Keys To A Hoosier Win Over The Wildcats In Evanston

Tegray Scales (8) will try and slow down the Big Ten's leading rusher Justin Jackson. Image: IndyStar.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers head to Evanston, Illinois to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats. After losing two in a row and three of the past four games, the Hoosiers need to get back into the win column as they enter a critical three game stretch to as the pass the mid-way point of the season. Both teams are 3-3, but Northwestern is playing the best ball of their season so the Hoosiers will need to bring their best effort on the road to get their fourth ‘W’ of the season. Here are the rest of the keys to an Indiana victory on Saturday:

1. Get Off To a Fast Start

The last two contests have seen the Hoosiers fall behind by double digits before they got on the scoreboard. Indiana desperately needs to get off to a fast start and reach the end zone early to give this offense and team some confidence amidst a two game skid. The Hoosiers have trailed in all but one game this season, and playing with a lead could be the spark this offense needs.

2. Contain Justin Jackson and Austin Carr

Shutting down the conference’s leading receiver (Austin Carr) and rusher (Justin Jackson) will not be easy or even possible, however the Hoosiers will need at least contain the two.

Tasked with stopping Justin Jackson will be Indiana’s linebackers Tegray Scales and Marcus Oliver who are both playing about as well on defense as they have in their careers. They will need the defensive line to continue to eat up blockers and free them up to make hits on the running backs. Marcelino Ball at the Husky position will have to play a major role in the run defense as well. 

In regards to Austin Carr, Indiana will blanket him with a combination of corners (Fant and Riggins) and safeties (Fields and Crawford) since the Hoosiers don’t really move defensive backs around based on the opponent’s personnel. Carr is usually in the slot, but can play outside as well. The Hoosiers have played the pass very well this season, but Carr is a player who can out compete everyone for a 50-50 ball and take it to the end zone. 

3. Richard Lagow Needs to Take Some Deep Shots

Running to set up the pass has not worked for the Hoosiers since Dan Feeney and Dimitric Camiel have gone down, so it may be time to change it up and use the pass to loosen up the defense and set up the run.

Even though quarterback Richard Lagow has been inconsistent at times this season while throwing nine interceptions, the Hoosiers have to try to open up the passing game over the top. Lagow is completing nearly 60 percent of his passes and 8.9 yards per attempt. Even without receiver Simmie Cobbs, the Hoosiers have the weapons to go stretch the field with Ricky Jones and Nick Westbrook. Both of those players have been successful on deep routes as well as shorter crossing routes that turned into big plays. Mitchell Paige has been IU’s most consistent receiver this season and can turn a two-yard screen into an explosive play.

4. It’s Time For the Hoosiers to Put It All Together

The Hoosiers have yet to play a complete game. While they have played great at times on both sides of the ball, they have not played well at the same time for four quarters. After six games, it is time for the Hoosiers to play well in all three phases for sixty minutes. 

5. Play With Killer Instinct

Indiana has had a chance to put teams away in all but one of their games this season and outside of Florida International, have failed to do so. The Hoosiers hung on to a 30-0 lead against Ball State to win 30-20, they failed at a chance to go up 14-0 on Wake Forest in a 33-28 loss, needed overtime after allowing a game-tying touchdown to Michigan State with 11 seconds left, and failed to take a shot at the go-ahead score against Nebraska. Indiana has had all of their opponents on the ropes this season and have only once delivered an early knockout punch. If the situation arises where Indiana can put Northwestern out of their misery early, they have to take it and land it. Good teams find ways to deliver when it counts the most. If Indiana wants to get that fourth win, they will have to deliver the knock out blow.