The Indiana football team delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, defeating the No. 8 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini with a score of 63-10 at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. This impressive victory marks a significant milestone in the Hoosiers' remarkable turnaround under coach Curt Cignetti, now in his second year at the helm. With this win, Indiana improved their record to 4-0, while Illinois fell to 3-1.
Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, had an outstanding game, completing 21 out of 23 passes for 267 yards and five touchdowns. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza’s precision and poise on the field were instrumental in Indiana's offensive explosion, which saw the team rush for an astounding 312 yards and score three rushing touchdowns.
Leading the ground attack was Khobi Martin from Fishers, who rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Kaelon Black contributed with 89 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. The Hoosiers’ ability to dominate the rushing game has been a consistent theme this season, as they have surpassed 300 rushing yards in each of their four games, placing them among the top five nationally in rushing.
On the defensive side, Indiana’s performance was equally impressive. The Hoosiers’ defense held Illinois to a mere two rushing yards on 20 attempts, resulting in a total offense of just 161 yards for the Illini. The Indiana defense recorded six sacks, contributing to a loss of 40 yards for Illinois, and registered nine tackles for loss, amounting to a staggering minus-46 yards.
In addition to Mendoza's stellar day, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt was a key target, catching nine passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Other significant contributions came from Omar Cooper Jr., who added six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown, while E.J. Williams Jr. and Riley Nowakowski also secured touchdown receptions. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 13 of 21 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown, with a significant portion of those yards coming from a 59-yard touchdown due to a coverage breakdown.
The game kicked off with an electrifying play from Indiana’s special teams, as D'Angelo Ponds blocked an Illinois punt and recovered it for an 11-yard touchdown return. Indiana quickly established dominance, with the score reaching 49-10 by the end of the third quarter. Even as the rain poured down at Memorial Stadium, the Hoosiers' fans chanted "overrated," reflecting their confidence against the highly-ranked Illini.
In the fourth quarter, Alberto Mendoza, Fernando's brother, entered the game and added a 14-yard rush to his stats, becoming part of a unique brotherly achievement as the first pair of brothers to each throw a touchdown pass in a game since 2013. This depth at quarterback signifies a bright future for the Hoosiers.
With their impressive performance, the Hoosiers are making a strong case for a place in the College Football Playoff, with odds currently set at 6-1 according to BetMGM. As Indiana continues to build on this momentum, they are set to face more formidable opponents in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Indiana football team's journey as they aim for a successful season, showcasing their talent and determination on the path to the Big Ten Championship.
