Indiana vs. Howard Prediction, Odds, Picks For College Football Week 2

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The No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers face the Howard Bison on Saturday in a Week 2 college football matchup on Big Ten Network.

Indiana opened its national title defense with a dominant 52-16 win over North Texas in Week 1. Transfers Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh made an immediate impact, connecting for the first touchdown of the game. Hoover finished his Indiana debut with 231 passing yards and four touchdowns.

If there was one small concern coming out of the opener, it was the 16 points allowed by Indiana's defense. Only Oregon in the season opener and Penn State scored more than 16 points against the Hoosiers last season. Still, it's hard to imagine Curt Cignetti has lost his edge when it comes to coaching defense, and he'll have a chance to address any early concerns against Howard.

The good news for Indiana is that the schedule gives the Hoosiers plenty of time to work out any issues. They won't face a Power 4 opponent until Week 4, when they open Big Ten play against Northwestern, and their first ranked matchup isn't scheduled until Ohio State.

After a loss to Richmond last week, Howard enters Saturday at 1-1. This is a massive step up in competition, and Cignetti and the Hoosiers should be able to name their score.

Let’s take a look at the odds for No. 5 Indiana vs. Howa rd at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 12.

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Spread

Indiana -56.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Howard +565: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

Over 65.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 65.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

From FOX Sports Research:

Cignetti and the Hoosiers have scored 50 or more points 11 times over the last three seasons. In seven games against non-Power 4 opponents during that span, Indiana has scored 368 points, averaging 52.6 points per game.

The 16 points allowed to North Texas last week also look like an outlier. Prior to the opener, Indiana hadn't allowed more than 14 points in any of its previous games. It's hard to see Howard having much success against this defense, and the Hoosiers should have no trouble putting up points on the other side.

Even with another massive spread, Indiana has the firepower to cover the 56.5-point number.