Welcome to a new edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call And Inside the hallwhere we highlight the top five IU basketball stories from the past week, and see how the other IU sports programs are doing.
IU football had another big moment this weekend. This time it was without ever taking the field, as the program had its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.
This was a bright spot in a mixed week for IU athletics on the field. As usual, we’ll wrap up with weekly shows and a look at the rest of the Hoosier sports in action, highlighted by volleyball, which played in the Sweet 16 for just the second time ever.
This is what’s in this week’s edition:
• Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman Trophy winner in IU football history
• IU basketball dominates Penn State in Big Ten home opener
• Hoosiers fall to Kentucky for their third loss in four games
• IU women bounce back with a win against Louisiana-Monroe
• Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows
• Hoosier Collection
Banner #1 – Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman Trophy winner in IU football history
After its first Big Ten championship since 1967, Indiana football experienced a few things this week for the first time in program history. These firsts included the Hoosiers going No. 1 in the country and quarterback Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy.
IU will look to continue its magical season in the Rose Bowl as it chases a national championship. This game is on New Year’s Day at 4:00 PM ET against Alabama or Oklahoma on ESPN.
Banner #2 – IU basketball dominates Penn State in Big Ten home opener
IU basketball’s home opener against Penn State had many bright spots. Picked to finish at the bottom of the league, the Nittany Lions were far from spectacular on Tuesday night.
However, Indiana was fantastic and did everything right. Led by Lamar Wilkerson’s Assembly Hall record 44 points, Indiana defeated PSU 113-72. Wilkerson hit a Hoosier-record 10 three-pointers that night, while the team went 17-for-31 from long range that night.
Afterwards, IU coach Darian DeVries spoke, Inside the Hall had a photo gallery, Ryan Corazza wrote a The Minute After and Film Session, Alex Bozich wrote Five Takeaways and Nick Rodecap put together a column about Wilkerson’s record-setting night.
Banner #3 – Hoosiers fall to Kentucky for third loss in four games
Under DeVries and a new roster, Hoosier fans were promised a more modern offense that emphasizes the three-point shot. However, despite persistent efforts against Kentucky, the shots weren’t falling.
IU came out strong, leading 49-42 against the struggling Wildcats and competing hard. From then on, however, Great Britain turned up the heat and easily steered Indiana to a 72-60 victory from here on out.
One bright spot was the charity stripe for IU when they made 26 of their 29 attempts. However, this was not nearly enough for a team that lives and dies on long range, as they were only 4-for-24 from distance.
Coach DeVries spoke afterwards, and Corazza wrote a Minute After. The Hoosiers finished their recent tough stretch at 1-3 and are 8-3 overall this season. The team will take a week off for finals before a much easier home game against Chicago State this Saturday at 1:00 PM ET on BIG+.
Banner #4 – IU women bounce back with a win against Louisiana-Monroe
Women’s basketball also saw significant roster turnover this offseason. However, they did bring back two program stalwarts: Lenee Beaumont and Shay Ciezki.
Ciezki was excellent early on. Her goals and long-range shooting are the main reasons why the team was competitive early on.
Without starting center Zania Socka-Nguemen for the foreseeable future, Indiana got back on track Thursday with a strong effort and a dominant 98-54 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. The team is 9-2 overall and facing Eastern Michigan at 1:00 PM ET today on BIG+.
Banner #5 – Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows
Inside the Hall, the Podcast on the Brink returned this week. Then former Inside the Hall writer Cameron Drummond joined Bozich for a discussion about Kentucky.
The Back Home Network has several new shows. As a result, it was in the air many times this week but also with programming.
Banner #6 – Hoosier Rally
• Volleyball ended Friday afternoon in the Sweet 16 against top seed Texas after taking the Longhorns to the brink in every set. As a result of the success that Indiana had various players regionally honored.
• Athletics took part in the Early Bird Meet.
• Wrestling signed a recruit and defeat ranked Little Rock And Army this week.
• Baseball’s pitching coach Dustin Glant, who has struggled during his time in Bloomington, is leaving the program for a professional opportunity.
• Men’s soccer player Palmer Ault is a semi-finalist for the award given to the best college football player in the country.
• Finally, there were many athletes from Indiana recognized for their academic excellence.
Now go enjoy a 6-Banner Sunday.
Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly call employee
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