usatoday
Indiana's 29-23 victory over Northwestern on Friday, Sept. 25, was far from the dominant performance many expected from the defending national champions and three-touchdown favorites. The Hoosiers, ranked fourth in the US LBM Coaches Poll, required a late onside kick recovery to seal the win and extend their nation-leading winning streak to 20 games.
Lee Beebe Jr. Steps Up
With starting running back Turbo Richard sidelined by a second-quarter leg injury, fifth-year senior Lee Beebe Jr. carried the load. Beebe, who transferred from UAB and missed nearly all of last season with an injury, rushed for 203 yards and scored a pivotal touchdown that gave Indiana a 22-13 lead in the fourth quarter. He also converted a key first down to run out the clock. "Guy's got a lotta heart, broke tackles, made it happen," head coach Curt Cignetti said after the game.
Northwestern's Offensive Spark
Despite the loss, Northwestern may have found its offensive identity. With former NFL and college coach Chip Kelly calling plays, transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 22 of 29 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Tight end Luke Dehnicke, also a transfer, caught seven passes for 140 yards, including a 43-yard grab. The Wildcats fell short of their first win over a top-five opponent in over six decades, but they showed promise as they prepare to host Penn State at the new Ryan Field on Oct. 2.
Indiana's Defensive Dominance
Indiana's defense, coordinated by Bryant Haines, set the tone early. On Northwestern's first offensive snap, Chiles was tackled for a safety. The Hoosiers finished with seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. They extended their scoreless streak to 10 quarters before Northwestern scored in the third quarter. As TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover grows more comfortable, Indiana can rely on its defense, which remains the backbone of its success.
Warning Signs for the Hoosiers
While Indiana remains undefeated and will likely be a heavy favorite at Rutgers next week, the close call raised concerns. The Hoosiers, who cruised through a soft non-conference schedule against North Texas, Howard, and Western Kentucky, looked unprepared for a competitive game. Additionally, Indiana was penalized eight times for 60 yards, a departure from their typically disciplined play. Northwestern also had costly mistakes, including a personal foul that extended an Indiana drive and led to Beebe's decisive touchdown.
Running Back Depth Concerns
Turbo Richard, a Boston College transfer who had averaged 105 rushing yards per game, left in the second quarter and did not return. Cignetti offered no update at halftime, and Beebe said he was unsure of Richard's status, noting that Richard was not in the locker room at halftime. With reserve running back Khobie Martin out with a forearm fracture, Indiana is suddenly thin at tailback just a third of the way through the regular season.
Originally reported by usatoday.