. Improvements here could be crucial for tight games in the future.
Team Betting Trends
- ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS - All Games: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - As Underdog: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - Away Games: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - After Loss: Last 5 Games → 4-1 (80.0%)
- O/U - All Games: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- O/U - As Underdog: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- O/U - Away Games: Last 6 Games → 4-2 (66.7%)
- O/U - After Loss: Last 5 Games → 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U - Totals ≥ 50: Last 5 Games → 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU - All Games: Last 3 Games → 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU - As Underdog: Last 3 Games → 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU - Away Games: Last 3 Games → 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU - After Loss: Last 3 Games → 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games → 0-3 (0.0%)
Indiana vs Howard Prediction: Over 64.5
Indiana Hoosiers have proven to be a powerhouse, coming off a 52-16 win against North Texas in their season opener. Their offensive capabilities are evident, ranking 18th in points for in the 2026 regular season, and they will be looking to continue this trend against Howard. With their ability to score, Indiana is expected to put up significant points.
Howard Bison, on the other hand, struggled defensively last season, allowing 55 points against Temple in their recent loss. This makes them vulnerable against a team like Indiana, which is known for its strong offensive play. Howard's defense will likely be tested, which could lead to a high-scoring game.
The total set for this game is 64.5, and based on Indiana's scoring ability combined with Howard's defensive struggles, the over seems to be the more plausible outcome. Indiana's trends also indicate a propensity for high-scoring games, especially as favorites with a total over 50 points.
Given the disparity between the teams and Indiana's recent form, it's reasonable to project a final score with Indiana leading the offensive charge. Expect Indiana to capitalize on Howard's defensive weaknesses, resulting in a game total exceeding 64.5 points.
- Indiana vs Howard Prediction: Over 64.5
- Indiana vs Howard Score: Indiana 56 - Howard 10
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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