PLAYER(S) TO WATCH:
Indiana’s Holy Tandem: RS Junior QB Ben Chappell to Sophomore WR Tandon Doss
One of the biggest surprises of the year has been the potent connection between resurrected quarterback Ben Chappell and his lightning-quick receiver Tandon Doss. Last week’s contest against Illinois in Bloomington was the best example of this duo’s success to date. Chappell – on his way to earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors – threw for 333 yards, three TDs and notched a 160.2 passer efficiency rating. On the other end of 130 of those yards – 44 of which went for a long TD catch – was Doss. Tandon has been snapping opponents’ knee tendons all season long. The dude also returns punts and is a threat to break it big on reverse plays. In 2009, Northwestern has struggled immensely against primetime receivers and downfield passers. [See: Williams, Mike (Syracuse), Decker, Eric (Minnesota), White, Blair (Michigan St.)] Unless their prayers prove otherwise, expect more of the same Saturday as Chappell takes the Wildcats to church.
PLAYER TO IGNORE:
Indiana’s Free-Faller: RS Freshman K Nick Freeland
It’s too bad for the Hoosiers that free kicks are for the other “futbol.” In this year’s campaign, their man with the “golden boot” has been more murky-crimson than mistake-free white. His longest wallop of the year? 38 yards. There are a couple of dead grandmothers out there that might be able to launch one from that range. Isn’t there anyone on the perennially talented soccer team (ranked No. 23 in the NSCAA/Adidas poll last week) that can come to coach Billy Lynch’s aid? Freeland is at the bottom of the Big Ten barrel in kicking accuracy at 64.7% (11/17) and has absolutely shanked a couple from within 25 yards. At least the fans at Indiana can take solace in one thing: Freeland has been perfect on extra points this year (18/18). But why do the extra credit when one can’t finish the homework?
PREMIER MATCH-UP:
Senior CB/KR Ray Fisher vs. Northwestern’s Special Teams
Much to the relief of Evanstonians, NU has steadily improved its kick coverage over the last couple of weeks. Yet, there still lurks palpable paranoia amongst purple-clad fans and rightfully so. The unit that really has no coordinator or coach still remains a headless bunch. This is a genuine area of concern as the Wildcats’ special teams face their most daunting task of the year: tackling Fisher Ray. If there is open space for Ray to run, watch out. Fisher is averaging a ridiculous 33.9 yards per return. On September 19th, Fisher broke three tackles against the Akron Zips and took it 91 yards to the house for an electrifying TD. Brace for impact.
LOPSIDED COMPARISON:
Northwestern’s Defensive Ends vs. Indiana’s Defensive Ends
This weekly Post segment is often about the numbers game and pertinent statistical background. The trend has to continue when talking about stud senior DEs Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. Between them they have 45 career sacks, the highest two-some total in the country. Kirlew has been having the best season of the two, as he is 1st in the NCAAs in forced fumbles (5.5), 8th in tackles for loss (12.5) and 3rd in sacks (5.5). Meanwhile, across the field the Wildcats boast a legitimate pro prospect of their own … that hasn’t shown up all year. Although it has mostly gone unsaid, senior DE Corey Wootton has looked lost, tired and even in pain at various junctures in the ‘Cats 7 battles during 2009. After blowing out his knee in last season’s Alamo Bowl, Wootton still looks to be recovering as he’s only recorded eight – yes, eight tackles on the year with 0 sacks and 0 tfls. The opposite DE Vince Browne has underperformed but his stat line isn’t nearly as empty – 4 tfls, 2 sacks, 26 total tackles. Both the NU and IU offensive lines aren’t anything to brag about but it should be Kirlew and Middleton – not Wooton and Browne – adding to their totals on October 24th.
EXTRA POINTS:
(1) This is the 125th anniversary for IU football. Word has it that Indiana football’s husband forgot.
(2) Zeke the Geek, Freaky Zekey, Zeke Marky Mark… there are a lot of nicknames floating out in the blogosphere for Northwestern’s leading receiving man. In East Lansing last Saturday, Markshausen did it again – 16 receptions, 111 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Too bad it was all for naught.
(3) Indiana’s red zone defense is 2nd in the BT as opponents have only been able to convert 66.7 percent of the time.
(4) When it comes to third down plays, Coach Lynch is beyond befuddled on what to do. The Hoosiers only convert 38% of the time. Comparatively, the Wildcats are 51% on conversions.
Nobody else in NU-IU previews has been talking about the Ray Fisher. He’ll be the playmaker in this game, no doubt about it. Murray was right on with the Blair White match-up being the difference last week. I expect Fisher to have a huge game.