Game Day Primer: Indiana vs. Northwestern
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Written by T.J. Inman (@TJJHoosierHuddle)
What: Northwestern (1-6) at Indiana (6-2)
Where: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 7:00
How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on FS1. You can also listen to the game on the IU Radio Network with the legendary Don Fischer on the call.
Series History: The Indiana Hoosiers and the Northwestern Wildcats have played 82 times, dating back to 1899. The Hoosiers dominated the 90s but the Wildcats have had the upper-hand more times than not, leading the series 47-34 (with one tie) and holding a current five-game winning streak. In fact, Northwestern has won nine of ten in this series with the last contest occurring in 2016.
What’s at Stake: Indiana is in the midst of their best season (so far) in a quarter-century. The Hoosiers win at Nebraska ensured they will be bowling and Saturday’s game represents an opportunity to ensure IU’s first winning season since 2007. Northwestern is looking for their first Big Ten win but the Hoosiers are looking for their fourth-straight and another victory would help IU move up the pecking order of bowl games.
What to Watch For
1. QB Uncertainty
For the second straight week, we enter a game with quarterback uncertainty for both teams. Michael Penix Jr. will again be a game-time decision with Peyton Ramsey on standby. Northwestern has started Aidan Smith for the past few games but Hunter Johnson is set to return from an absence. Johnson, a former five-star prospect from Brownsburg that transferred to Northwestern after a stop in Clemson, has not played since September 28 as he sat out games to focus on his mother. Shana Johnson is in the middle of breast cancer treatments and Johnson needed the time to focus on his family. He has been practicing and he’d like to return for a game in his home state but it’s unclear what the Wildcats will do at quarterback.
2. IU’s Offense vs. Northwestern’s Defense
This is undoubtedly the “strength vs. strength” matchup of this contest. The Hoosiers have scored at least 30 points in every game outside of Ohio State. They have rolled with Penix at quarterback and done nearly as well with Ramsey at the helm. Whop Philyor leads the Big Ten in receiving yards, Peyton Hendershot has had a great season at tight end, the offensive line has been outstanding (particularly in pass protection) and the running game has been effective when needed. Northwestern has a top 25 defense that has been required to shoulder a significant burden. They gave up 52 to Ohio State but were very good against Stanford, Nebraska (13), Iowa and Wisconsin. With a competent offense, the defense played well enough to win a few of those contests. The Hoosiers will need to take care of the ball and continue to convert on their red zone opportunities.
3. Don’t Let the Wildcats Find Momentum
There is no way to sugarcoat this, the Northwestern offense has been woeful. Long-time offensive coordinator Mick McCall is under fire from fans and local media as the Wildcats have bottomed out, ranking 130th in scoring offense. Hunter Johnson’s absence has not helped but he struggled mightily prior to missing time. Both Johnson and Aidan Smith are completing less than 50 percent of their passes and averaging just 3.9 and 4.1 yards per completion. Combined, they have thrown ten interceptions and the Wildcats have scored a total of 75 points through seven games. Drake Anderson has taken over as the primary running back but we will also some of Isaiah Bowser. Riley Lees is the leading receiver and Whop Philyor has single games with more yardage than Lees has on the season (156). Northwestern really just doesn’t have many weapons that scare a defense. The ceiling for the offense is higher with Johnson at quarterback but if Indiana plays solid defense, tackles in space and doesn’t give easy yards to the Wildcats with penalties, it should be a solid day for the defense.