Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 5th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Indiana is currently boasting a 5-0 record in football, a feat that hasn't been achieved since 1967 when the team shared a Big Ten title. The Hoosiers are also ranked No. 23, adding to their impressive start to the season.

According to first-year Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, the team is on a mission and their next challenge is facing Northwestern. The Hoosiers, who are 2-0 in the Big Ten, will be determined to continue their winning streak when they travel to Evanston, Illinois to take on the Wildcats (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday afternoon. However, they will need to improve their ball control after experiencing difficulties in their last game against Maryland, where turnovers hindered their performance.

The team's quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, has been a key player in their success so far, leading the offense to score 244 points in five games. In their last game against Maryland, Rourke completed 22 passes for an average of 16.3 yards, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two interceptions.

Cignetti expressed his confidence in Rourke's ability to bounce back from any setbacks, stating that he had no doubt in his quarterback's capabilities. He also affirmed his belief in the team's ability to start strong and maintain their momentum.

On the other hand, Northwestern had a bye week last week and will be looking to bounce back from their 24-5 loss to Washington in their Big Ten debut. The Wildcats struggled offensively, only gaining 112 yards and their quarterback, Jack Lausch, threw two interceptions and was sacked twice. They were also without their leading rusher, Cam Porter, who is expected to return for their game against Indiana.

Northwestern's coach, David Braun, praised Porter's work ethic and determination to return to the field. However, the team will need to improve their overall performance to keep up with the strong Hoosiers.

Braun acknowledged the challenge that Indiana presents, with their confident and well-rounded team. He also highlighted the impressive performances of wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., who both caught a touchdown pass in their last game against Maryland. Sarratt led the team with seven receptions for 128 yards.

The all-time series between Northwestern and Indiana has been dominated by the Wildcats, who have won five out of the last six meetings. However, with Indiana's strong start to the season, Northwestern will need to be at their best to secure a victory.

PREDICTION

Indiana Hoosiers

Northwestern Wildcats

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Recap OCT 5TH 2024

Kurtis Rourke passed for 380 yards and three touchdowns and Elijah Sarratt had seven receptions for 135 yards to boost No. 23 Indiana to a 41-24 win against host Northwestern on Saturday in Evanston, Ill.

Indiana (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) became bowl eligible while securing the program's first 6-0 start since the 1967 Hoosiers began their season 8-0.

After a turnover on downs and punt on their first two possessions, the Hoosiers found their offensive groove, scoring on their next seven possessions. They needed the firepower to hold off the Wildcats, who had 336 total yards after managing just 112 in a 24-5 loss at Washington on Sept. 21.

Northwestern (2-3, 0-2) on Saturday trimmed a 14-point deficit in half with 3:13 remining in the third quarter on the first of two TD passes from Jack Lausch to A.J. Henning.

The Hoosiers outscored the Wildcats 17-7 in the fourth quarter and finished with 529 yards of total offense.

Indiana opened the scoring on Justice Ellison's 5-yard touchdown run with 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Northwestern responded with a TD on the ensuing possession. Cam Porter, back in the lineup after being sidelined with a lower-body injury, scored from eight yards out to cap a 10-play, 53-yard drive that swallowed 6:51 of clock time.

Hoosiers starting linebacker Jailin Walker left the game with an apparent upper-body injury in the second quarter and didn't return.

Indiana led 17-10 at halftime. The Hoosiers extended the advantage to 24-10 on Rourke's 13-yard TD pass to Ke'Shawn Williams with 6:44 to go in the third quarter.

Northwestern scored 14 of the next 17 points to draw within 27-24 with 11:19 left.

The Hoosiers sealed the result after the Wildcats turned the ball over on downs on their 36 late in the fourth quarter. Rourke hit Zach Horton for a 4-yard TD with 3:28 to play.

Lausch was 23 of 38 for 243 yards and two touchdowns for the Wildcats. Bryce Kirtz had 10 receptions for 128 yards while Henning made six catches for 67 yards and two TDs.

Rourke was 25 of 33 through the air. Williams added four receptions for 87 yards. Ellison rushed for 68 yards and Ty Son Lawton added 52 rushing yards and a TD.