Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

After a disappointing season opener in Iowa City, the Indiana Hoosiers (1-1) returned home needing a strong performance in week number two. In front of a nearly full Memorial Stadium crowd, the Hoosiers got exactly what they needed. Indiana roared out to a 21-0 lead and comfortably defeated the Idaho Vandals by a score of 56-14. Indiana was led by Stephen Carr’s 118 rushing yards and a pair of special teams touchdowns plus a dominant first half defensive performance. The Hoosiers ultimately outgained Idaho 338-261 and the performance should build confidence heading into a titanic matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The contest began with the Indiana Hoosiers forcing a three and out on the Idaho Vandals. IU took over on the 25-yard line and settled into a very lengthy drive. Indiana relied on Stephen Carr heavily as they converted three third downs and a fourth downs, eventually capping an 18 play drive with a Carr touchdown run to go ahead 7-0. On the next possession, Ryder Anderson and Micah McFadden hit quarterback Mike Beaudry right before he released the ball, forcing a fumble that Weston Kramer pounced on at the Idaho 13-yard line. Two plays later, Michael Penix connected with Javon Swinton for a 10-yard touchdown to put IU on top 14-0. Idaho went three and out again and the attempted punt was blocked by Noah Pierre. Javon Swinton recovered the ball right at the goal line to score his second touchdown and give Indiana a commanding 21-0 lead before the first quarter was complete. The Vandals again failed to get a first down and punted to the 24-yard line. IU gave up a pair of sacks and had to punt the ball back to Idaho, giving them the ball at the 48-yard line but the defense continued to pitch the shut out and forced another Idaho punt. Indiana moved the ball down the field with the running game and then Michael Penix threw a short touchdown pass to Ty Fryfogle to give Indiana the 28-0 lead. IU’s defense continued to dominate the proceedings, forcing another punt. This one was not blocked but it was returned for a touchdown by D.J. Matthews who evaded several would-be tacklers with a dazzling display of athleticism and speed. IU led 35-0 and Idaho was yet to record a first down. The drought was broken by the Vandals as Mike Beaudry scrambled for 20 yards. They put together a nice drive and eventually Beaudry connected with Hayden Hatten for a touchdown with 26 seconds left. IU took a knee to run out the clock and went into the locker room ahead 35-7.

The third quarter was not particularly pretty but it did get off to a nice start as Jacolby Hewitt returned the opening kick off to the Idaho 28-yard line. Stephen Carr ran to the outside for 26 yards and then Michael Penix dove in on the next play to make it 42-7. On the ensuing possession, Beaudry and Hatten connected again, this time on a very nice deep ball to make it 42-14. A long kickoff return by Bryant Fitzgerald was negated by a penalty and the Hoosiers were eventually forced to punt. The two sides traded punts and on the next possession, Jack Tuttle entered at quarterback for the Hoosiers. Michael Penix finished his day with two touchdown passes and a touchdown run with 11-16 passing for 68 yards. Tuttle’s first drive in charge went three and out but the defense quickly got the Hoosiers the ball back by forcing another punt. This time, Jack Tuttle lofted a pass to AJ Barner and the athletic second-year tight end broke a tackle and ran away from the defense for a 76-yard touchdown. AJ Barner then blocked a punt, IU’s second blocked punt of the contest and a few plays later, Davion Ervin-Poindexter ran into the end zone to make it 56-14. The two sides traded possessions to run the clock out and the contest ended at 56-14.

IU ran for 179 yards and threw for 159 yards in a balanced offensive display. The most impressive parts of the contest were undoubtedly the defensive and special teams performances. This was the first game since 1969 in which the Hoosiers scored a pair of special teams touchdowns. They blocked two punts and the defense held Idaho to just 14 points. IU will host the Bearcats of Cincinnati next Saturday and IU will have continuing coverage of this victory for the Indiana Hoosiers.

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