UPDATE: In a shocking display of dominance, No. 19 Indiana obliterated No. 9 Illinois 63-10 Saturday night in Bloomington, marking its first victory over a top 10 opponent in five years. This game not only showcased Indiana’s exceptional talent but also set a new record for the most lopsided win in their history against a ranked team.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was a standout, throwing five touchdown passes and completing an impressive 21 of 23 attempts for 267 yards. His performance included a remarkable stretch of 17 consecutive completions, solidifying his place as the first Hoosiers player ever to achieve multiple games with five or more TD passes in just three quarters.
The Hoosiers opened the scoring with a spectacular play by D’Angelo Ponds, who blocked a punt and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown. This set the tone for a game that would see Indiana (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) dominate in every facet. As a result, Indiana extended its record home winning streak to 12 games under second-year coach Curt Cignetti.
Illinois (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) struggled throughout the contest, with quarterback Luke Altmeyer facing relentless pressure and being sacked seven times. He managed just 146 yards and one interception, while the Illini’s offense mustered a mere 3 rushing yards in the first half, falling behind 35-10 before the break.
“This was by far the worst performance of my tenure,” said Illinois coach Bret Bielema, reflecting on the game.
Indiana’s offense was relentless, with Elijah Sarratt catching nine passes for 92 yards and two scores, while Omar Cooper Jr. added six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Khobe Martin contributed significantly with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns, alongside Kaelon Black who added another 89 yards and a score.
The loss is particularly devastating for Illinois, who began without defensive back Xanai Scott due to injury and later lost team captain Miles Scott to a targeting penalty early in the second quarter. The Illini were also hindered by injuries to Kaleb Patterson, who left the game on crutches.
Looking ahead, Illinois will attempt to rebound next Saturday when they host USC, while Indiana will hit the road for the first time this season against Iowa, seeking to solidify their rising status in the rankings.
This game has serious implications for both teams as they navigate the challenging Big Ten landscape. With the current momentum, expect Indiana to climb in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, while Illinois is poised for a significant drop.
Stay tuned for further updates as both teams prepare for their upcoming matchups.
