Rise and shine, Tailgaters; it’s Gameday! Welcome back to Hoosier Huddle’s newest weekly column: Tidbits for the Tailgate. Each week I’ll break down what you need to know before you head to the lots at Memorial Stadium: from players to watch, to what’s happening in other games, to tips for a successful tailgate.

What You Missed Last Week

Hoover, Bloody Hoover

Josh Hoover proved that he bleeds crimson last Saturday, shrugging off a facemask penalty that opened up a gash along his nose. Despite blood gushing down his face, Hoover stayed in the game and threw a touchdown a few plays later. Hoover finished the game with 231 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Hoosiers beat North Texas 52-16.

How Long Is a Second?

Remember when I brought up Michigan’s Appalachian State loss last week? Well, the Wolverines narrowly escaped another one of the worst losses in college football history last Saturday. Facing Western Michigan at home in their season opener, the Wolverines struggled all game long, as Western seemed like the ranked team, not the double-digit underdog. Michigan trailed 12-7 with 3 seconds left; a Hail Mary attempt by Bryce Underwood went out of the back of the end zone and it seemed as though Western had pulled off the upset. Instead, the refs determined through a super secret replay clock that there was one second left in the game. Bryce got another chance and completed his second Hail Mary to J.J. Buchanan, giving Michigan a 13-12 win.  

No Lights, No Camera, But Plenty of ACC Action

A car crashed into a transformer in Tallahassee just before kickoff of the Florida State vs. SMU game, knocking out the power in the stadium. What ensued was a nearly two-hour delay as the stadium crew worked frantically to restore the power. The game began with lights on only one side of the stadium, no coach-to-player headsets, no sideline iPads, no replay review, and time was kept by the refs on the field (hilarious after the Michigan game the day before). After a back-and-forth game, SMU defeated the Seminoles 27-24.

Imagine if They Had Pro Players

After the SEC filed a suit to kick LSU out of the conference for bringing back two former NFL players, Lane Kiffin and the Tigers backed off and kept the NFL players off of their roster. Despite this, LSU still beat Clemson 51-10. Prompting Kiffin to say in his halftime interview, “Imagine if we had pro players.”

Hoosiers’ Matchup

Howard Bison

Campus: Washington, DC

Mascot: Bison

Record This Season: 1-1

2025 Record: 5-7

Series Record: First Matchup Between Indiana and Howard

Head Coach: Ted White (First Year at Howard)

Conference: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)

What to Watch For

Plugging the Gaps and Securing the Edge

Indiana struggled a little on defense in their season opener, specifically when it came to stopping the run. North Texas was able to grind out positive yards after positive yards. Part of this was due to missed tackles on the part of the Hoosiers’ defense. The Howard Bison have a true rushing threat in QB Ja’Shawn Scroggins, and the pressure will be on Indiana to keep him contained.

A Balanced Offensive Attack

Josh Hoover and the wide receivers looked great in the season opener, combining for 231 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Hoosiers’ rushing attack struggled a bit against North Texas, and with the injury to Khobie Martin, Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. will need to get the ground game going this Saturday.

No More Injuries, Please

The season opener was rough for the Hoosiers’ health. Khobie Martin, AJ Harris, and Jamari Sharpe all left the game with injuries and did not return. Luckily for the Hoosiers, Harris and Sharpe’s injuries are not expected to be long-term. Unfortunately, Khobie Martin is expected to miss time with a forearm injury. The Hoosiers are looking to stay healthy as they head into the second game of the season.

Tailgate Tip of the Week

Pack a Poncho

The forecast calls for rain on Saturday morning, and tailgates are always better when you are dry, so be sure to pack a poncho or umbrella before you head to Memorial Stadium. As a bonus tip, use your IU rally towel to dry off your seat.

New Hoosier Intro Video

Indiana has teased that they will be unveiling a new Hoosier the Bison intro video before the game on Saturday. Be sure to get there early to see the premiere of the new intro video.