BLOOMINGTON -
Don't break out those "Play 13" shirts from 2007 just yet, but have them handy just in case.
Indiana's win over Illinois last week at a chilly Memorial Stadium not only ended a three-game losing streak but restored a little bit of bowl hope with a fourth win. One of their best chances left for a victory may exists this weekend with a trip to Northwestern, who like the Hoosiers are in bowl limbo at 1-2 in the Big Ten.
So here are three things to look for when the Hoosiers and Wildcats match up at Ryan Field at Noon Saturday.
1. Keep Going to the ChappellFans might recall how the Pistol offense was intended to rejuvinate the Hoosiers' running attack. In the end, its had a bit of a reverse effect, as quarterback Ben Chappell seems to be finding himself during his first full season of starting for the Hoosiers. He's third in the Big Ten in passing yardage with 1,664 yards to go with seven touchdowns compared to four interceptions. Northwestern's about average against the pass, allowing 227 yards a game, but Chappell is coming of his best effort of the season: A 333-yard, three touchdown performance against the Illini, which earned him the Big Ten's Co-Offensive Player of the Week honor. Maybe another big game might be in order for the Bloomington native.
2. D-Line Battle Denied?At the beginning of the season, fans of defense might have circled this game for a very interesting line matchup. Very queitly last season, Northwestern's Corey Wootton and Indiana's Jammie Kirlew became two of the best defensive line players in the country, and were expected to do big things in 2009. Kirlew has held up his end of the bargain with 5.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, but Wootton has been slowed by injuries. He's yet to have a sack this season as he battles through a bad ankle, and has picked up only eight tackles. "It's still a little tender," Wootton told the Chicago Tribune said. "Cutting is the hardest thing because I don't have much push. We're trying to get it as close to 100 percent as possible." We'll see if he's healthy and if Kirlew continues his solid play.
3. Remember The Ryan?Some of the pregame comments by some of the veteran Hoosiers had to deal with the last time Indiana played the Wildcats in Evanston. On that day the Hoosiers held a 14-3 lead in the first half then had the lead with four minutes to go in the game, only to watch Northwestern rally with a late touchdown pass to eek out a 31-28 victory. Chappell won't forget that game, for it was his late first half interception in relief of then quarterback Kellen Lewis that was returned for a TD and stopped IU's momentum. But if they think of that game, they might want to remember 2008, when the heavily favored Wildcats were toppled by Chappell and the Hoosiers in Bloomington. It was Indiana's final win of the season.
Indiana's win over Illinois last week at a chilly Memorial Stadium not only ended a three-game losing streak but restored a little bit of bowl hope with a fourth win. One of their best chances left for a victory may exists this weekend with a trip to Northwestern, who like the Hoosiers are in bowl limbo at 1-2 in the Big Ten.
So here are three things to look for when the Hoosiers and Wildcats match up at Ryan Field at Noon Saturday.
1. Keep Going to the ChappellFans might recall how the Pistol offense was intended to rejuvinate the Hoosiers' running attack. In the end, its had a bit of a reverse effect, as quarterback Ben Chappell seems to be finding himself during his first full season of starting for the Hoosiers. He's third in the Big Ten in passing yardage with 1,664 yards to go with seven touchdowns compared to four interceptions. Northwestern's about average against the pass, allowing 227 yards a game, but Chappell is coming of his best effort of the season: A 333-yard, three touchdown performance against the Illini, which earned him the Big Ten's Co-Offensive Player of the Week honor. Maybe another big game might be in order for the Bloomington native.
2. D-Line Battle Denied?At the beginning of the season, fans of defense might have circled this game for a very interesting line matchup. Very queitly last season, Northwestern's Corey Wootton and Indiana's Jammie Kirlew became two of the best defensive line players in the country, and were expected to do big things in 2009. Kirlew has held up his end of the bargain with 5.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, but Wootton has been slowed by injuries. He's yet to have a sack this season as he battles through a bad ankle, and has picked up only eight tackles. "It's still a little tender," Wootton told the Chicago Tribune said. "Cutting is the hardest thing because I don't have much push. We're trying to get it as close to 100 percent as possible." We'll see if he's healthy and if Kirlew continues his solid play.
3. Remember The Ryan?Some of the pregame comments by some of the veteran Hoosiers had to deal with the last time Indiana played the Wildcats in Evanston. On that day the Hoosiers held a 14-3 lead in the first half then had the lead with four minutes to go in the game, only to watch Northwestern rally with a late touchdown pass to eek out a 31-28 victory. Chappell won't forget that game, for it was his late first half interception in relief of then quarterback Kellen Lewis that was returned for a TD and stopped IU's momentum. But if they think of that game, they might want to remember 2008, when the heavily favored Wildcats were toppled by Chappell and the Hoosiers in Bloomington. It was Indiana's final win of the season.
