Indiana University football heads to Evanston, IL, Saturday to take on Northwestern. The teams have identical Big Ten records at 2-4, but the Hoosiers are one game over .500 for the season while the Wildcats are sitting at 5-5. After starting the season 5-1, IU has had a tough time regaining momentum, losing 3 straight before trouncing Ball State last weekend. Northwestern has also had an up and down season and is coming into this game with two straight losses.
Ray Fisher came up big against Ball State and may do so again.
The key to Northwestern’s game is the same as it has been in recent years: the offense. Junior C.J. Bacher is the leader of the squad from the quarterback position. While the Wildcats average only 25.7 points per game (compared to the Hoosiers’ 32.4), their offense averages just over 450 yards per game. This offense comes almost entirely from the passing games, where Northwestern has the nation’s eighth-best per game average of just over 330 yards per game. Bacher has already surpassed the 3000 yard passing mark on the season and three wide receivers—Eric Peterman, Ross Lane, and Kim Thompson—all have over 500 yards receiving. The IU secondary has had coverage issues this season against good passing teams and problems may continue this game.
Kellen Lewis continued to struggle early on against Ball State last week, throwing an interception on the first play and having trouble holding onto the ball. But he quickly regained his form, finishing with 4 touchdown tosses and 52 yards rushing. Lewis has seemed apprehensive to run in recent games, but holes in the Northwestern line may help him to regain some confidence and be more aggressive rushing. Last week also led to the emergence of Ray Fisher as an offensive weapon. Though Fisher has shown glimpses of greatness throughout the season, last week’s 134 yard and two touchdown performance was the most complete game of Fisher’s this season. If Fisher continues to play like this, not only will it make Lewis’ job easier, but it will take a lot of pressure off of big man James Hardy. Hardy has a touchdown catch in every game but one this season and he could break the 1000 yards receiving mark with 119 yards against Northwestern.
While the Hoosiers gained bowl eligibility last weekend, look for them to secure a spot with a win over the Wildcats. They are looking to rebuild momentum going into a battle against Purdue next weekend. I think the offense will get back into a groove and the defense will make the big plays. Look for Hardy to go over 1000 yards on the season and Ray Fisher to have a highlight play or two. My prediction: the Hoosiers win it big 42-24.
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