Quick thoughts on IU Football’s 13-10 win against Ohio State in front of 68,214 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium:
Three key roles in IU’s victory
Mendoza’s interception leads to an Ohio State touchdown
In a first half that was a defensive battle between two elite defenses, Ohio State scored the only touchdown of the first 30 minutes.
Fernando Mendoza was picked off deep in Hoosier territory by Davison Igbinosun, sending the Buckeyes into action at the 1:41 mark of the first quarter.
Quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Carnell Tate for a 9-yard touchdown pass less than a minute later, giving the Buckeyes a 7-3 lead.
Indiana takes the lead on Mendoza’s touchdown pass to Sarratt
On IU’s first possession of the second half — after an Ohio State stop to open the third quarter — Mendoza found his favorite target in the end zone.
After a 51-yard completion to Charlie Becker gave the Hoosiers great field position, Mendoza connected with Elijah Sarratt for a touchdown four plays later.
The 17-yard connection gave IU the lead at 13-10 at the 8:07 mark of the third quarter. It was Mendoza’s 33rd passing touchdown of the season.
The third down conversion helps seal IU’s Big Ten championship
Ohio State desperately needed a stop to get another shot off after Jayden Fielding’s missed field goal on an earlier possession.
However, Indiana had other plans.
On third and five with 2:41 left in the fourth quarter, Mendoza found Becker for a 33-yard reception to move the chains. The Buckeyes had only one timeout left, so the first down pick-up nearly clinched the Big Ten title, IU’s first since 1967.
Offensive highlights
Mendoza completed 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, Kaelon Black carried 16 times for 69 yards and Roman Hemby had 13 carries for 52 yards.
Becker had six catches for 126 yards, while Sarratt added three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive outliers
Rolijah Hardy led IU with 10 tackles, including a sack. D’Angelo Ponds had nine tackles, while Isaiah Jones had seven tackles, including two sacks.
Louis Moore had an interception in the first quarter for IU.
IU’s defense held the Buckeyes to just 58 rushing yards.
What’s next for the Hoosiers
Indiana picked up the top seed and will return to action in the College Football Playoff on January 1. As Big Ten champions, the Hoosiers play in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The CFP play-off round will be announced on Sunday.
See more: Football
#Instant #summary #Indiana #Ohio #State