Week Three Primer – Week 3 #22 Indiana vs. Indiana State Sycamores

What: #22 Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) vs. Indiana State Sycamores (2-0) When: Friday, September 12 at 6:30 pm Where: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on BTN and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.

What: #22 Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) vs. Indiana State Sycamores (2-0)

When: Friday, September 12 at 6:30 pm

Where: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on BTN and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.

Spread and Total: Indiana (-48.5)/Total of 59.5 (numbers as of 9/10/2025)

Series History: Indiana has clashed with the Indiana State Sycamores seven times in history. IU is undefeated against ISU and the Sycamores have actually never beaten any Big Ten opponent. The last meeting between the two took place in 2023 with Indiana winning 41-7.

What’s at Stake: All offseason, IU’s first three games were looked at with two certainties: Indiana needed to go 3-0 and it gave the Hoosiers a chance to get into a rhythm before facing the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 20. After a bit of a shaky first half in the season-opener against Old Dominion, IU has comfortably dispatched both the Monarchs and the Kennesaw State Owls. Friday night against Indiana State is the final hurdle for Indiana to get to 3-0 and thus far, they have stayed relatively healthy. This game is another chance to develop depth and work out kinks ahead of the massive clash with the #9 Illini.

A Few Things To Look For

Pass Defense Miscues

Indiana made a point between weeks one and two to eliminate busted assignments that led to a pair of big runs by Old Dominion’s Colton Joseph. That was successful as they largely eliminated the rushing attack for Kennesaw State. The point of emphasis this week has been improving a couple of issues on the back end of the defense. Curt Cignetti said that he wanted IU’s defense to be lined up quicker and one of the main reasons Kennesaw State found some open receivers is because IU’s safeties had not lined up properly. That needs to be cleaned up very quickly as busted coverages will be taken advantage of in Big Ten play.

The Indiana State Sycamores will be without quarterback Elijah Owens but backup Keegan Patterson is a better passer and he could hurt the Hoosiers for some big plays if the secondary is not sharp.

2. Offensive Momentum

After struggling in the red zone against Old Dominion, IU was a perfect 7 for 7 last week against Kennesaw State. Elijah Sarratt had three touchdowns and the Hoosiers ran for more than 300 yards for the second straight week as all three running backs have looked good running behind the Hoosiers’ strong offensive line.

As expected, Fernando Mendoza looked much better in his second game in this offense than he did in the first and he appeared more comfortable playing behind an offensive line that is giving him time. Another good outing for the offense, including red zone production and gaining rhythm in the passing game, is only going to help as IU heads into the more difficult part of the schedule.

3. Building Depth

If Indiana plays well and takes care of the ball, the outcome of this contest will not be in doubt at halftime. Curt Cignetti should be able to choose how early he wants to turn to backups and how many snaps he wants those players to get. Particular players or positions that I believe are worth watching for on Friday night include: Alberto Mendoza at quarterback (he looked good in limited time against Kennesaw State), Khobie Martin at running back, Lebron Bond at wide receiver, the safety position as a whole.

IU now knows that Louis Moore is able to play through the Illinois game but his status beyond that is still unknown. Without him, IU’s safety position is entirely untested beyond Amare Ferrell. Even with Louis Moore, the Hoosiers need to see what other options they have at safety. Is Byron Baldwin Jr. able to make his debut on Friday night? What other options do they want to try out?