FINAL: Indiana Hoosiers Roll Illinois Illini, 52-35
By Evan Reller
Nov 9, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers sing the fight song with fans after winning the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 52-35. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Hoosiers put up video game numbers against Illinois Saturday afternoon. The Hoosiers went back-and-forth with the Illini before the defense showed up in the second half and the offense exploded.
The Hoosiers set a Memorial Stadium record with 650 yards of total offense. IU managed these number despite going 4-for-11 on third down conversions and turning the ball over twice.
IU did most of the damage on the ground with 371 rushing yards. The charge was led by Tevin Coleman who 215 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries.
Coleman left the game late with an ankle injury.
Aiding in the ground attack was Stephen Houston. Houston had 150 yards rushing off 17 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Cody Latimer had a career day hauling in 11 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
Nate Sudfeld was extremely accurate, connecting on 20-of-27 passes for 267 yards, three touchdowns, and the interception.
The Hoosiers defense was much more effective in the second half. Despite giving up 612 total yards, IU forced stops on the Illini’s final three drives, preventing any hope of a comeback.
IU failed to shift coverage to stop the hot player, allowing Illinois receiver Steve Hull to get nine receptions for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Hoosiers got stops when they needed them most, but still played poorly. They gave up multiple third-and-longs and were allowed the Illini to convert on 11-of-19 third down attempts.
The win keeps the Hoosiers chances of a bowl bid alive, but they’ll have to upset either No. 24 Wisconsin or No. 4 Ohio State. Both of those games are on the road for IU.
The Hoosiers travel up north to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers on November 16th.
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