Our staffers seem to be in agreement on this one.
Sitting at 2-2, Northwestern continues Big Ten play against one of the hottest teams in the country. With their best start since 1967, the Hoosiers have played their way into the AP Top 25, currently sitting at No. 23. Here’s how our staffers think the first meeting between these two teams since 2019 will pan out:
Adam Beck: Indiana 38, Northwestern 10
This one has the chance to be a tough watch. Indiana has been one of the country’s best stories through the season’s first month and half, while the ‘Cats have more questions than answers four games in. If Jack Lausch and Northwestern’s offense against Washington is any indicator, the Wildcats will struggle against a physical and feisty defense that entering this week ranks fourth in the Big Ten in yards allowed per game and leads the conference in sacks. Although Northwestern’s defense has been stout, Kurtis Rourke and Co. have put up basketball scores on scoreboards, putting up at least 42 points in each of its last four matchups.
Brendan Preisman: Indiana 35, Northwestern 7
Sure, this Northwestern defense is by far the best Indiana has faced this year (all due respect to the Maryland Terrapins). But it’s the Hoosiers’ defense — currently eighth nationally in total yardage allowed — that will tell the story of this game. Remember that Washington team that held Northwestern to five points the last time we saw the ‘Cats play? Yeah, well Indiana’s defense is even more statistically prolific than the Huskies’. Also, Kurtis Rourke (who’s currently seventh in the nation in passing efficiency) will likely have a field day with Northwestern’s 82nd-ranked passing defense. If the Wildcats’ offense can’t string together some drives early, this one will get ugly quick.
Miguel Muñoz: Indiana 20, Northwestern 13
Northwestern’s first ranked opponent of the season, Indiana is by far the best opponent this year’s Wildcats have faced to date. Although IU has been cruising thus far this season, currently sporting the third-highest scoring offense in the country, I think the ‘Cats can make things interesting. Between a stifling defensive front, a home field advantage and the pressure the Hoosiers are facing in their first game as a ranked team in three years, Northwestern has ample opportunity for the upset. Still, what will ultimately hold it back on Saturday afternoon is the unfortunate quarterback situation, which is largely responsible for NU being one of the worst scoring offenses in the nation. This will be a battle for four quarters, though.
Charlie Jacobs: Indiana 27, Northwestern 6
I still believe in this defense. With the bye week, it should give some of the younger secondary players time to improve behind the leadership of Coco Azema and Devin Turner. The rest of the defense has been awesome this season too, especially with the flexibility in the front seven. However, the ‘Cats offense is a struggle. Even with the return of Cam Porter, the passing game is nonexistent. Indiana has far exceeded all expectations so far. Kurtis Rourke has been a problem for the FBS, but this is the toughest defense he has had to face. Indiana should win this game, but not put up 50 points.
Ascher Levin: Indiana 24, Northwestern 13
Northwestern faces a tough test against No. 23 Indiana this Saturday. Curt Cignetti has revitalized the Hoosiers, turning last year’s three-win team into an offensive powerhouse, averaging 48.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 13. Though they’ve faced some weaker teams, Indiana has impressive wins over UCLA and Maryland. Ohio transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been stellar, throwing for 1,372 yards and 11 TDs with a 73.2% completion rate. For Northwestern, Jack Lausch needs a bounce-back performance, and Mike Wright could see action if the offense continues to struggle. The ‘Cats will need their defense to continue its solid play to stay in the game. Rourke will test NU’s secondary, and the entire unit will have to be sharp. While Northwestern will be at home in a lively atmosphere, Indiana’s revamped squad will be too much for NU to overcome.
Ethan Weinberg: Indiana 27, Northwestern 10
In Northwestern’s first conference showdown on the lakefront, it faces an Indiana team that has been unstoppable through its first five games. The Hoosiers have one of the nation’s best offenses, and while Tim McGarigle’s defense has proven resilient thus far, even a gargantuan effort likely won’t be enough to overcome the power of Kurtis Rourke. Northwestern might be able to keep this close if Jack Lausch can drastically improve at moving the offense down the field, but I simply don’t trust Lausch to make such leaps against the No. 23 team in the country. I think the ‘Cats defense holds Indiana to its lowest point total of the season, but Lausch’s inability to take command of the offense will once again hold down this team and bring NU’s record under .500.
Weldon Genies: Indiana 31, Northwestern 10
With how the Hoosiers have been playing recently, it will be a tall task for Braun and Co. this Saturday. The hiring of Curt Cignetti has paid off immensely for IU, as its offense has now become a juggernaut with senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke under center. While the ‘Cats defense has been pretty good this year, this will be their most challenging task by far, and I’m not sure they will get off the field enough to make this game competitive. However, this game can get exciting if Lujan and Lausch have taken strides during the bye week.
Natalie Wells: Indiana 38, Northwestern 13
I’ll say it now — things are going to get ugly at Martin Stadium. Kurtis Rourke has been one of this season’s best stories, lighting opponents up with the third-best QB rating in the nation. And it’s not just dink-and-dunk offense. Rourke is averaging a whopping 10.8 yards per attempt, which doesn’t bode well for a ‘Cats’ secondary that got burned by the deep ball in Seattle two weeks ago. On the opposite sideline, Jack Lausch hasn’t shown much ability to push the offense in his two weeks as the starting QB. A bye week can do the soul some good, but no amount of game-planning can prepare NU to keep up with the Hoosiers.
Season Standings:
4-0: Adam Beck, Natalie Wells, Ethan Weinberg
3-0: Miguel Muñoz
3-1: Brendan Preisman, Ascher Levin
2-1: Harris Horowitz
2-2: Charlie Jacobs