FINAL: Indiana Hoosiers roll Penn State, 44-24

Oct 5, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers long snapper Matt Dooley (91) congratulates Indiana Hoosiers kicker Mitch Ewald (16) after a field goal against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Hoosiers finally beat Penn State, something they had failed to do in their previous 16 meetings. IU was dominant in the second half leading to a 44-24 victory.

Indiana improved to 3-2 and notched its first Big Ten win of the season. The Hoosiers haven’t won their Big Ten season opener since 2000.

The Hoosiers defense was surprisingly dominant all day long. PSU gained 410 yards offensively, but only found the end zone three times. The Nittany Lions converted 50-percent of their third down attempts, but were 1-for-5 on fourth down. IU’s dominance on defense was capped with a safety late in the fourth quarter.

Perhaps most importantly, the Hoosiers held Penn State to just 70 yards rushing. IU hadn’t been able to keep an opponent under 90 rushing yards all season.

Miscues on special teams also doomed Penn State. An early field goal attempt featured a botched snap that lost 31 yards. Another field goal attempt was blocked by the Hoosiers.

On offense, IU gained 486 yards. The Hoosiers were terrible at extending drives, only converting 4-of-15 third down attempts.

Nate Sudfeld started for IU. He passed for 321 yards and two touchdowns. He did have one interception off a tipped pass.

Tre Roberson entered the game late when the Hoosiers were attempting to burn off clock, and utilized his running ability. He had five attempts for just 12 yards, but found the end zone twice. He also scored a two-point conversion attempt.

Cody Latimer was the team’s leading receiver with nine catches for 140 yards. Kofi Hughes and Isaiah Roundtree both had touchdown receptions.

On the ground the Hoosiers were led by Tevin Coleman who had 92 yards and a touchdown off 20 carries.

This was a huge win for the Hoosiers. The hopes of a bowl game are very much alive as IU needs just three more wins to become eligible.

Up next, IU will head to Lansing to face Michigan State.

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