FOOTBALL

3 Storylines to watch for when Indiana football hosts Nebraska in Week 8

Indiana football is 6-0 for the first time since 1967 and is heading into their toughest matchup of the season against Nebraska.

Published

15 seconds ago

October 15, 2024

Drew Rosenberg

Oct 5, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mikail Kamara (6) gestures after sacking the Northwestern Wildcats quarterback during the first half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. © David Banks-Imagn Images

Indiana football is 6-0 for the first time since 1967 and is heading into their toughest matchup of the season against Nebraska.

With Big Noon Kickoff coming to Bloomington, the Hoosiers have a chance to make a statement on a national stage in front of a sell-out crowd.

With both teams coming off of a bye week, Indiana football and Nebraska have had an extra week to prepare for what should be one of the most exciting games of the season.

Here are three key storylines to follow as the Hoosiers look to improve to 7-0 and continue their climb up the rankings.

Can Indiana Football protect the football against Nebraska’s playmaking defense?

Like Maryland, the Nebraska defense is prone to forcing turnovers. Nebraska has forced 10 turnovers through six games, and they have forced a turnover in every game.

Nebraska has six different players with an interception on the season and will be aggressive against Indiana’s explosive passing attack. They aren’t afraid to send pressure either, as they average more than three sacks per game.

The Indiana offense has four turnovers on the season, with all of them coming against Maryland. After a couple of early turnovers, the Indiana offense settled in and was able to score 42 points against Maryland.

The Hoosiers were lucky they were not punished for their mistakes in that game, but they might not be so lucky against Nebraska.

Outside of that game, Indiana has had no issues protecting the football. If that trend continues they’ll have a great chance to improve to 7-0 this weekend.

How will the Hoosier defense matchup against Dylan Raiola?

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has had plenty of eyes on him all season. At times he has been the best player on the field, at others he has looked like a freshman.

The talent of Raiola is clear, and the Hoosier defense has to be ready on Saturday.

Indiana football has struggled to force turnovers this year, while the Nebraska offense has done a good job of protecting the football.

The Hoosier defensive line, led by Mikail Kamara, has been the standout group of the defense and they will need to step up against Raiola.

If they can get pressure and make Raiola feel their presence it could be a long day for the freshman.

Making Raiola uncomfortable in the pocket is the key, and Indiana football has the pieces to do it on the defensive line.

Can Kurtis Rourke continue his hot start against a great Nebraska pass defense?

Through six games, Nebraska has yet to allow more than 250 passing yards in a game. They have also forced an interception in all but one game this season.

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer are the only quarterbacks to surpass 200 passing yards against Nebraska.

On the other side is Kurtis Rourke. Rourke has quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, if not in the country.

Through six games (while sitting out multiple second halves), Rourke has thrown 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions while averaging 292 passing yards per game.

Indiana football has relied on Rourke’s arm and he has delivered all season, but he will have a tough challenge this weekend.

Nebraska has been able to get after the quarterback consistently this season with 20 total sacks. How well Indiana’s offensive line holds up will play a big role on Saturday.

With an extra week to prepare, there should be no surprises for Rourke and the offense when they face Nebraska.