The Indiana football Hoosiers roll into Evanston 5-0 for the first time in 57 years. With a favorable schedule, they could win their next four games. On the other hand, Northwestern is 2-2 with difficult road games looming. It’s hard to imagine the Wildcats making a bowl game after they lose Saturday.
The Indiana Football Hoosiers Keep On Rolling in Evanston
Indiana football is on a roll. The #23 Hoosiers are a two-touchdown favorite (-13.5 points) when they visit the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network (BTN) starting at 3:30 EST. Unlike previous years, this Hoosier alumnus can’t wait to watch Indiana football this weekend. Expect Indiana to win big. Here’s why…
Indiana is Hot, Northwestern is Not…
There hasn’t been this much excitement around Indiana football since – well, honestly, I can’t remember. Tom Allen’s Hoosiers had a good run a few years ago and finished as a ranked team. Beyond that, it’s been decades of mediocrity for Indiana football fans.
That all changed the day first-year Indiana football coach Curt “I Win” Cignetti walked through the door. At his introductory press conference, Cignetti boldly proclaimed: “I win. Google me.” Cignetti dramatically changed Indiana’s football culture almost overnight.
The Hoosiers aren’t just winning; they’re CRUSHING their opponents. They’ve won every game by at least two touchdowns. Opening the Big Ten season with an impressive 42-13 beat down of the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s closest game was last week’s 42-28 win over Maryland. And it didn’t seem that close.
On the other hand, Northwestern is 2-2 and struggling to score points. While their defense is respectable, they’ve already changed quarterbacks. Don’t be surprised if they change quarterbacks again soon.
Northwestern Offense vs. Indiana Defense
This looks like a total mismatch—on paper, at least. The Indiana Hoosiers rank #8 in the NCAA in total defense, giving up 290 yards per game and eight touchdowns on the season. Northwestern’s offense ranks #123 (out of 133) in total offense. The Wildcats gain an average of 302 yards per game and have scored seven touchdowns in four games.
The Wildcats quarterback situation is even worse! Mike Wright started the season as QB1 for Northwestern. Given his QBR is almost dead last in the NCAA (#124 of 126), it’s no surprise he was benched in favor of Jack Lausch. Lausch has not provided the upgrade the Wildcats need. In Northwestern’s last game against Washington, Lausch finished 8 of 27 for 53 yards.
Northwestern struggles to score points. The Wildcats have scored more than 20 points in a game only once all season, and that was against a weak FCS opponent in Eastern Illinois (too bad former EIU quarterbacks Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo are no longer eligible). Expect Northwestern to score 14 points or less on the stout Indiana Hoosiers defense.
High Powered Indiana Offense vs. Northwestern Defense
This is a matchup that also looks to be heavily stacked in Indiana’s favor. The Northwestern defense is ranked a respectable #31 in Total Defense giving up 295 yards per game and a total of seven touchdowns on the year. But they’ve yet to face an offense as powerful as Indiana. The Hoosiers rank #9 in Total Offense, averaging an impressive 513 yards per game. They’ve also scored 33 touchdowns on the season.
Through his first five starts for the Hoosiers, quarterback Kurtis Rourke has looked like a candidate for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Rourke ranks #7 in the nation in Quarterback Rating (QBR). His accurate passes have gained 1,372 yards. He’s thrown 11 touchdown passes with just two interceptions. Don’t expect the Northwestern defense to throttle the high-powered Hoosiers offense.
As always, turnovers and special teams will play a crucial role. If Northwestern can force turnovers and score points. And if they can get some big special teams plays that lead to more points, the Wildcats could keep the game close, but don’t count on it.
Prediction: Indiana 35, Northwestern 10
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