Do you believe in moral victories? If so, stay far away from the Indiana Hoosiers. They've got more pressing matters to consider, starting with Saturday night's home game against big, bad Ohio State.

Here's the deal: The Hoosiers (3-1) have a shot at doing some damage this season. They've got winnable games against Virginia (0-3), Illinois (1-2), Northwestern (2-2) and Purdue (1-3). Sweep them and you've got seven victories and a holiday trip somewhere. Even 6-6 makes them bowl-eligible.

But it won't happen if they get satisfied or whiny after pushing Michigan to the limit in Saturday's eye-opening 36-33 loss.

Fortunately, they've got the perfect motivator - the perception the referees did them wrong with the interception call on what looked like a completed pass to Damarlo Belcher. So feel the anger, use the anger, and if this sounds like something the Evil Emperor told Anakin Skywalker before seducing him to the dark side of the force, well, we're “Star Wars” fans. We can't help it.

What else can't we help? That's a good question, and we'll answer that with more questions:

♦Was IU's performance at Ann Arbor a fluke?

No. Michigan's defense is suspect, its team is young and it played a new center. The Wolverines will not be confused with, say, Florida.

IU is a veteran team that is improving and has skill. If it keeps improving, it has a shot at making a bowl.

Let's repeat that - if it keeps improving.


♦Did the Hoosiers get ripped off by the referees on their last pass that was ruled an interception?

Absolutely, but it doesn't matter. The more pressing issue is scoring more touchdowns when it gets in the red zone. IU got inside the 20-yard line five times against Michigan and scored just one TD. That won't work against good teams. It certainly won't work against an Ohio State team that has turned ruthless - outscoring Toledo and Illinois 68-0 - since its loss to USC.

♦But Belcher caught that pass!

Maybe one of the positives is that Belcher will spend more time in the weight room. The former North Side standout has already made a huge strength gain from last year. He needs to make more so that no one, not even Kanye West, will take anything from him again.

♦Is offensive coordinator Matt Canada the next Cam Cameron?

Canada did everything but trade for Brett Favre. His game plan was imaginative, daring and sound. He got the ball into the hands of IU's big-play makers. Yes, freshman running back Darius Willis could have gotten the ball a few more times, especially in the red zone, but that will come. And that leads to …

♦Is Willis the next Anthony Thompson?

Get a hold of yourself. The guy is just starting his college career, although the 152 rushing yards and Tony Dorsett-like 85-yard touchdown run against Michigan is a great start.

Yes, Willis is bigger and faster than Thompson, but he's been a little injury prone and hasn't yet shown Thompson's drive and toughness. If he does, we'll revisit this question.

♦Who said coach Bill Lynch is too passive?

Lynch was a sideline force of nature at Michigan, and if he threw a wad of gum instead of a chair, wait till the Purdue game.

His passion was a catalyst for the Hoosiers. For those who want to see him replaced, here's a news flash - the guy can coach. His team has improved each of the last few weeks, and if that keeps up, well, see the answer to Question No. 1.

♦What's up with Nick Freeland?

Yes, the redshirt freshman kicker from Indianapolis Lawrence North missed a big 42-yard field goal, but that was probably pushing his range.

He has made 9 of 12 attempts with a long of 38 yards. He might not have the conference's strongest leg, but he's good enough to get the job done.

♦Will Ohio State have more fans than Indiana at Memorial Stadium?

A cynic would say yes, but in this new-stadium era, who needs cynicism?