Indiana's goal: win that 13th, final game

Play 13 has become Win 13.

Indiana fulfilled former coach Terry Hoeppner's wish by playing a 13th game last year (their first bowl game since 1993), a loss to Oklahoma State in the Insight Bowl.

Now the Hoosiers are determined to return to a bowl game - and win it.

"Obviously we want to play 13, but this year we want to take it to the next level and win a bowl game and increase the level of a bowl game," senior defensive tackle Greg Brown said. "With so much emotional last year, the motto was play 13 games. This year we have to take the program to another level. That would really put a stamp on this program that we've arrived and it wasn't a fluke or anything."

Brown is joined on the defensive line by junior end Greg Middleton, who led the nation in sacks last year with 16.

Hinsdale South product Matt Mayberry steps in at middle linebacker after making 42 tackles backing up in that role last year and excelling on special teams.

"He's ready to emerge as a force on our defense," Indiana coach Bill Lynch said. "As a Mike linebacker, he's got everything we're looking for. He's physical, he's tough, and he's learned how to play Mike linebacker."

The offense has to replace James Hardy, a second team All-American and the school's all-time leading receiver. Hardy, who was drafted by Buffalo in second round, caught 16 touchdowns in 2007.

Junior quarterback Kellen Lewis, after a suspension during spring practice, returns. A dual threat, Lewis threw for 3,043 yards and 28 touchdowns last year and ran for 736 yards and 9 scores.

The schedule sets up favorably for the Hoosiers to reach back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1990-91. Seven of their first nine games are at home, and one of the road trips is to Minnesota, 1-11 last year.

The two Big Ten teams they miss? Ohio State and Michigan.

This summer, the Hoosiers observed the one-year anniversary of Hoeppner's death from brain cancer. Only a coach at Indiana two years, his motto lives on as the Hoosiers try to reverse tradition and become a consistent bowl team.

"I hope that becomes an expectation and not a dream," Lynch said. "I do think emotionally that (play 13) will mean something to all of us. Play 13 will mean something to them when they are 60 years old."