Indiana football (11-0, 8-0), hoping to preserve an undefeated season and a shot at a College Football Playoff bye, hosted Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6) today, a team coming off its best win of the year.
For the
second straight week, Indiana’s offense got off to a slow start. The Hoosiers had just one possession in the first quarter, then punted on their next two possessions, including a three and out.
What could have been a touchdown drive heading into halftime flamed out into a 37-yard field goal for Nico Radicic, giving Indiana a 10-7 lead going into the break. The defense looked stout for the most part, but gave up one of those big plays it’s been susceptible to all year for Wisconsin’s lone score of the game.
Coach Curt Cignetti was visibly frustrated heading to the locker room, noting that the team had a number of things to improve on in the second half if it wanted to remain undefeated. His team responded well, coming out of the gate in the second half firing.
After conservative play calling in the first half, Mike Shanahan let Fernando Mendoza open it up a bit in the second half, hitting Charlie Becker for a 48-yard completion that set up Indiana’s second touchdown of the game on the first drive of the second half. Mendoza would go on to throw three touchdown passes in the second half, finishing the game with four and 299 yards before his brother checked in.
The defense also made some adjustments at half time, clamping down on Wisconsin’s offense and forcing two turnovers, each of which led to Indiana touchdowns. The defensive line was a problem all day, racking up eight tackles for losses and two sacks against a mobile quarterback.
Significantly, this Indiana team that was banged up escaped without any major injuries en route to reaching 11-0 for the first time in school history.
