Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Indiana Hoosiers

Injuries noted

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: K.D. Hutchinson (questionable) — Wide receiver; the September 12 injury entry lists an undisclosed condition and uncertain availability against Indiana.

Indiana Hoosiers: Khobie Martin (out) — Running back; September 18 game-week coverage reported Martin out, with Curt Cignetti previously targeting approximately midseason for his return.; Jamari Sharpe (questionable) — Cornerback; Cignetti called him day-to-day on September 14 and said he was optimistic Sharpe would be available.; A.J. Harris (questionable) — Defensive back; Cignetti listed him as day-to-day on September 14.; Blake Smythe (questionable) — Defensive lineman; Cignetti called him day-to-day and expressed optimism about his availability.; Nico Radicic (questionable) — Kicker; the September 12 injury entry lists a back injury and uncertain availability against Western Kentucky.; Nick Marsh (questionable) — Wide receiver; the September 12 injury entry lists an undisclosed condition and uncertain availability against Western Kentucky.

QUARTERBACK

• Josh Hoover is IU's confirmed starter

  13.93 Y/A

  Josh Hoover is IU's confirmed starting quarterback. Indiana's official game-week notebook identifies Hoover as its starting quarterback; he remained the first-team quarterback entering the Western Kentucky game. 2026 line: 376 passing yards, 70.4% completions, 13.93 yards per attempt, 8-0 TD-INT over 2 games.

TRENCHES

• IU's front holds runners to 196 fewer yards per game

  196 YPG

  WKU is at 278.5 rushing yards allowed per game over 2 games; IU is at 82.5 over 2 games. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-18.

• IU is +80.5 rush yards per game

  80.5 YPG

  WKU is at 137 rushing yards per game over 2 games; IU is at 217.5 over 2 games. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-18.

PACE & SCRIPT

• IU's defense gives up 51.5 fewer points per game

  51.5 PPG

  WKU is at 59.5 points allowed per game over 2 games; IU is at 8 over 2 games. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-18.

• IU is scoring +36.5 points per game

  36.5 PPG

  WKU is at 17 points per game over 2 games; IU is at 53.5 over 2 games. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-18.

• WKU @ IU carries a 38.5 market total

  38.5

  The current draftkings total is 38.5, 17 points below the 55.5 median across 45 games with posted totals on this slate.

TURNOVERS

• IU commits 2.5 fewer turnovers per game

  2.5 TO

  WKU is at 3 turnovers committed per game over 2 games; IU is at 0.5 over 2 games. Those are current-2026 team-game results through 2026-09-18.

MISMATCH

• IU's defense against WKU's — IU allows 8 a game, WKU 59.5

  8 VS 59.5

  The widest gap on this matchup's tape: pts allowed / g — WKU 59.5, IU 8, over 2 and 2 game samples.

COVERAGE

• IU allows a third-down conversion rate 27 percentage points lower

  27 PP

  WKU is at 54.5% third downs allowed over 2 games; IU is at 27.6% over 2 games. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-18.

• IU's secondary gives up 81.5 fewer passing yards per game

  81.5 YPG

  WKU is at 211 passing yards allowed per game over 2 games; IU is at 129.5 over 2 games. Those come from the opposing team boxes in the games each side has already played this 2026 season, through 2026-09-18.

REPLACEMENT

• Khobie Martin (RB) is out for IU

  OUT

  Running back; September 18 game-week coverage reported Martin out, with Curt Cignetti previously targeting approximately midseason for his return. 3 things to watch for Indiana football vs Western Kentucky (2026-09-18)