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TheHoosier.com's staff provides their predictions, in roundtable format, ahead of Indiana's week eight matchup against Nebraska.

Saturday at Noon on FOX Sports and a national TV audience the so called 'rubber meets the road' as Indiana will face what will be considered their first "true test" this season. Matt Rhule's 2nd Nebraska team rolls into Bloomington with the 7th best scoring Defense in the country, one that leads the B1G in sacks at over 3 per game and 3rd in run defense at 84 YPG. Sounds daunting. Fortunately for the Hoosiers they are "Never Daunted," according to social media. But there is much more to it.

While I do think it will be a formidable challenge, I also believe it's one that Indiana will scale like they have all season. As good as the Cornhuskers' D-Line is their counterparts on Indiana's offensive line have protected Kurtis Rourke allowing just 1 sack per game, the time to throw for 1752 yards & 14 TDs with a 73.8 completion percentage, and a QBR of 192.1, making Rourke the most efficient QB in the country! Indiana's run game is also one of the Big Ten's best and has 5 more TD's than their closest rival. It's just too much for Nebraska, who I think will slow IU's train down a little, but not enough.

The Hoosier's defense is not far behind that of Nebraska, but with all of the talk about true-freshman sensation QB Dylan Raiola, the Cornhusker offense has been like milk toast, at best this season. Nebraska and Raiola are 10th in the B1G for passing and 13th in running the ball. I just do not believe Nebraska can stop this Indiana offense, nor do I think the Huskers can score nearly enough points to pose enough of a threat to beat Indiana.

Prediction: Indiana wins 38-24

Well, it's now time for the Hoosiers to prove that they are legit. Indiana still has some doubters out there, with most of them citing the Hoosiers' week schedule -- which is a tired argument -- as proof that Curt Cignetti's bunch isn't for real. I'm not of that belief. Indiana hasn't played a top half Big Ten team yet this season, sure. However, everyone that's stepped in front of the Hoosiers has met the same fate, multiple-score margin of defeat.

Nebraska boasts one of the top defensive lines not just in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers lead the conference in both sacks and tackles for loss. Meanwhile, Indiana's offensive line has been formidable in both the run blocking and pass blocking department. This will certainly be the toughest test of the season not only for the Hoosiers' offensive front, but the entire team as a whole.

In my opinion, Indiana's offensive firepower will be enough to build the Hoosiers a comfortable early lead. While the running game may not be as successful as it has been this season, Kurtis Rourke is still that guy. I don't think Nebraska's secondary -- the weaker part of the Cornhusker defense -- will be able to contain Rourke and the Hoosiers' weapons on the outside. Meanwhile, I think true freshman Dylan Raiola will struggle to move the ball against a stout Indiana defense.

A strong start on Saturday is imperative for the Hoosiers in order to ensure the crowd, which is expected to be a sizable one, stays in the game throughout the contest. A win over Nebraska will only draw more national eyes to what Cignetti is doing in Bloomington this season.

Prediction: Indiana wins 27-17

Memorial Stadium has seen a lot of games in its 64-year history on 17th street, but there are few that will top the atmosphere of this game. Indiana has an opportunity to solidify itself in the upper tier of the Big Ten teams this season.

A couple things stand out to me ahead of this game. First, it's Curt Cignetti's 6-1 record off of a bye week at James Madison. There are coaches that take the week off during the bye, but Cignetti reiterated that has never been his philosophy and doesn't change because of the 6-0 start.

The second stat that is eye-opening is Matt Rhule's 2-20 record against ranked opponents. Obviously, this is not all in his tenure in Lincoln, but the point remains. That is an alarming stat for Nebraska, who also hasn't won a game against a ranked opponents in its last 25 tries.

This game will be won in the trenches. Nebraska's strength upfront will be a challenge for Indiana, but it something that they've had two weeks to prepare for. Kurtis Rourke is a seasoned vet and I don't think that changes this week. Indiana will trail at some point during the game and overcome that adversity en route to a victory.

Prediction: Indiana wins 29-20

We've had two weeks since Indiana last took the field, meaning I've had two weeks to think about my pick for the matchup against Nebraska, and it hasn't gotten any easier. This one really could go either way, with Indiana and Nebraska both looking like top teams and, while Nebraska does have a loss, they came into the season with all the preseason hype.

Curt Cignetti and the rest of the IU staff will tell you that this preseason hype and program notoriety mean nothing, and they might just prove it on Saturday, but the IU football of old would certainly let the pressure get to them. This is why I feel like every part of me is telling me that the Hoosiers will disappoint, but then I remember who Curt Cignetti is, and he's someone who couldn't care less about the history of the IU program and is only focused on the here and how.

That's why I'm going against my gut and picking Indiana, but in a close battle. I think Kurtis Rourke will have a sensational performance once again, although I think the running game takes a step back, as this Nebraska defensive line is a force to be reckoned with. The Indiana secondary will also have its work cut out for it, as Dylan Raiola is capable of some great throws.

With all that being said, I'm going with IU in a close one, so let's see if Cignetti and the Hoosiers can get it done on Homecoming Saturday.

Prediction: Indiana wins 28-24

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