Northwestern hopes to end losing skid against Indiana

Northwestern (2-5, 0-4) at Indiana (1-7, 0-4)

When: 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium

TV: BTN

Radio: WGN 720-AM, WNUR 89.3-FM.

Series: Northwestern leads 44-34-1; and won 20-17 last season.

Coaches: Pat Fitzgerald (36-34, sixth year at NU); Kevin Wilson (1-7, first year at Indiana).

Players to watch: Tre Roberson became the first true freshman to ever start at quarterback for Indiana. He got the nod at Iowa last week and completed 16 of 24 passes for 197 yards and no interceptions in a 45-24 loss. … Northwestern QB Dan Persa has averaged 289 passing yards the past three weeks, but suffered a turf toe injury late in the Penn State game. Even if Persa starts, expect to see plenty of backup Kain Colter, who has been getting snaps at quarterback and lining up at wide receiver.

The skinny: The Wildcats are scoring enough points to win games, now they hope the defense took a step forward last week by holding Penn State to less than 100 yards of offense in the second half. Under new coach Kevin Wilson, a former NU offensive coordinator, Indiana has started nine true freshmen this season. The Hoosiers’ defense gives up 224 rushing yards per game, last in the Big Ten by a wide margin.

Fast fact: Indiana sophomore kicker Mitch Ewald, from Waubonsie Valley High School, has hit 8 of 10 field goals this season.