Quarterback Fernando Mendoza and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had career days for Indiana football as the No. 22-ranked Hoosiers took care of business against Indiana State, winning 73-0 at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium on Friday night.
The Hoosiers’ first drive set the tone for the evening, as Indiana (3-0) marched its way down the field, finding paydirt on a 7-yard rushing touchdown from Mendoza. The intensity and surgical precision was a constant throughout the night.
“I thought we did what we wanted to do,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said postgame. “I was pleased to see that. I didn't see anybody relaxing at any point in the game, coaches or players.”
Mendoza was a near-perfect 19-for-20 through the air, totaling 270 yards and five passing touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown. Three of those passing scores were to Cooper Jr., whose four total touchdown catches – he also hauled in a pass from Fernando’s younger brother, Alberto – tied the Indiana single-game record set by the late James Hardy in 2006. Cooper Jr. ended the night with 10 catches for 207 yards and four touchdowns, all of which are career highs.
“[I] just wanted to try working on making a man miss after (catching) the ball,” Cooper Jr. said postgame. “We practiced that throughout fall camp and throughout the year, so just taking practice and bringing it to the game.”
Other key offensive contributors included Alberto Mendoza, who was 6-for-9 for 104 yards and two touchdowns, as well as running back Khobie Martin, who had 11 carries for 109 yards and his first two career touchdown rushes. Kaelon Black (seven rushes, 68 yards) added to the ground attack, and wide receiver Jonathan Brady corralled two of his three receptions in the end zone, totaling 27 yards. Brady also returned six punts for 71 yards.
Defensively, Indiana was stout for the whole game, as Indiana State failed to pick up a first down until the middle of the second quarter. Indiana recorded season highs in tackles for loss (16) and sacks (five). The Hoosiers have now combined for 30 tackles for loss over their past two games.
“The defense last week was a point of emphasis for me,” Cignetti said. “I expected us to have a dominant performance, and we did. We swarmed the ball.”
The Hoosiers ended their day with 680 total yards to Indiana State’s 77, all but 10 of which came in the second half. As the college football world shifts its attention towards conference play, the Hoosiers are focused on taking things one week at a time.
“Coaches could use a day off,” Cignetti said. “They'll get one (on Saturday). Players will get an extra day and then we'll pick it up for the next one. I felt confident we'd get a really good performance, and that ought to give us belief moving forward.”
Indiana puts its program-best 11-game home winning streak on the line when it hosts No. 9 Illinois at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. It is a marquee matchup that will likely have College Football Playoff implications. The game will be broadcast on NBC.
