Written by Evan McShane (@very_reasonable)

The Indiana offense was as dominant as they’ve been all year in the Hoosiers 34-3 win over Northwestern. This time around, Michael Penix led the Hoosiers to a commanding lead in the first half and Peyton Ramsey finished the job in the second half. Kalen DeBoer again deserves recognition for a sharply called game and for the eighth time in nine games, IU scored more than 30 points. Indiana comfortably out-gained Northwestern 414 yards to 199 with a steady balance of 144 rushing yards and 270 yards through the air. Michael Penix finished the game 10-of-15 for 162 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Peyton Ramsey continued his exceptional play, completing 7-of-10 passes for 108 yards and 1 touchdown.

The story of the night was Stevie Scott. The sophomore running back was a workhorse on Saturday night and a huge part of Indiana’s ability to dominate the clock. The Hoosiers controlled time of possession by a margin of 38:43 to 21:17. Aided by a defense who forced three turnovers in the first half, IU’s offense was able to get comfortable early on. Despite drawing back-to-back false starts before running their first play, Penix directed the Hoosiers down field. Penix completed passes to Fryfogle, Hale, Westbrook, and Bjorson on the opening drive, which ended in a 27-yard chip-shot field goal from Logan Justus. Justus is a perfect 12-of-12 on the year. Indiana has scored the fifth most first quarter points in the FBS.

Following a fumble recovery on the Wildcats first play of the game, the IU offense took over at midfield on their second drive. With two completions to Westbrook for nearly 30 yards total, Indiana marched down to the goal line where Stevie Scott punched it in from two yards own. An early 10-0 lead would set the tone for the rest of the game. After a five-play drive that accumulated 20 yards and ended in a punt, Indian began their fourth drive of the game inside the red zone. Four plays later, Michael Penix scored a touchdown on a QB sneak to put IU up 17-3.

Indiana’s next drive was their most impressive of the day, totaling 85-yards on eight plays in four and a half minutes. Sparked by back-to-back completions from Penix to Whop Philyor, one for 41 yards and another for 35 yards, the Hoosiers were knocking on the door once again. After a series of pass interference calls, Stevie Scott punched it in from two yards out for this second touchdown of the day. Michael Penix would leave the game just before halftime and not return. On Peyton Ramsey’s first three drives the Hoosiers stalled out, gaining under 60-yards on 15 plays and punting each time. With a comfortable 24-3 lead, Ramsey led the Hoosiers on a 52-yards touchdown drive. With two completions to Ty Fryfogle, IU approached the red zone. On third down, Northwestern brought the blitz, but Ramsey remained calm and dumped it off to Stevie Scott to went 20 yards untouched into the end zone.

Indiana’s offense would bleed the clock and hang on to a 34-3 victory. Stevie Scott finished the night with 116 rushing yards on 26 carries with three total touchdowns. Eight different receivers caught a pass, with Philyor leading the team in yards at 76. Westbrook hauled in a team-high five receptions with Fryfogle catching four. Indiana ran the ball 51 times versus just 25 total passing attempts. As we approach colder weather in the heart of Big Ten season, it’s good to see the Hoosiers running game peaking at the right time. The offensive line played well and despite a few penalties they controlled the line of scrimmage. IU was good enough on third down, converting 5-of-13.

Indiana has seven wins for the first time since the 2007 season and just the 11th time in program history. An impressive season for Tom Allen and the Hoosiers continues with four straight Big Ten wins and three left to play. IU has two huge opportunities to pull of an upset victory against Penn State or Michigan before heading to West Lafayette for the Old Oaken Bucket. It’s been a special season so far, but Indiana has a chance to take it to the next level. With an offense poised to scored points regardless of who’s playing quarterback, this Hoosier team looks different. For now, enjoy seven wins and let’s get healthy during the bye week.

The Huddle

All-Around Effort From Offense Rolls Indiana Past Northwestern

Hoosier Huddle