Quick thoughts on IU Football’s 27-24 win against Penn State at Beaver Stadium in front of 105,231 fans:
Three key roles in IU’s victory
53-yard reception by Charlie Becker sets up the first IU touchdown
Just like last week in College Park, the Hoosiers came up empty on their first two drives.
On IU’s third possession, quarterback Fernando Mendoza found Charlie Becker for a 53-yard completion on the first play of the drive. The long pass put IU in the red zone at the Penn State 15-yard line.
After losing three yards on a Roman Hemby rushing attempt, Mendoza’s 18 yards up the middle put the Hoosiers on the scoreboard with 2:06 left in the first quarter.
A forced fumble leads to a late touchdown in the first half
It looked like Penn State would enter the locker room trailing IU by just 10-7, which would have been considered a win for the struggling Nittany Lions.
But with just over a minute left in the second quarter, Jamari Sharpe forced Kaytron Allen into fumbles and IU recovered at the Penn State 22-yard line.
From there, the Hoosiers found the end zone three plays later on a one-yard run by Kaelon Black to extend the lead to 17-7 at halftime.
Kaelon Black gives @Indianafootball another score before the end of the half?
?: FOX pic.twitter.com/ZiAOY0ncOx
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 8, 2025
Mendoza leads IU on a game-winning 80-yard touchdown drive
With IU trailing 24-20 and nothing offensively, the Hoosiers had one last chance with 1:51 to play.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers on a nine-play drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr., giving IU the lead with just 36 seconds left.
It was a Heisman moment for Mendoza, who threw an interception earlier in the fourth quarter that gave Penn State the lead.
INDIANA TAKES THE LEAD WITH 36 SECONDS LEFT ?? @Indianafootball
?: FOX pic.twitter.com/zxaJYUDUoA
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 8, 2025
Offensive highlights
Mendoza completed 19 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. It was far from his best performance, but everyone will remember the winning drive when the Hoosiers were on the ropes. Mendoza also had a rushing touchdown in the first half.
Charlie Becker was crucial for the Hoosiers, finishing with seven catches and 118 receiving yards. Cooper Jr. caught six passes for 32 yards, including the game-winning touchdown reception. Riley Nowakowski also had three big catches for 51 yards.
Indiana’s running game was quieter than usual, with Roman Hemby leading the way with 12 carries for 55 yards. Kaelon Black had 12 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive outliers
Linebacker Rolijah Hardy led IU with 12 tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher had nine tackles and an interception, while defensive back Jamari Sharpe forced a fumble. Defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker had three tackles, including a sack.
Highlights of the game
What’s next for the Hoosiers
Indiana, now 10-0 and 7-0 in the Big Ten, is back in action next Saturday at Memorial Stadium against Wisconsin. The 2-6 Badgers host Washington this afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET on BTN.
(Photo credit: Connecting Hoosiers)
See more: Football
#Instant #Recap #Indiana #Penn #State