3. Consistency for Chappell
Last week was the best game of Ben Chappell's career. He torched Illinois for 333 yards and
three touchdowns in the Hoosiers victory. The performance earned Chappell his first Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award. I liked Ben Chappell in the preseason and his decision making has continued to impress. Chappell has a very talented group of receivers and the Wild Mitch formation appears to be opening up some holes for the passing game to exploit. Northwestern's star defensive end Corey Wootton continues to be hampered by an ankle injury and 
the Wildcats defense has suffered. Northwestern is allowing their opponents to complete 62% of their passes. Chappell needs to exploit this defense for over 250 yards and couple of touchdowns.2. The Running Game
This is a constant theme and I will continue to put it down as a key because of the results I have seen. When IU is able to run the ball, they have won or nearly won (at Michigan). When they struggle to run the ball, they get blown out (OSU, Virginia). IU is currently averaging 126 yards a game and 3.9 yards a carry. They have had to use the Wild Mitch to get some of those yards but that is okay. Mitchell Evans running can still set
up the passing game. Darius Willis is now listed as probable. Willis should be able to have a good game against a defense that has given up over 125 rushing yards in four games this season. We should continue to see the Wild Mitch and I think it will continue to be a good weapon. The goal is going to be 140 rushing yards and a yards per carry average of four. 1. Banged Up Defense vs. Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka leads the Big Ten in pass efficiency. He is completing almost 70% of his passes and has thrown for 1,755 yards this season. Northwestern's offense is based on short, quick passes. The key to stopping this offense is making the first tackle. Missed tackles turn short passes into
big plays. IU is going to be without Will Patterson and Donnell Jones. This will probably hurt a little bit and the Hoosiers will need their replacements (Council and Carrington) to step up. Northwestern is tough for defensive ends to play against because of the short dropbacks and quick passes. However, Middleton and Kirlew will have a lot of pass plays to make an impact. The Wildcats don't have any big play receivers but they catch the ball well. I think Kafka will throw for over 300 yards and his completion percentage will probably stay near 70%.Prediction
This contest seems to always come down to the last minute. Both passing offenses feel pretty good about themselves and I think both quarterbacks will have solid days. IU has been making plays in close games all season long. For some reason, I think that will continue on Saturday. Indiana wins by a field goal, 31-28.
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