Indiana Extends Winning Streak to 20 by Holding Off Northwestern
No. 5 Indiana defeated Northwestern at home on Friday to record its 20th straight victory. Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles ended Indiana's long shutout streak with three consecutive touchdown drives, but Josh Hoover helped the Hoosiers secure the result. Hoover passed for 201 yards and one touchdown, and Lee Beebe Jr. ran for 203 yards and a score.
No. 5 Indiana secured its 20th consecutive victory Friday in Bloomington, overcoming Northwestern's second-half surge. Aidan Chiles threw for 293 yards and two scores, connecting with Griffin Wilde twice, while Luke Dehnicke added 140 receiving yards. Josh Hoover passed for 201 yards and a touchdown, and Lee Beebe Jr. rushed for 203 yards and a score.
Indiana had not allowed points in 11 straight quarters before Chiles directed three touchdown possessions in a row. Northwestern's early goal-line stop and a botched exchange that produced an Indiana safety shaped the first half. Charlie Becker recorded 98 receiving yards, and Nick Marsh caught Hoover's scoring pass. Indiana next visits Rutgers.
The result may matter most to Indiana's players, students, alumni, and local businesses around Bloomington, as a 20-game streak sustains national attention and game-day spending. Northwestern's comeback could encourage its fan base and recruits despite the loss. For college football audiences, such close finishes may boost viewership and debate about rankings and playoff positioning. Injury uncertainty around Turbo Richard may also affect Indiana's preparation and fan concern.