Hoosiers hold off Hawkeyes with clutch plays in 20-15 win
When Indiana walked into Kinnick Stadium, most expected Iowa’s defense to control the afternoon. Instead, the Hoosiers left with their biggest road win of Curt Cignetti’s young tenure, grinding out a 20-15 victory in a game full of momentum swings.
The tone shifted early when linebacker Isaiah Jones tipped Mark Gronowski’s pass and Amare Ferrell snagged the interception. Two plays later, Fernando Mendoza connected with Omar Cooper Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown that silenced the home crowd. Iowa clawed back with Drew Stevens’ 40-yard field goal and a short rushing score from Gronowski, but Indiana answered right before the half. Nico Radicic drilled a 46-yard kick to tie it 10-10, proving the Hoosiers wouldn’t fade.
The fourth quarter delivered the knockout moments. After Iowa regained a 13-10 edge, Mendoza regrouped and hit Elijah Sarratt on a 49-yard strike for the go-ahead touchdown. Indiana’s defense did the rest, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the upset.
Indiana (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) now heads into its bye unbeaten, with a looming test against No. 6 Oregon on Oct. 11. For a program looking to prove it belongs, Saturday in Iowa City was a statement.
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