Reeling after two consecutive fourth-quarter collapses, Northwestern looks to prevent a full-blown tailspin of a season against the middling Indiana Hoosiers. The stakes for this game are incredibly crucial for both teams — save for Indiana’s final game against Purdue, neither team will be favored to win any of their remaining match-ups.
Since Pat Fitzgerald was named head coach, Hoosier-Wildcat games have always been entertaining and pivotal for Northwestern’s season storyline. In 2007, Northwestern defeated Indiana to gain bowl eligibility, but was never invited to a bowl; in 2008, Indiana upset Northwestern 21-19 in the Wildcats’ only loss against an unranked team that year; 2009, Northwestern’s homecoming game featured the biggest comeback in NU history, winning a close one 29-28.
2010 looks to be more of the same, with both teams featuring dynamic offenses as their foundations and questions remaining on their defensive units halfway through the season.
Northwestern Offense vs. Indiana Defense
Dan Persa and the receiving corps have been the most consistent part of the offense throughout the season and the defensive match-up sets up more of the same. The biggest question will be on the performance of the offensive line. Indiana gives up 169.3 rushing yards per game, so regardless of the running back situation, the run game should be able to complement the receivers’ work all game long.
The offensive line should also flourish against Indiana’s pass rush and improve from their allowed sack total of eight from last week; Indiana has only registered eight all season. Anything less than above-average performance from the offensive line will be considered an untimely disappointment, since the most difficult defenses still have yet to come against the Wildcats this season.
Northwestern Defense vs. Indiana Offense
Indiana’s offense is predicated on star quarterback Ben Chappell’s arm and the receiving duo of Damarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss. The passing game leads the Big Ten at 313.6 yards per game, but don’t expect similar numbers from the run game; Indiana only averages 102.6 yards per game on the ground, good for worst in the Big Ten.
Northwestern’s defense will have to clamp down in the trenches and generate pressure upfront to knock Indiana’s one-trick pony off-balance. The secondary will once again be tested by a blistering passing attack, but it’s clear through seven games that the defensive backs need help from the front seven to alleviate the pressure that Doss and Belcher will surely force upon them come Saturday.
Special Teams
Indiana ranks dead last in punt yardage, at 31.9 yards per punt. Neither team is standout in returns, but like most special teams match-ups, the focus will be on the kickers and ball control. Indiana’s Mitch Ewald has been reliable in his few appearances this season (8-of-9 field goals attempted, 21 extra points made). Kicker Stefan Demos will look to keep the crosshairs away from him for a second consecutive week after an unblemished performance against Michigan State. Northwestern’s shuffling rotation of returners won’t calm any Wildcat’s nerves until muffing kickoffs and punts are a thing of the past.