The Indiana Hoosiers extended their winning streak to 19 games by picking up a trio of wins to start the new season. The Hoosiers defeated North Texas, Howard, and Western Kentucky in the non-conference slate, with all three wins coming by lopsided margins. Indiana took care of business in all three contests, winning by a combined score of 145-16.
The competition on Indiana's schedule is about to increase. Big Ten opponents are going to provide tougher challenges than what the Hoosiers have seen so far, and there will be little room for mistakes throughout conference play. Before Indiana hosts Northwestern on Friday, let's take a look at Indiana's report cards for the non-conference schedule.
Offense: A
The Indiana offense had little trouble lighting up the scoreboard in non-conference play. The Hoosiers scored 52, 55, and 38 points in their three games to start the season, and Josh Hoover has looked great. He's completed over 72% of his passes for 649 yards and 8 touchdowns with zero interceptions. After leading the Big 12 with 13 interceptions at TCU last season, Hoover's turnover-free non-conference slate was just what the doctor ordered.
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After taking the college football world by storm during the second half of last season, Charlie Becker has picked up right where he left off last season. Becker already has 6 touchdowns on the season, which accounts for half of his catches and ranks second in all of college football. Nick Marsh has also been impressive, collecting 11 catches for 169 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The running game has been especially effective. With a veteran offensive line leading the way, the Hoosiers have racked up 663 rushing yards 7 and rushing scores on the season. Turbo Richard has looked unstoppable, as he's averaging 7.7 yards per rush on his 41 carries. Lee Beebe Jr. has also shown flashes of greatness, and with Khobie Martin sidelined for at least a couple more weeks, he figures to continue seeing steady opportunities behind Richard.
Defense: A+
The Hoosier defense has been spectacular. Indiana gave up 16 points in Week 1 against North Texas, but hasn't allowed a single point since. The Hoosiers enter conference play coming off back-to-back shutouts, and their 5.3 points per game allowed ranks second in all of college football. Indiana has forced five total turnovers, generating three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Not surprisngly, linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones are leading the way. Hardy leads IU with 22 tackles, while Jones isn't far behind with 21 of his own. Hardy recorded a pick-6 against Howard while Jones nearly had a pick-6 against WKU. They figure to remain central pieces of this IU defense all season long.
If there was one area to nit-pick, it would be generating pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Hoosiers have 7.0 sacks through three games, but haven't been able to be overly dominating in the trenches.
Special Teams: B
Special teams has featured some question marks so far this season. Placekicker Nico Radicic has missed the last two weeks with a back injury, and Paddy McAteer has missed an extra point as well as a 54-yard field goal attempt filling in for Radicic. Radicic is one of the most reliable kickers in the country, so it will be interesting to see how McAteer performs if Radicic misses more time.
Punt returns have brought on an interesting dynamic as well. Tyler Morris served as Indiana's primary punt returner in Weeks 1 and 2, but after a pair of misplays, Becker was back deep returning punts against WKU. Cignetti still expects Morris to be Indiana's go-to option in this position, but it's a situation worth monitoring.
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