Hoosiers Chop Sycamores For First Win of 2023

Written by: TJ Inman

After an encouraging defensive performance in week one against Ohio State, the Indiana Hoosiers entered Friday night’s contest against in-state FCS foe Indiana State looking for some answers on offense. The defense was dominant and the offense got some clarity with a dominant showing to notch their first victory of the 2023 season.

IU racked up 558 yards, held Indiana State to just 93 yards and beat Curt Mallory’s Indiana State Sycamores by a score of 41-7. Both Tayven Jackson and Brendan Sorsby were effective but Jackson appeared to gain a leg up in the ongoing quarterback battle, going 18-21 for 236 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. IU’s running game was the standout on offense as the Hoosiers ran for 215 yards, 5.2 yards per carry and five rushing touchdowns. Jaylin Lucas led the way with 88 yards while Josh Henderson added 60 yards and a score. Redshirt freshman wideout Omar Cooper was a highlight as well, catching seven passes for 101 yards. The defense did not officially register a shutout thanks to a score by the ISU defense but for the second straight week, the Indiana defense looked very strong. The Hoosiers only allowed 93 yards and they sacked the Sycamore quarterbacks four times.

Indiana State began with the ball and the Indiana defense made a quick statement, forcing a three and out as starting quarterback Evan Olaes was sacked by Lanell Carr. Tayven Jackson made his first career start and drove the Indiana Hoosiers 73 yards on its opening offensive possession. Jaylin Lucas made a man miss in the backfield and hit the turbo button to pull away from Indiana State defenders for a 25-yard touchdown run to open the scoring. ISU was again unable to keep the Hoosiers defensive line at bay and was again forced into a three and out, giving Indiana possession back at the 19-yard line. Tayven Jackson briefly left the contest and Brendan Sorsby zipped a pass for a first down before Jackson came back in. It was Jaylin Lucas with the magic again though as he scampered for his second 25-yard touchdown of the evening to make it 14-0. The Sycamores offense continued to flounder, failing to get a first down and again it was Indiana marching down the field for another rushing touchdown. This time it was a diving ten-yard score for Tayven Jackson on a third and goal play. In three possessions, the Hoosiers were terrific with three touchdowns and no first downs surrendered. The Sycamores finally got a first down but were halted before threatening to score as the first quarter came to a close. IU was forced to punt after a pair of penalties and Indiana State put together its best drive of the day. ISU moved into scoring territory and went for a touchdown on fourth down. Olaes lobbed a pass into the endzone and Nic Toomer rose for the interception to end the scoring chance. Brendan Sorsby took over at quarterback and the Hoosiers were driving when Jaylin Lucas was hit and fumbled. The ball bounced right to ISU’s Maddix Blackwell who ran untouched for a scoop and score touchdown to make it 21-7. A penalty on Indiana State on the ensuing extra point gave IU good field position and the Hoosiers took advantage for a 28-yard field goal by Chris Freeman with 20 seconds remaining. Indiana took a 24-7 lead into the half and outgained ISU 340-83 in the first 30 minutes.

The second half began with Tayven Jackson returning at quarterback but the first drive was a three and out for the Hoosiers. IU’s defense continued to control the Sycamores as Philip Blidi sacked Olaes to end the ISU drive. The Hoosiers were backed up after a good punt but the offense got back on track with a nice drive which included some nice completions from Tayven Jackson to Omar Cooper. IU finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run for Christian Turner to move Indiana ahead 31-7. It was a 13 play, 93 yard drive for Indiana to reassert control. IU’s defense allowed Indiana State no breathing room, quickly getting the ball back for the Indiana offense and again, it was a rushing touchdown ending the drive. This time, it was Josh Henderson pounding it in to move the score to 38-7. Brendan Sorsby finished the game for the Hoosiers and led a drive that faltered inside the ten-yard line. Nico Radicic knocked in a 21-yard field to finish the scoring at 41-7.

Indiana moves to 1-1 on the season heading into a massive matchup next Saturday against the 2-0 Louisville Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Hoosier Huddle will have ongoing coverage of this Indiana victory.