Indiana football vs. Cincinnati: Three bold predictions against Bearcats

Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) looks for an open teammate over Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back B.J. Wagner (40) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) looks for an open teammate over Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back B.J. Wagner (40) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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Survive and advance. Already in Week 3 and Indiana football has comeback in all three games this season, and looks to make some noise in Week 4 against Cincinnati. Last weekend, two of my three bold predictions came to fruition, with Cam Jones making his presence known with a game-high 13 total tackles and one tackle for loss, and Connor Bazelak silencing doubters, despite another slow start, with 364 passing yards and two touchdowns.


Bold predictions for Indiana football vs. Cincinnati

Indiana football
Sep 17, 2022; Indiana football wide receiver D.J. Matthews Jr. (7). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

#3. D.J. Matthews Jr. goes for 100+ receiving yards and 1 TD

Through three games, Matthews Jr. has brought in 15 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns, despite only 41 receiving yards last game against Western Kentucky. The senior receiver is averaging 13.4 yards per reception, and has recorded 100+ receiving yards in a single game just three times in his career, including last season against Cincinnati where he totaled five receptions for 120 yards.

Matthews Jr. is one of the favorite targets for the new Hoosiers’ quarterback, Connor Bazelak, and has brought in three or more receptions in each of his three games thus far. In their only loss of the season, the Bearcats defense allowed three Arkansas receivers to haul in 40+ receiving yards, including Trey Knox, who had 75 yards and two touchdowns. Indiana football will likely be trailing in this game, so look for Matthews Jr. and Cam Camper to step up on the outside.