First Thoughts: Indiana 44, Penn State 24
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Quick thoughts on the Hoosiers’ impressive 44-24 win over Penn State at Memorial Stadium:
How it happened: The Hoosiers had never beaten Penn State in 16 previous meetings. On one dreary, rainy afternoon, they took out years of frustration on the heavily favored Nittany Lions. Indiana blocked a field goal, its first blocked kick since 2010, and closed the scoring with a safety, its first since 2009. The Hoosiers limited Penn State’s running game and hounded talented freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg into a 30-of-55 performance. That was a very impressive beginning to Big Ten play coming out of the bye week. Coach Kevin Wilson obviously worked his magic with extra time to prepare and shore up problems.
Turning point: Using a great block by left tackle Jason Spriggs, Coleman found an open lane up the middle and used his explosive speed to outrun Penn State defenders to the end zone. That 44-yard run, followed by a 2-point conversion from Tre Roberson, put Indiana in the lead at 21-14 midway through the third quarter. The Hoosiers grabbed the game by the neck there and never let go.
Star of the day: Cody Latimer, and it’s not even close. He made two big plays in the fourth quarter on special teams, recovering an onside kick and a fumbled Lions kick return. He tormented Penn State’s secondary to the tune of nine catches for 140 yards.
Under-the-radar stat: Coleman’s seven catches for 55 yards — both career highs — really helped move the sticks. Four of his receptions went for first downs.
Key subplot: Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld bounced back from a tough outing against Missouri. He was 23 of 38 for 321 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception, which was tipped.
What it means: The Hoosiers went 3-2 on a season-opening, five-game homestand and can become bowl eligible by winning three remaining home games against Illinois, Minnesota and Purdue. Indiana travels to Michigan State next Saturday.
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: chrisgoff_ISL.
