The Indiana Hoosiers put up 45 points in the first half against the Indiana State Sycamores last night. There were 66 points at the end of the third quarter. At games end the score was 73-0 and it didn’t really seem that close in the largest shutout victory for the Hoosiers since 1901. Indiana’s offense racked up 680 yards to Indiana State’s 77. IU had 33 first downs. ISU had 5. You’re glad for the practice and you hope everyone comes out healthy. Let us just hope the understanding that the next opponent up will be capable of running over you is alive and well.
26 Indiana Hoosiers were in on a tackle. There were 16 TFLs. Thanks to center Pat Coogan hustling his butt off when Kaelon Black fumbled in the red zone, Indiana never turned the ball over once. Coogan recovered it and his effort was game ball material. ISU had no turnovers.
Offensively, Fernando Mendoza completed 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and 5 touchdowns. He didn’t take a snap in the second half. Omar Cooper Jr. caught 10 passes for 207 yards and 4 TDs. One of those was thrown to him in the second half by Alberto Mendoza. You have to wonder when was the last time two brothers playing for the same team threw TD passes in consecutive weeks? Alberto was 6 of 9 for 104 yards and 2 TDs. Redshirt senior Grant Wilson completed his only pass for 5 yards. It was good to see the well-traveled redshirt senior get on the field.
Attendance at last night’s game was much better than I anticipated. 46,219 was the official attendance. I don’t know how many pushed their way through the turnstiles, well, I guess you can’t say that anymore, but it was a good crowd. The Big Ten in all of its television wisdom kicked this one off at 6:30 on the Friday night Bloomington North was playing Bloomington South. Such is college football these days.
Don’t worry. Even with a 73-0 score, Coach Cignetti had a few ‘hands on the hips and look to the sky’ moments. This one, during a timeout, when he was obviously not happy. One mental breakdown against Illinois next week could be six points for the Illini and Coach Cig knows that.
The next three home games are sold out. Illinois next week then Michigan State and UCLA come calling during the last two Saturdays in October. Swissconsin will probably be sold out in November.
I was delighted to spend some hours turning back the clock, spinning yarns, laughing, talking about the present, and the future with these guys. Adam Disque, Andrew Evertts, and I worked together at Medora Schools some time ago. That we have stayed in touch and try to get together for a game every year has been a blessing. These guys are great.
I’m looking forward to stepping away from the press box next week and putting on a crimson jersey and cheering on the Hoosiers! A ranked matchup is rare in our Memorial Stadium. 1987, when IU was ranked #15 and Michigan was #20, was the last time we had anything to compare to the upcoming game with top ten ranked Illinois. With a nod to Keith Jackson, “It should be a good one.”
WEEK THREE PICKS
Michigan beats Central Michigan… The Wolverines have an interim coach while Coach Moore serves a suspension. That’s Michigan.
Georgia Tech beats Clemson… Some crazy things can happen in Boddy Dodd Stadium not far from a chili dog and a frosted orange at the Greasy V. I think this is going to be one of those days.
Oregon beats Northwestern… This is on Fox Big Noon Kickoff? You’re kidding me. Bones have to be thrown.
Alabama beats Swissconsin… Bama will score and score often. They better.
Georgia beats Tennessee… This one is on ‘one cheek hill’ in Knoxville. Crazy things can happen at Neyland too. Not today.
USC beats Purdue… Am I the only one still getting used to this being a Big Ten matchup? If the Boilers have enough sense to show up in gold helmets, that would be enough to take a peek with Tommy Trojan and his outfit on.
Miami beats USF… The heart wants what the heart wants. The heart won’t win this one.
Ole Miss beats Arkansas… The Rebs have too many offensive weapons. I just wish they’d burn their ‘dunk goal’.
Illinois beats Western Michigan… See you next week.
LSU beats Florida… A night game in Death Valley as the Lord intended. My apologies to Lewis Grizzard. When I was a kid, I remember listening to LSU night games on WWL 870.
Notre Dame beats Texas A & M… This is a great matchup, and I tip my hat to A & M for scheduling this game.
Kentucky beats Eastern Michigan… The Cats will need to win by 50 to get folks off Coach Stoops’ back.
Boston College beats Standford… BC should knock the Cardinal all over the field.
Minnesota beats Cal… They are rowing the boat in Minneapolis. The Mississippi is kind of small up there though.
Enjoy the games this weekend. Take care of each other.