Indiana vs. Northwestern 2012: Wildcats move to 5-0 behind offensive explosion

The Northwestern Wildcats' offense exploded Saturday for over 700 total yards and five touchdowns as they defeated the Indiana Hoosiers, 44-29.

Kain Colter led the team in rushing and receiving, gaining 292 total yards with four touchdowns while Trevor Siemian handled the quarterback duties, passing for 308 yards. The defense was somewhat less impressive. They allowed 29 points and turned a 27-point lead into a one-score game early in the fourth quarter, but they stopped the Hoosiers when necessary to continue their undefeated season. The 5-0 Wildcats are one of only two undefeated teams in the Big Ten, along with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

SB Nation's Northwestern Wildcats blog, Sippin' On Purple, writes that the offensive production is encouraging, but this victory shouldn't be enjoyed for too long. The team needs to look ahead to their contest next Saturday with Penn State.

The NU offense was stellar all game, setting a school record for total yardage with over 700 yards. The defense wasn't entirely to blame for Indiana's second half scoring burst, as Indiana also scored a touchdown on a kickoff return, but Northwestern once again struggled to hold a big lead in the second half...Next week, Northwestern visits a Penn State team that destroyed Illinois today. Matt McGloin has been a problem in the past, so NU might need another offensive explosion to win that game.

Penn State defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, 35-7.