Scores From Around the Nation: IUFB Opponent Recap

Written By: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

For the first time since 1967, Indiana is 5-0. If you haven’t been obsessively checking the remaining schedule yet, surely you will be now. How high is the ceiling for the Hoosiers? Let’s check out how their remaining schedule fared in week five of college football action.

Overall Opponent Record Remaining Schedule: 20-11

Northwestern (2-2): Last Week Bye

The Wildcats will have fresh legs when they take on Indiana this week after having a bye this past weekend.

Nebraska (3-1): Last Week Win at Purdue 28-10

A good old fashioned Big Ten West matchup broke out in the first half of Nebraska’s matchup against Purdue – multiple missed field goals, blocked field goals, and a whole of punts. The Cornhuskers eventually found their footing in the second half, after mustering no points in the first, and pulled away for a victory over an overmatched Purdue team.

Washington (3-2): Last Week Loss at Rutgers 21-18

It had to be a rough flight back to the west coast for Washington kicker Grady Gross, who finished the night 1-of-4 on his field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder as time expired to tie the game and send it to overtime. Rutgers moved to 4-0 for the first time since 2012. Washington had a 521-299 advantage in total yards, but the three missed field goals, six penalties for 69 yards, and a 2-for-12 output on third down ultimately led the Huskies to fall short.

Michigan State (3-2): Last Week Loss vs Ohio State 38-7

Aidan Chiles shows flashes at quarterback but continues to plague the Spartans with turnovers. Michigan State lost the ball three times in the redzone in the first half and Ohio State is too good of a team to allow someone to hang around after making mistakes like that.
“We did not help ourselves,” said Spartan head coach Jonathan Smith. He also added that they are “far away” from matching up with Ohio State.

The Buckeyes never let this game be in doubt, but more on that later in the Ohio State recap.

Michigan (4-1): Last Week Win vs Minnesota 27-24

In a battle of differing styles, Minnesota tried their best to defeat the Wolverines through the air (258 to 86 passing yard advantage), but Michigan ultimately won the game on the ground (155 to 38 rushing yard advantage) to take home the Little Brown Jug. Michigan led 24-3 entering the fourth before the Gophers came storming back to pull within 27-24 with 1:37 left. An (incorrect) offsides call on the Gophers’ onside kick, which Minnesota recovered, allowed Michigan to gain possession and bleed out the clock and Minnesota’s upset hopes with it.

Ohio State (4-0): Last Week Win at Michigan State 38-7

Ryan Williams of Alabama and Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State continue to put the nation on notice – their age does not matter when they’ve got talent like they do. Smith took over the game against Michigan State, reeling in five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown while also adding a 19-yard touchdown carry on the ground. The Buckeyes have a plethora of big-play talent on the field at once and so far have faced no one that is able to slow all their playmakers down at once.

Purdue (1-3): Last Week Loss vs Nebraska 28-10

The Boilermakers have offensive issues, so much so that offensive coordinator Graham Harrell was relieved of his duties this Sunday after their latest home defeat. Purdue ranks 104th nationally in points per game despite scoring 49 in their season opener against Indiana State. Over four games, they only made it into the redzone 12 times. If the Boilers can turn it around, they’ll need to be better in all facets of the game; they currently rank 100th in total defense as well, giving up 398.8 yards per game.

Previous Opponents (9-14)

Florida International (2-3) Win vs LA Tech 17-10

Western Illinois (1-3) Win vs McKendree 49-32

UCLA (1-3) Loss vs Oregon 34-13

Charlotte (2-3) Win vs Rice 21-20

Maryland (3-2) Loss vs Indiana 42-28