Stock up/Stock Down Indiana-Michigan State

The No. 3 Indiana Hoosiers returned home to face the Michigan State Spartans in a homecoming battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. It was a slow start for the Hoosier defense as IU found themselves behind 10-7 early on before they found their footing and the offense couldn’t be stopped.

Stock Up

Heis-Mendoza

If the t-shirts have not already been mocked up by IU, they need to be. The Hoosier quarterback may not have the super flashy Heisman Moment (and it’s not awkwardly diving for a first down), but Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman campaign is picking up steam and has its tag line. Heis-Mendoza.

The redshirt junior transfer completed 24-of-28 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday. He hit Omar Cooper in stride on a 49-yard touchdown pass and made an absolutely perfect throw to Elijah Sarratt for another that will be shown on ESPN as they get ready for the NFL Draft. Mendoza is so precise with his passes and gives his receivers a chance to get yards after the catch. On the season, Mendoza has completed 133-of-181 passes for 1,755 yards, 21 touchdowns and just two interceptions. 

Different Ways to Win

The Hoosiers have found different ways to win this year. When one phase of the game struggles a little, another picks them up. Against Oregon it was the defense that carried the day, against Michigan State it was Indiana’s offense that put the Hoosiers over the top scoring on six of their first seven drives.

Stephen Daley

In limited playing time defensive end Stephen Daley has put together a very solid season. Daley transferred to IU from Kent St. looking to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage. In seven games this season Daley has 16 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In Saturday’s win, Daley had three tackles and two sacks including one on fourth down.

Stock Down

Weather

After having four games of near perfect weather in Bloomington, the Hoosier faithful had to deal with a weather delay for the first time since 2022. The good thing is that there was a minimal delay.

Soft Zone

Indiana’s defense went into a soft zone early against Michigan State and the Spartans ate them up. In the first half Michigan State quarterback Aiden Chiles completed 18-of-20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. The good news for IU is that in the second half they pressured Chiles more and limited the MSU quarterbacks to 10-of-16 passing for 115 yards.

Hold

Holiday Plans

It may be time to tell your family that travel plans may be up in the air as IU could crisscross the country should they make a run at the national title. There is a lot to be settled still, but the cogs are spinning on what flights one can get to various playoff sites from Indianapolis and other Hoosier hotbeds.