Written by Matt Smith

IU had their home opener on Saturday. This was the first time that the Hoosiers got to play in front of their home fans since November of 2019. Indiana’s student section was out in full effect to cheer on the Hoosiers.

On the offensive side of the ball there was a lot of good field position given to them by the defense and the incredible game played by the special teams unit that included a blocked punt by Noah Pierre that was returned for a touchdown by Javon Swinton as well as an 81 yard punt return touchdown by DJ Matthews.

The Indiana offense began the game on an 18 play drive that took up much of the first quarter and ended up in a touchdown for Stephen Carr, his first touchdown with the Hoosiers.

Carr and the Hoosiers run game was a big factor in the game and looked much improved from their last game against Iowa. Carr totaled 22 rushes for 118 yards and a touchdown. IU totaled 164 yards rushing.

On the opening drive of the game Carr had nine carries, which set the pace for his 100 yard rushing night.

“It got me in a good rhythm and I think it got the offensive line in a good rhythm,” Carr said in his press conference following the game.

Many different running backs received touches tonight and put up some yards including, Tim Baldwin Jr and Davion Ervin-Poindexter who scored a touchdown at the end of the game.

“We love to see everybody eat,” Carr said.

Following their opening drive the defense recovered a fumble and it gave the Hoosiers great field position inside of the Idaho 30 yard line. This ended up in a 9 yard touchdown pass from Michael Penix to Swinton.

Penix looked much improved after a lackluster performance against Iowa last week. He was 11 for 16 for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Penix also had a rushing touchdown as well.

“I thought it was a positive step in the right direction for him and he got more comfortable,” Tom Allen said in his post game press conference.

While his numbers might not seem like a lot, they are only low due to the fact that the rushing attack was very good and the defense and special teams continued to give the offense great field position.

As far as the wide receivers, Swinton was the leading receiver out of the starters with 3 receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown. DJ Matthews also had 21 yards receiving as well. Ty Fryfogle totaled five receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown.Tight end AJ Barner ripped off a 76 yard receiving touchdown as his only catch.

“Missing last week gave me more hunger to go out there and prove to everybody that I’m a good player,” Swinton said.

In total the Hoosiers had 338 yards of offense. That included a 76 yard touchdown pass from Jack Tuttle to Barner during the fourth quarter.

However, the offensive line did not seem very impressive, the Idaho defense had multiple sacks on Penix.

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