Whenever a team is favored by 56.5 points, the outcome isn't really in question. How the game plays out and what the final score looks like, that's up for discussion. With Indiana expected to beat Howard by almost 60 points, it's a virtual certainty that IU is going to move to 2-0, but can Curt Cignetti's bunch really win by that much?

The Bison are 1-1 after beating Alabama A&M and falling to Richmond and now they have to come to Bloomington to take on the No. 5 team in the country. Things could get ugly as this game boasts one of the biggest spreads of the weekend.

For Indiana, the focus will likely be on continued execution and playing efficiently on both sides of the football. Quarterback Josh Hoover was very good in Week 1 and will look to build on that in Week 2. Indiana's defense was solid, but not as close to perfect at Cignetti would like. Pitching a shutout would go a long way in approaching perfection.

Howard, meanwhile, has nothing to lose. No one is expecting them to even be in the game so any positives will be something to build on moving forward. The Bison should try to slow the game down, limit explosive plays and find a way to create some momentum. 

Indiana should have too much talent on both sides of the ball, and this could quickly turn into another comfortable victory for the defending national champions. If it does play out like that, Cignetti could have the luxury of getting some younger players into the game while keeping key contributors fresh. 

The Hoosiers possess a talent advantage at virtually every position, which should allow them to assert dominance on both sides of the ball right from the opening whistle. Expect Indiana to utilize an aggressive passing scheme with Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh early to build a comfortable cushion before leaning heavily on their ground game and depth in the second half.

Howard's defense will likely struggle to contend with Indiana's size and speed, resulting in a lopsided afternoon in Bloomington.

Indiana 48, Howard 7

The spread is absolutely huge in this one and while I think Indiana will dominate, I'm not sure they can cover. I expect quarterback Josh Hoover to be really good again. He'll lean on his trio of wide receivers — Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh and Tyler Morris — in what should be another very efficient outing. Expect low incompletions and multiple touchdown tosses for Hoover.

It seems like Cignietti's defense was challenged by the coaches a bit after last week's game so I'm willing to bet they are going to actively try to pitch a shutout. Obviously that's a goal every week, but it's very realistic against Howard. 

Indiana 55, Howard 10