Indiana got back on track last weekend with a gritty 13-6 overtime victory over Michigan, improving to 7-1 on the season. Now, the Hoosiers head to Minneapolis for another challenging Big Ten matchup against a Minnesota team that has already proven capable of beating quality opponents.

With Minnesota boasting the No. 11 pass defense in the country and Indiana's offense looking to regain its explosiveness, this matchup presents some interesting possibilities.

1. Josh Hoover throws for 250 yards and three touchdowns

Hoover hasn't exactly been lighting up opposing defenses over the last couple of weeks, but he's been solid. He has only eclipsed 250 yards four times, but he does seem to step up against the best teams. Against Rutgers on the road, Nebraska on the road and Ohio State, Hoover threw for 251, 263 and 296, respectively. He's only thrown 3+ touchdowns in one game and that was also against Rutgers on the road. Minnesota enters the matchup ranked No. 11 nationally against the pass, making this an especially bold prediction. Still, Hoover has the weapons to challenge even the best secondaries. With Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker providing options downfield and underneath, Indiana's quarterback could put together his most impressive performance in weeks.

2. Nick Marsh records 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns

Marsh has already demonstrated his ability to take over games, including his six-catch, 187-yard, two-touchdown performance against Nebraska. Minnesota's secondary presents a much tougher challenge, but Marsh is talented enough to make explosive plays against anybody. Look for Indiana to move him around offensively, creating favorable matchups and opportunities downfield. If Hoover can consistently get him the football, Marsh could produce another monster performance. If he can put up numbers like that in Lincoln, he can in Minneapolis too.

3. Indiana's defense records five sacks

Indiana's defensive front has been one of the most impressive units in college football this season, and that dominance will continue against Minnesota. With players like Tobi Osunsanmi, Stephen Daley, Marion Landino and Tyrique Tucker creating pressure, the Hoosiers have the personnel to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Curt Cignetti's defense will be aggressive, generating five sacks while consistently disrupting Minnesota's offensive rhythm. They've hit this mark twice, once against Howard and once against Nebraska in Lincoln. The Hoosiers have recorded four sacks in a game on four occasions so this is within their range.

4. Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard combine for 175 rushing yards

Minnesota's pass defense has been outstanding, which could force Indiana to lean more heavily on its rushing attack. Beebe and Richard have the ability to provide a productive one-two punch, and Indiana's offensive line will be challenged to create running lanes against a physical Big Ten opponent. If the Hoosiers can establish the ground game early, it will take pressure off Hoover and help control the tempo. A combined 175 rushing yards would represent a significant accomplishment on the road. The Hoosiers hit that amount in four of its first five games, with a high-water mark of 329 yards against Rutgers, but haven't gotten to at least 175 yards in any of its last three games. It'll be interesting to see how Cignetti and Co. decide to attack Minnesota's defense.

5. Indiana holds Minnesota to fewer than 250 total yards

Indiana's defense was outstanding against Michigan, allowing just six points and repeatedly coming through in critical situations. That performance wasn't an accident. The Hoosiers have been one of the nation's toughest defenses, with an impressive combination of defensive line talent, linebacker play and experienced defensive backs. Against Minnesota, Indiana will dominate the line of scrimmage, eliminate explosive plays and force the Golden Gophers into difficult third-down situations. Holding a Big Ten opponent below 250 total yards would be another statement performance for Cignetti's defense. Minnesota has only been kept in check like that once this year, and it was last week against Iowa where they mustered just 209 total yards in a gritty 13-10 win over the Hawkeyes.

Source: Yahoo Sports