Indiana has been dominant through three weeks, but now it's time for conference play.
Indiana is 3-0 and ranked No. 5 in the country after dominating all three of its non-conference opponents. The Hoosiers are coming off back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1963 and would love to keep it rolling against Northwestern on Friday night.
1. Can Indiana's offense keep rolling against a Big Ten opponent?
The Hoosiers have scored 52, 55 and 38 points through three games. Can that production actually continue against a Big Ten opponent like Northwestern? The numbers are obviously impressive, but North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky are going to continue to give up points throughout the season. So that leaves everyone wondering if Indiana's offense is really this good or were the opponents that bad?
2. Has Indiana's defense really become one of the nation's best?
It's a similar question when it comes to Indiana's defense. They've been dominant, but is it them or the opponents? Either way, the numbers don't lie. Indiana is only allowing 203.3 yards per game and has only given up 16 points total through three games. That point total is always going to look good when 2 of 3 games have been shutouts. Indiana has also been good at creating takeaways, giving them a +2 in the turnover margin column.
3. Can Josh Hoover continue to take care of the ball?
Through three games, Josh Hoover has been lights out. He's completing north of 72% of his passes and has only thrown 14 incomplete passes total. He's got 10 touchdowns and has not thrown an interception yet. He also has not lost a fumble. He's doing a phenomenal job at taking care of the ball and he's making plays as well. Indiana has been so good in just about all areas, that Hoover hasn't had to throw it much, but when he does, it's almost always positive.
4. Can Charlie Becker remain unguardable?
If Hoover is having success throwing it, that means someone is having success catching it. That someone is Charlie Becker. The 6-4 receiver hasn't had to make a lot of catches, but six of his 12 grabs have been touchdowns, including a 79-yarder last week against Western Kentucky. He's averaging a ridiculous 23 yards per catch and it doesn't seem to matter how he gets the ball, he's got the ability to turn it into a score. It can be a short catch and long run, a deep ball or a 50/50 toss in the red zone. So far, Becker has been a force for the Hoosiers.
5. Will Indiana's rushing attack hold up in the Big Ten?
Indiana hasn't been completely dominant when it comes to running the ball, but they've been good. The two-headed monster of Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard has received the lion's share of the carries and they've both been effective. With 47 and 41 carries respectively, Beebe Jr. and Richard are averaging 170 yards per game combined. Richard has found the end zone four times, while Beebe has scored twice. Richard has been a little bit more productive on less carries, but both are getting the job done and will look to against Northwestern Friday night.
