NCAA Football Western Kentucky vs Indiana: What to Look for (Pregame Film Analysis)

IU vs. Western Kentucky: What I’m Watching For

By: Candid Hoosier | Pregame Film Analysis

After opening the season with wins over North Texas and Howard, Indiana heads into its matchup with Western Kentucky looking to continue building momentum.

The first two games have provided plenty of positives: offensive efficiency, explosive playmaking, improved run defense, and a defensive front that’s shown the ability to create pressure.

But the next step is to see how those improvements hold up against another opponent with a different offensive and defensive approach. As this will be the last game before entering Big Ten Conference Play, Indiana and Coach Cignetti will be looking to shore up any loose ends and areas for continued improvement.

Here are the key matchups and schematic questions I’ll be watching for against WKU.

1. Offensive identity: Can IU keep imposing its will?

After rushing for 301 yards against Howard, the next question is whether IU can continue to establish the run against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers present another opportunity to evaluate the offensive line, running back rotation, and IU’s ability to create favorable numbers in the box. Can IU establish the run early and force WKU to commit additional defenders?

Will Hoover continue to make the correct RPO reads and take advantage of opportunities outside the box? Can the Hoosiers sustain drives on third down and eliminate negative plays? IU has shown it can win through the air and on the ground. I’m watching to see whether the offense can remain balanced and efficient when WKU adjusts and gives different looks with their 3-3-5 base defense.

2. Josh Hoover and the passing game

Hoover has been extremely efficient through his first two games at IU. He is currently 19/27, which is a 70.4% completion rate. This includes 8 touchdowns through the air with 0 interceptions.

The next step is to continue evaluating his decision-making against a defense that can challenge his timing, give him different defensive looks, and disrupt the pocket. With WKU running a 3-3-5 base defense, they can disguise and present different coverage looks for Hoover. Coach Cignetti alluded to Hoover missing a couple of different reads in the Howard game. On our Monday podcast, Indiana Football Weekly, I discussed this specifically with a play where Hoover threw a 50/50 ball down the middle of the field to Davion Chandler versus hitting Nick Marsh wide open in the middle of the field on a 12-15 yard dig route. I will be watching if Hoover is going through his reads and taking what the defense is giving him. Take your layups and let your playmakers make plays. Hoover doesn’t need to force the passing game. If IU establishes the run, the passing opportunities should develop naturally.

3. Defensive front: Can IU keep generating pressure and build from last week?

The front seven responded emphatically against Howard with 12 TFL, five sacks, 1 interception, and a touchdown. The front seven rotation demonstrated the depth IU can bring into the game that was reported on in all preseason. This included Keishaun Calhoun, who recorded 2 sacks in the game. Calhoun was a redshirt freshman last season and currently leads the Hoosiers’ stifling defense in sacks. Against WKU, I’m watching if IU generate pressure with four while keeping enough defenders in coverage. Also, does the new pass-rush package that Coach Haines implemented against Howard continue to create favorable matchups? Can IU continue to build upon their improvement from week 1 to week 2 with their alignment and run fit responsibilities?

4. Secondary: Continue the improvement

After the North Texas game, alignment, tackling, and communication were major areas of concern. The Howard game showed significant progress. Now I want to see that improvement carry over. Are the safeties consistently aligned and communicating? Can IU continue limit explosive plays or chunk plays over the top? Do the corners continue to tackle effectively on the perimeter? I have been most impressed by Jayln Bell’s play filling in at corner. He has shown the ability to tackle consistently and be sticky in coverage. WKU provides another chance to evaluate the secondary before Big Ten play.

5. Special teams: Clean up the mistakes

Morris had a difficult game against Howard with two muffed punts and a drop.

I’m looking for a response. Secure the football. Make clean decisions on punt returns.

Continue to flip field position. Eliminate avoidable mistakes. I believe in Morris and think he is a game changer on punt return. I expect a bounce-back game from him. One poor game doesn’t define a player, but special teams execution becomes increasingly important as the competition improves. Will Nico Radcic give it a go on Saturday? IU needs the reigning Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Year to be healthy.

Hoosier Football Weekly

Indiana Hoosier Football Show: Recap win over Howard and Preview the Western Kentucky Game

The Bottom Line

IU has shown improvement from Week 1 to Week 2. Now the focus shifts to consistency.

What I’m watching for against WKU:

• Continued improvement in the run game.
• Hoover’s decision-making on intermediate throws.
• Defensive pressure from the front seven.
• Secondary alignment, tackling, and communication.
• Cleaner special teams execution.
• Continued development of the defensive rotation and young contributors.

The goal isn’t just another win. It’s to keep improving the details that will matter when Big Ten play begins.

3-0 is the objective, and I believe the Hoosiers will extend their nation-leading win streak from 18 wins to 19 wins in a row this weekend at The ROCK.

🔴⚪️🦬 #iufb #NeverDaunted

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