Hoosiers Wallop Wildcats, Move to 7-2

 Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers hosted the first ever night game in November at Memorial Stadium and they rose to the occasion, blasting the Northwestern Wildcats 34-3 and ensuring the Hoosiers first winning season since 2007. Indiana is now 7-2 heading into their second off week and they have four straight Big Ten victories, the second longest conference winning streak in school history. The only negative was the injury to Michael Penix Jr. that forced him to the sideline late in the first half. IU dominated from the opening kickoff and never let up, physically overwhelming Northwestern and out-gaining the Wildcats 414-199.

After successive victories over Rutgers, Maryland and Nebraska, there was some concern the Hoosiers would let the success and plaudits get to them and come out flat. IU quickly put those thoughts to rest as they drove into scoring territory on the opening drive. The Hoosiers had to settle for a field goal from 27 yards out by Logan Justus but it was a solid start for the offense. Northwestern’s first play was a keeper for quarterback Aidan Smith that was set for a big gain but Tiawan Mullen ripped the ball loose and Michael Ziemba fell on it near midfield. The Hoosiers capitalized and Stevie Scott ran in for a two-yard score to put IU ahead 10-0. Northwestern’s offense found a bit of rhythm on the next drive, getting inside the red zone but they were forced to settle for a 25-yard field goal from Charlie Kuhbander. IU had to punt and the Wildcats had a chance to tie the game. However, Drake Anderson had the ball stripped and Tiawan Mullen again made a play, this time pouncing on the fumble inside the 20-yard line. IU threw to the end zone and a pass interference penalty was called on the Northwestern defensive back, giving the ball to IU at the two-yard line. One play later, Michael Penix Jr. dove in for a touchdown to make it 17-3. Northwestern put former Brownsburg High School prospect Hunter Johnson in at quarterback but the offense still failed to gain traction. They were forced to punt and the Hoosiers got All-American candidate Whop Philyor into the act, connecting with him for a 41-yard gain and then a 35-yard gain to move the ball inside the ten. Another pass interference penalty in the end zone set Stevie Scott up for his second rushing touchdown of the night and IU led 24-3. Northwestern went three and out and the Hoosiers were forced to put Peyton Ramsey in at quarterback as Penix headed to the locker room to be evaluated. IU was had to punt and the half ended with a gadget play for Northwestern that resulted in the Hoosiers Alfred Bryant snagging the ball for another takeaway for IU’s defense.

Northwestern started the second half with the ball and IU’s defense made sure to keep them stuck in neutral. The Wildcats quickly went three and out and punted the ball away. IU’s offense was not able to put together a drive and the two sides traded punts for a few possessions. Hunter Johnson was sacked by Allen Stallings and was knocked out of the game so Aidan Smith took back over but it made no difference for Northwestern’s moribund attack. Indiana took over near midfield and put points on the board, driving 52 yards and scoring on a 20-yard pass from Ramsey to Stevie Scott. IU added another field goal from Logan Justus to make it 34-3. Justus is now 12-12 on the season. Jack Tuttle entered the contest to close out the game for IU and the Hoosiers ran out the clock.

Indiana’s offense has now scored at least 30 points in eight of nine games this season and the defense has dominated the lesser offenses they have faced. IU has an outside chance to be ranked in the top 25 when the initial College Football Playoff rankings are released on Tuesday. Stevie Scott was outstanding, rushing for 116 yards with two touchdowns and adding a receiving touchdown. Michael Penix Jr. was 10-15 with 162 yards and a rushing touchdown before exiting. Peyton Ramsey showed his worth once again, going 7-10 for 108 yards with a touchdown and making no mistakes. IU’s defense forced three takeaways and kept the Northwestern offense from ever feeling comfortable. The Hoosiers now rest and heal up for two weeks before closing the season with Penn State, Michigan and Purdue as they try to earn themselves a spot in the best bowl game possible.