After breezing through the non-conference slate, the Indiana Hoosiers are preparing for their schedule to increase in toughness from here on out. Indiana's remaining schedule brings several tough matchups, and even the under-the-radar contests can't be overlooked. Upsets happen every week in college football, meaning that the Hoosiers have to stay prepared each and every week.
The 5th-ranked Hoosiers are set to open Big Ten play on Friday night with a matchup against the 2-0 Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium. Curt Cignetti's squad is favored by a significant margin, signaling that professional oddsmakers have plenty of faith in the Cream and Crimson walking away with a victory. With that being said, there are several aspects of Northwestern's game that Indiana can't afford to overlook. If they do, they could be put on upset alert.
Here are three things that Indiana needs to be ready for on Friday night:
Creative play-calling from Chip Kelly
The Northwestern offense hasn't been anything to write home about over the past few seasons. But the arrival of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator could be changing that. The Wildcats have gained 920 yards and scored 75 total points through two games so far this season. Kelly is an offensive mastermind, and figures to have a solid game plan prepared for the defending national champs. During his last collegiate stop, Kelly thrived at Ohio State and helped lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship in 2024. IU defensive coordinator Bryant Haines is one of the best defensive minds out there, so the battle between him and Kelly will be fascinating to watch unfold.
Aidan Chiles' development and big-play ability
Aidan Chiles struggled with consistency over the course of his two seasons at Michigan State. Now in a better position at Northwestern, Chiles is looking to take a big step forward in 2026. He's off to a solid start, as he's completed 67.4% of his passes for 514 yards with 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He remains a dangerous dual-threat QB, as he's also added 3 touchdowns on the ground. Chiles has looked extremely comfortable running Kelly's offense, and Kelly, as well as Northwestern QB coach Jerry Neuheisel, give him a pair of tremendous mentors in Evanston. They will have Chiles ready.
Northwestern's stout red zone defense
Northwestern's defense has looked extremely impressive over its first two games. Last week, the Wildcats dominated Colorado by allowing just 7 total points and forcing 4 turnovers. The WIldcats have been especially effective in the red zone. So far, Northwestern has allowed its opponents to score just a single touchdown on 8 total red zone trips. Granted, those games came against South Dakota State and Colorado, and Indiana will undoubtedly present a much tougher challenge. But still, the Wildcats have dup deep when they've need to, which is something the Hoosiers need to be aware of. Throughout Big Ten play, it's imperative that Indiana capitalizes on its red zone chances. That rings especially true in this conference opener on Friday night.
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