The Indiana Hoosiers are undefeated and headed to Evanston, Illinois this weekend for a Big Ten matchup against the Wildcats of Northwestern.
This is a Big Ten conference matchup between two teams headed in different directions.
Indiana is 5-0 (2-0 in the Big Ten) on the season with head coach Curt Cignetti leading the Hoosiers to its 5-0 start in 57 years! Indiana has dominated and defeated UCLA (42-13), Charlotte (52-14), and Maryland (42-28) over the last three weeks averaging 45.3 points per game in that span. The Hoosiers have already eclipsed last season’s win total of 3.
Northwestern is 2-2 (0-1 in the Big Ten) on the year. Their most recent game was two Saturdays ago at Washington. They were smacked in that game 24-5. The Wildcats’ win total for the season was 4.5 prior to the start of the 2024 campaign. They are underdogs in their remaining eight games. Bettors holding OVER tickets in that market are in trouble as last season’s 8 wins seem like a long time ago.
NBC Sports has all the latest info and analysis you need, including how to tune in for kickoff, odds from BetMGM, player news and updates, and of course our predictions and best bets for the game from our staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to watch Indiana vs. Northwestern
- Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
- Time: 3:30 PM EST
- Site: Ryan Field
- City: Evanston, Illinois
- TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network
Want to check out the other games on the College Football schedule this week? We’ve got you covered right here on NBC Sports with all the matchup, venue, game-time and TV/streaming info so you won’t miss any of the action!
Latest Game odds for Northwestern vs. Indiana - Week 5
The latest odds as of Monday afternoon:
- Moneyline: Indiana -650, Northwestern +450
- Spread: Indiana -14 (-115)
- Total: 42.5 points
*odds courtesy of BetMGM
The Hoosiers opened as -9.5 to -11.5 point favorites at most sportsbooks against Northwestern and that spread was quickly bet up to -14 as Indiana is 5-0 on the ML and 4-1 ATS (4-0 in the last 4). The total opened at 43.5, so the Under has taken some money, but not as much as Indiana is taking ATS.
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NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) has the following best bets for Saturday’s matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and Northwestern Wildcats:
“The Indiana Hoosiers continue to not only win but cover spreads under Curt Cignetti. One of the most famous lines of this season was Cignetti saying, “It’s simple. I win. Google me,” when referring to how he sells recruits on his vision.
I believe Indiana will do it again, as the Hoosiers’ offense will be too much for a Northwestern team that only surpassed 20 points this year against FCS Eastern Illinois.
Northwestern averages 12.6 points per game against FBS opponents this year and Indiana’s defense held four of its five opponents to 14 or fewer points. I would continue to ride the hot hand and back Indiana -13.5 or fade Northwestern’s Team Total at home.”
From the Trading Desk at BetMGM courtesy of John Ewing: National Championship
Line movement (Open to Now)
· Alabama +600 to +375
· Ohio State +700 to +375
· Georgia +500 to +650
Highest Ticket%
· Ohio State 16.0%
· Texas 11.3%
· Georgia 11.3%
Highest Handle%
· Ohio State 17.9%
· Georgia 16.1%
· Miami 10.7%
Biggest Liabilities
· Tennessee
· Ohio State
· Miami
College Football talk is taking over Bet the Edge every Thursday throughout the season. Bet the EDGE is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Vaughn Dalzell, Eric Froton, and Brad Thomas’ insights Thursdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Quarterback matchup for Indiana vs. Northwestern
- Indiana: Kurtis Rourke has been impressive through four starts with Indiana. The senior has posted 1,372 passing yards and 11 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. Rourke is an Ohio Bobcat transfer who racked up over 7,500 passing yards and 50 touchdowns with that program.
- Northwestern: Jack Lausch took over the starting QB job over the last two games for the Wildcats and posted 280 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, and a 48.3 completion percentage. Lausch managed 53 yards on 8-of-27 passing (29.6%) against Washington, so Mike Wright (Vanderbilt transfer) could be back under center any given week.
Hoosiers vs. Wildcats player news & recent stats
- These two teams have not met since 2019 with Northwestern winning four of the past five meetings since 2010.
- Indiana won that most recent game between these teams by the score of 34-3.
- Indiana is 4-1 ATS this season with four straight covers, while Northwestern is 1-3 ATS failing to cover in their last three games.
- Indiana is 4-1 to the OVER this season with four straight OVERS, while Northwestern is 2-2 on the Total.
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Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Eric Froton (@CFFroton)
