NU @ IU Prediction Thread

[rmndcat]

[On Tuesday this week ahead of a Friday game]

After a convincing win against the not ready for PrimeTime Buffaloes, the Cats head to Bloomington for the second of three consecutive national network games against the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers.

The task is daunting. Cignetti’s teams are disciplined and relentless, a contrast to last week’s opponent. While the NU offense can be expected to score, the Cats’ defense will be tested, especially at the line. One potential Achilles’ Heel for the Hoosiers is their transfer QB, who had a history of turnovers at TCU.

Indiana likely will be too much for the Cats, but the game will be a very useful measuring stick. If they can compete with the best, they should have a good run with the rest of the conference, including against Penn State that will inaugurate The Library at Ryan Field™ next week. If they can pull off the upset, a magical season awaits.

Kevin Kline 35

Richard Kind 27

 

[NU'06er]

42-21 Hoosiers, but I think it'll be closer than that prediction suggests, I just think Cig is not one to avoid scoring in garbage time.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

They are just too disciplined. And they will discipline NU

31-10 Indy*

*they hate being called Indy. It's all I got

 

[darmok]

Bloomington, IN (literally): 38
Bloomington, IL: 24

 

[eddie_gocats]

I expect us to lose because we are lowkey weak on OL and DL vs Indy's line...

but I would not be surprised if we win due to Chiles/Kelly cooking and having some bounces/tips go our way.

Also appears we are getting some buzz... to me that is the kiss of death!

 

[Alvious]

Cats 26
Hoosiers 18

You gotta believe!

 

[Deeringfish]

I have hard time seeing a win here but i wouldn't be surprised if NU holds its own. No such thing as moral victories? for a team that looked to be fortunate to get 6 wins before the season, a strong showing agains Indiana at Indiana would mean an 8 win season is possible.
Cats 27
Housers 38

 

[TheC]

Us 35
Them 31

 

[eastbaycat99]

My cousin’s music school 34
My Alma mater (as well as that as that of my wife, brother and niece) 20.


Cats will be competitive, but barring a few truly lucky bounces the Hoosiers prevail.

 

[prez77]

Solid all-around team, terrific coach, will not leave receivers running free, and will be playing as hard as we are from start to finish.

Indiana 38
Us 10

 

[GECat2]

NU - 27
IU - 24

 

[JustGary]

I would love nothing better than to win by any means possible.

Realistically, we are not ready for this task. The Hoosiers are the freakin reining national champions because they are so disciplined. We are 3 TD underdogs for good reasons.

They do have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. They play a zone that leaves a window open between the linebackers and safeties. If Chiles gets outside the pocket or extends plays, he can gain huge yards. Their qb threw a lot of interceptions at TCU. Our secondary has the ability to limit their passing game.

I think we may be leading at halftime (16-10) but get stopped in the second half. My only hesitation about predicting that is we have finished games strong with Kelly and improved defense. I think IU will start off weak but make great half-time adjustments.

Their players stay disciplined. Indiana will get the victory but will not cover.

NU 23
IU 34

I hope I am wrong and we win.

 

[Purple Pete]

Clean up the missed tackles and we've got a shot. Got to treat every down like it is 4th down. Also looking forward to what kind of wizardry the Chipster can conjure up. Will come down to execution and depth.

Cats 31
IU 28

 

[Drilcat]

I never bet against my cats. But I do have to adjust my expectations a bit since IU is the reigning national champions.
NU 99
IU 0

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

Given our first two wins we should be competitive in this game. I worry about injuries and depth, factors that have been a concern forever. This is a Slaughterhouse Five Big Ten schedule playing 5 ranked teams- #5 Indiana, #7 Ohio State, #13 Penn State, #17 Iowa and #20 Oregon. I hope we can survive this formidable BT schedule.

 

[Fanaticat98]

After seeing the injury report and what that means for the depth of our OL and DL, as well as Braden Turner doubtful, almost no chance we can hang with them. We may be able to compete for a half if we don’t have drive killing false starts and drive extending missed tackles. Beyond that they may just grind down our DL who will not have many subs to stay fresh.

 

[Eurocat]

IU 28
NU 14