Indiana Hoosiers vs
Northwestern WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Indiana Hoosiers Look to Remain Undefeated as They Face Northwestern Wildcats in Key Matchup

The Indiana Hoosiers, 5-0 and one of the remaining unbeaten teams in college football, will face a challenge as they travel to Evanston, Illinois, to take on the 2-2 Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern, coming off a bye week, will look to avenge their 2019 loss to Indiana. The game will take place at Northwestern's unique temporary field, creating a special atmosphere for fans. Indiana is favored to win by 13.5 points in the upcoming matchup. Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM CST on Saturday, October 5th.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hoosiers -592 | Wildcats +430
• Spread: Hoosiers -13.5 (-110) | Wildcats +13.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 41.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Indiana will win straight-up is 86%.

Indiana vs Northwestern Stats

Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers are off to an impressive start this season with a 5-0 record, including 2 wins in BIG10 conference play. This marks a significant improvement over their 3-9 record last season. Despite not yet playing a key game, Indiana has a 108th ranked strength of schedule according to ESPN. Senior QB Kurtis Rourke has been exceptional, completing 73.2% of his throws with 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The RB duo of Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison have also been productive, helping the team average over 200 yards rushing per game. Overall, the team averages 48.8 points per game while allowing just 13. The offense is 11th in the nation, with a balance of passing and rushing yards. The defense has been strong as well, with 17 sacks on the season and 4 interceptions. Currently ranked 4 in offense and 7 in defense, Indiana is ranked 29 overall and has a 5-0 record.

Northwestern Wildcats Analysis

Northwestern is currently 2-2 on the season with losses in competitive games against Duke and Washington. The team struggled offensively against Washington, scoring only 5 points and facing challenges due to an injury to star rusher Cam Porter. Porter's status for the next game is uncertain, with coach David Braun stating he is "trending in the right direction." The Wildcats' offense relies heavily on their rushing game, averaging 136 yards per game, but struggled against Washington with only 59 rushing yards. The defense, on the other hand, has been a strength for the team, allowing just 15.8 points per game and ranking 11th in rush defense. The Wildcats have a power ranking of 67 and are ranked 120th for offense and 30th for defense. In their last three matchups against Indiana, Indiana has gone 2-1.

Indiana poised for another dominant road victory against Northwestern with strong defense and favorable spread odds

Indiana demonstrated their ability to dominate away games with a convincing 42-13 victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl earlier this season. The upcoming game at Northwestern's temporary stadium is expected to be less challenging for Indiana. Northwestern's success in this game will depend on their running game and the health of Cam Porter. However, Indiana's solid defense, allowing only 82 rushing yards per game, will likely shut down Northwestern's one-dimensional offense. Indiana has covered the spread in all of their games this season and is favored by 13.5 points with a strong 35-point positive margin. It is likely that Indiana will continue their winning streak by covering the spread in this game as well.

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