No. 5 Indiana Favored by 21 Points Over Northwestern in Big Ten Opener

No. 5 Indiana enters Friday's Big Ten opener against Northwestern without allowing a point in nine straight quarters, its first back-to-back shutouts since 1993. The Hoosiers are 3-0, have outscored opponents 145-16 and are a 21-point favorite. Northwestern is 2-0 after a 41-7 win over Colorado on Sept. 19 in which it forced four turnovers. Josh Hoover has thrown for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns on 72.5% completions with no interceptions. Coach Curt Cignetti said Monday: "I think there is too much scrutiny on Josh Hoover right now. I'm glad he's our quarterback." Turbo Richard has 315 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Isaiah Jones leads the team in tackles wearing the green dot and said the defense is very critical of itself so it can fix weaknesses. Tobi Osunsanmi has 4.5 tackles for loss. Aidan Chiles completed 17 of 22 passes and ran for two scores against Colorado. Cignetti said Chiles spreads the ball, extends plays and broke one for about 60 against Indiana last year. Northwestern coach David Braun said the Wildcats must take it one day at a time and control their preparation. No contested claims found in the record.