Indiana Hoosiers Dominate Indiana State Sycamores in Historic 73-0 Victory

On September 12, 2025, the 22nd-ranked Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding performance against the Indiana State Sycamores, winning 73-0 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. This victory marked the largest shutout in Indiana football history since a 78-0 win over Franklin in 1901. The Hoosiers improved their record to 3-0, while the Sycamores fell to 2-1.

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Quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers with an impressive 19 completions on 20 attempts for 270 yards and five touchdowns in the first half. He also added a rushing touchdown. His brother, Alberto Mendoza, took over in the second half, completing 6 of 9 passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had a standout performance, catching 10 passes for 207 yards and tying the Indiana record with four touchdown receptions.

Sycamores fall to No. 19/22 Indiana in Friday night showdownHow it Happened: No. 22 Indiana dismantles Indiana State 73-0 to wrap up non-conference playWIBC - Indy's Mobile NewsIU football: Three quick reasons why Indiana beat Indiana State 73-0 – The Daily HoosierWKMG - ClickOrlandoNo. 22 Indiana football posts over 600 yards of total offense in 73-0 blowout of Indiana StateIndiana Drops 73 Points In Blowout Win Against Indiana StateThe Sporting News

Indiana's offense was relentless, amassing a total of 680 yards compared to Indiana State's mere 77 yards. The Hoosiers scored on six of their seven first-half possessions, leading 45-0 at halftime. Indiana State struggled to gain momentum, managing only five first downs throughout the game, with four of those occurring in the fourth quarter when the game was well out of reach.

The Sporting NewsNo. 22 Indiana football posts over 600 yards of total offense in 73-0 blowout of Indiana StateHow it Happened: No. 22 Indiana dismantles Indiana State 73-0 to wrap up non-conference playSycamores fall to No. 19/22 Indiana in Friday night showdownSports IllustratedIndiana Drops 73 Points In Blowout Win Against Indiana StateSports IllustratedIU football: Three quick reasons why Indiana beat Indiana State 73-0 – The Daily Hoosier

The Hoosiers' defense was equally impressive, recording 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. Indiana State's quarterback, Keegan Patterson, completed 8 of 16 passes for just 13 yards before being replaced late in the game. The Sycamores were held to a paltry 39 rushing yards on 31 attempts, illustrating the dominance of Indiana's defensive line.

No. 22 Indiana football posts over 600 yards of total offense in 73-0 blowout of Indiana StateIndiana Drops 73 Points In Blowout Win Against Indiana StateHow it Happened: No. 22 Indiana dismantles Indiana State 73-0 to wrap up non-conference playIU football: Three quick reasons why Indiana beat Indiana State 73-0 – The Daily HoosierSycamores fall to No. 19/22 Indiana in Friday night showdownSports IllustratedWIBC - Indy's Mobile NewsThe Sporting News

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, “We did tonight what we wanted to do. I was pleased about that. I didn't see anybody relaxing at any point in the game, coaches or players.” Indiana State coach Curt Mallory acknowledged the disparity, saying, “We couldn't get anything going. We couldn't stop them on drives.”

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Despite the overwhelming victory, some critics pointed out that such a dominant performance against an FCS opponent may not be indicative of Indiana's capabilities in the upcoming Big Ten season. Observers noted that the Hoosiers need to maintain focus as they prepare for their next challenge against the No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini.

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Indiana will host Illinois on September 20, 2025, marking the beginning of their Big Ten schedule. The Hoosiers aim to carry their momentum into this crucial matchup, while Indiana State will travel to Missoula, Montana, to face the Grizzlies on the same day.

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• “Our team took another step, especially our offense,” — Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana Hoosiers

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• “We couldn't get anything going,” — Curt Mallory, Head Coach, Indiana State Sycamores

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This historic win not only solidifies Indiana's position in the rankings but also sets the stage for a challenging Big Ten season ahead.

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