Coming off an emotional, taxing win in Happy Valley, Indiana didn’t look fully ready to play for the first two quarters against Wisconsin. The offensive line was struggling, the defense gave up another
big play for a touchdown, and the Hoosiers led by just three at the half.
Then Indiana came out of the locker room looking like the team that had dominated every opponent that came to Memorial Stadium. The offense found its stride and the defense locked in, forcing two turnovers that led to points for Indiana.
It still wasn’t a perfect half, but Indiana walks away with another impressive win, a mostly healthy team, and some time off to recover before taking on Purdue for the regular season finale.
Here are three takeaways from today’s game:
Caution
While the environment and roster Indiana faced last year made Mike Shanahan’s conservative game plan seem a little more reasonable, today’s slow start was a bit confusing. Sure, the offense is down a couple of key starters in Drew Evans and Elijah Sarratt, but they’ve both been out for three weeks now. This wasn’t new.
Curt Cignetti, in a sideline interview, was adamant that the wind would be a factor, which could have contributed to Shanahan’s reliance on the run game in the first half, but Mendoza proved he was capable of throwing in the elements today, completing 22/24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns.
The aggression in the second half, made easier by the field position had off turnovers, was encouraging, but it still felt like Indiana’s offense left some meat on the bone there.
If Indiana wants to have a shot at taking down the No. 1 Buckeyes or whatever opponent it may see in the College Football Playoff, the offense can’t keep playing like it’s trying not to lose. This is a winning team that needs to play like it.
Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza posted one of his better passing stat lines today, after being held to just one touchdown through the air in each of the last three games. By all accounts, this game should be a boost to his Heisman chances.
There were problems up front with pass protection, but maybe more concerning was how Mendoza handled the pressure today. He was sacked a season-high five times, with one of the hits he took sending him to the injury tent for a brief check-in.
Against bigger, faster teams, Mendoza is going to have to work to get rid of the ball quicker and allow for some incompletions. Alberto Mendoza has looked good in his time on the field, but Indiana needs Fernando healthy to reach its goals this season.
The Bye Week
The good news for Indiana is that everything that was potentially concerning about today’s game should improve with the week off. Elijah Sarratt is expected to be available against Purdue, and the week off brings us closer to Drew Evans’ return, whenever that may be.
Indiana was able to hang a nice number on the scoreboard today, but it was clearly a banged up, tired group after laying it all on the line to win at Penn State last week.
With everyone coming into the Purdue game a little fresher and better rested, this should be a good opportunity for Mike Shanahan to get back to the aggressive offensive approach that got Indiana most of the way to 11-0 this year.
