Indiana is coming off a hard-fought 13-6 overtime victory over Michigan, but the Hoosiers face another difficult road test Saturday against Minnesota .
The Golden Gophers have already proven capable of knocking off quality opponents this season, and PJ Fleck's squad has several talented players on both sides of the football.
Here are five Minnesota players Indiana fans should know heading into Saturday's Big Ten matchup.
Minnesota's offense revolves around junior quarterback Drake Lindsey, who has completed 141 of his 222 passing attempts (63.5 percent) for 1,472 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions through seven games. He's not a runner, but he is big and strong and moves well in the pocket.
Lindsey ranks 11th in the Big Ten with 210.3 passing yards per game, but his six interceptions are something Indiana's defense will certainly look to exploit.
The Hoosiers have been excellent defensively this season, and forcing Lindsey into mistakes could be a major factor in determining Saturday's outcome.
Senior running back Darius Taylor hasn't produced overwhelming rushing numbers this season, but he's still one of Minnesota's most important offensive weapons.
Through six games, Taylor has carried the football 76 times for 174 yards and five touchdowns. He's averaging just 2.3 yards per carry, but his ability to find the end zone makes him particularly dangerous near the goal line.
Taylor is also a factor in the passing game, hauling in 19 receptions for 166 yards and another touchdown.
Indiana enters Saturday with one of the nation's best rushing defenses, making Taylor's ability to find running room a major storyline. He could have some opportunities as a pass catcher as well.
Senior wide receiver Javon Tracy has established himself as Lindsey's favorite target in Minnesota's passing attack.
Through seven games, Tracy leads the Golden Gophers with 39 receptions for 420 yards and one touchdown. He's averaging 5.6 receptions and 60 receiving yards per contest.
Tracy is an extremely quick, fast and elusive athlete who can create problems for opposing defenses with the football in his hands. Although he's averaging a modest 10.8 yards per reception, his explosiveness makes him a threat to turn short completions into significant gains.
He's also a dangerous special teams weapon, having returned two punts for touchdowns this season. Indiana will need to be particularly careful about giving him opportunities in the return game.
Senior linebacker Maverick Baranowski is the heartbeat of Minnesota's defense and one of its most productive players.
Through seven games, Baranowski leads the Golden Gophers with 52 total tackles, including 28 solo stops. He's averaging 7.4 tackles per contest, putting him at the center of Minnesota's defensive efforts.
Against an Indiana offense featuring Josh Hoover and a talented group of offensive weapons, Baranowski's ability to diagnose plays and make tackles will be especially important.
He's someone the Hoosiers will need to account for throughout Saturday's contest.
Senior defensive lineman Anthony Smith might not have overwhelming statistical production, but he's certainly one of the more physically imposing players Indiana will face Saturday.
At 6-5 and 280 pounds, Smith possesses an NFL-caliber frame with exceptional length and athleticism. He's a freaky athlete for his size, capable of creating problems for offensive linemen with his combination of power, reach and movement ability.
Through seven games, Smith has recorded 15 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. While those numbers aren't particularly impressive, his physical tools make him a player Indiana cannot afford to overlook.
Keeping Smith away from Josh Hoover will be important for an Indiana offense that relies heavily on its ability to push the football downfield.
