So...This would normally be the time when I would post my "what we learned" segment. But now that we're nine weeks into the season and we pretty much see the same things every week, I thought we could forgo that segment this week. Instead, here are five notes of interest from IU's 59-38 loss to Northwestern on Saturday.
1. A running machine...For the third straight game, the Hoosiers rushed for at least 200 yards. Against Northwestern, they had 319 yards on the ground. Sophomore running back Stephen Houston was good again with 151 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Tre Roberson added 127 yards on 22 rushes and a score, and freshman running back D'Angelo Roberts had five carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.
2. Persa to Dunsmore...Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa connected with wide receiver Drake Dunsmore on all four of his touchdown passes. Dunsmore had seven receptions for 112 yards on the day.
When asked why the Hoosiers had trouble containing Dunsmore, IU linebacker Leon Beckum said: "He's just fast."
3. Surgery likely for WR Wilson...IU wide receiver Duwyce Wilson suffered a knee injury against the Wildcats, and IU Coach Kevin Wilson said it will likely require surgery. We should know more after Duwyce Wilson has an MRI Monday or Tuesday.
4. Belcher suspended...More bad news for IU wide receivers as senior Damarlo Belcher missed Saturday's game due to suspension. Wilson said Belcher violated team rules, but wouldn't go into any more detail than that. It's unclear whether Belcher will return to the team next week.
5. One punt, 59 points, 616 yards...Yeah, those Northwestern offensive numbers pretty much speak for themselves. And the sad thing is, the Wildcats could have scored more if they wanted to. They ran the clock out before the half rather than trying to score again and called off the dogs in the fourth quarter. Wilson, for one, was grateful Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald didn't run it up.
