The No. 22 Hoosiers had a record-setting night on Friday beating Indiana State 73-0, their largest shutout since 1901. Wide receiver Omar Cooper tied James Hardy’s record for single game touchdown catches with four and quarterback Fernando Mendoza tied a record shared by Levron Williams, Tre Roberson and Kurtis Rourke with six total touchdowns. Let’s see how IU’s stock portfolio is doing.
Stock Up
Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza was great on Friday night and will enter Big Ten play with confidence. Mendoza accounted for six touchdowns and had just one incomplete pass. However, he has totally bought into the never satisfied culture of a Curt Cignetti team.
“I just take each week at a time. There’s a lot of stuff that I have to improve on, especially after this week. Although the score might not look like it, or the stat line might not look like it, there’s a lot of things that internally I got to clean up.” Mendoza said.
Defensive Line
It was just Indiana State, but the Indiana defensive line dominated. The defense piled up 16 tackles for loss and four sacks. That production is also coming from guys not named Makial Kamara. Mario Landino, Tyrique Tucker and Stephen Daley all had multiple tackles for loss.
Kellan Wyatt said after the game that tackles for loss is a product of “the way we run our defense. I think it’s the players we have, I think it’s a mixture of both things.”
Skill Depth
Friday night was a great opportunity for the Hoosiers to see what they have behind the first unit. Boy, do they have some weapons. Nine players caught passes and seven carried the ball on rushes. IU got to see what Jonathan Brady can do on offense and tight end Holden Staes got more involved in the passing game. Charlie Becker and Lebron Bond also made catches while Mahkai Jackson had three catches (two drops).
In the run game, redshirt freshman Khobie Martin impressed with 109 yards. With Lee Beebe’s health in question, Martin could step into a bigger role.
Backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza showed off a big arm and quick feet as he continues to improve.
Buzz
While the team was focused on the task at hand, there was a palpable buzz in the crowd about IU’s next game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Fans were talking about that game while watching this one. The buzz will only grow and this is where it gets really fun.
Stock Down
Penalties
IU wasn’t perfect on Saturday and Curt Cignetti let it be known. “Wasn’t pleased with a lot of the penalties early.” Cignetti said postgame. IU had six penalties for 45 yards.
Ball Security
The Hoosier running backs did not put the ball on the turf much last season. On Friday night, IU running back Kaelon Black fumbled in the red zone and was helped out by a great hustle play by center Pat Coogan who scrambled to jump on top of the ball for a first down. If that play happens this week, it’s a turning point not a side note.
Hold
Punting
Mitch McCarthy’s health is becoming an issue. He missed his second consecutive game with an undisclosed injury. IU only had to punt once and Quinn Warren punted the ball 57 yards, with a long roll. However, in a game where it can be won or lost with a punt, Warren just hasn’t shown the ability to boom the ball in games.
Expectations
This is the week IU and the fans will get to talk more about what the expectations are for this team in 2025. Saturday is a big one.