Big Ten play is here!
Indiana's first conference matchup of the season is slated for Friday night against Northwestern. The Hoosiers are favored by a significant margin, but that doesn't mean they can let their guard down. Northwestern is an under-the-radar team with a new-look offense that is capable of causing some trouble. Plus, the Wildcats are a big step up in competition from what Indiana faced the non-conference slate.
If the Hoosiers are able to get notable performances from these five players under the lights on Friday night, they should have little trouble moving to 4-0 on the young season.
Isaiah Jones needs to keep being a key defensive leader
The argument can be made that no Hoosier has had more of an impact on the defensive side of the ball than linebacker Isaiah Jones. A fifth-year senior, Jones leads Indiana in tackles with 22, and came up with a key interception last week against Western Kentucky. The Hoosiers had put forth a sleepy performance in the first half, and led 7-0 just minutes before halftime. But Jones' interception and subsequent 21-yard return to inside the WKU 10-yard line set the Hoosiers up to score a touchdown right before the half. Those are the types of plays that veteran leaders make. If the Hoosiers want to move to 4-0 and 1-0 in Big Ten play, Jones must keep being Indiana's go-to defensive force.
Charlie Becker will need to keep shining against tougher competition
Charlie Becker has picked up right where he left off last season. Through three games, the Nashville native has totaled 12 catches for 315 yards and 6 touchdowns. He's rarely played in the second half, so just image what his stat line would look like if he had been on the field more in the non-conference slate. But now that Indiana's competition will get tougher in Big Ten play, Becker needs to continue being a big-play threat on every snap. Becker and Nick Marsh have complimentary skill sets, and together the two of them give Northwestern's defense plenty to worry about.
Josh Hoover has to continue prioritizing preventing turnovers
When he transferred from TCU to Indiana, TCU head coach Sonny Dykes took a shot at Josh Hoover's turnover problems during his time in Fort Worth. Most notably, Hoover led the Big 12 with 13 interceptions last season. But he was simply asked to do too much with the Horned Frogs. He is now in a much better situation at Indiana, as the Hoosiers' effective style of complimentary football is suiting Hoover well so far. He has completed 72.5% of his passes for 8 touchdowns without an interception, and his prioritization of preventing turnovers will be a key point of emphasis against Northwestern.
Turbo Richard must stay consistent
The Hoosiers are able to play complimentary football thanks to an effective running game. Boston College transfer Turbo Richard has established himself as Indiana's RB1, as he's collected 315 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with a whopping yards per carry average of 7.7 so far this season. Heading into the Big Ten opener on Friday night, it's imperative that Richard keeps rolling. He doesn't need to average north of 7 yards per carry, but he needs to remain a consistent threat. Getting the running game going with Richard will help take some pressure off of Hoover in the passing game.
Paddy McAteer will need to step up if Nico Radicic is unable to play
Indiana has had a reliable kicking game during Cignetti's tenure. Nico Radicic established himself as one of the top kickers in the country last season, but he has been available for just one game so far this season. He's missed the last two games with a lingering back issue, which has thrust Paddy McAteer into taking on the placekicking responsibilities. McAteer missed his first extra point attempt against Howard, and then missed a 54-yard field goal on Indiana's first drive against Western Kentucky. He's made all his other kicks, but as we all know the kicking game is often the difference between a win and a loss in college football. Radicic is currently listed as questionable for Friday's contest, and if he is unable to suit up, McAteer will be called upon once again.
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