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PASADENA, Calif. — Indiana football made its first trip out west in the new-look Big Ten a memorable one.
The Hoosiers beat UCLA 42-13 in the first matchup between the programs and never trailed in the program’s most dominant showing against a conference opponent in years.
Indiana (3-0, 1-0) never looked back after opening the game with a pair of lengthy scoring drives. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke had his first 300-yard passing performance for the crimson and cream and had no problem finding an open target with his offensive line giving him time to throw all night long.
Here’s three observations from IU’s Week 3 performance:
IU football doesn’t let officials steal away the momentum
IU had a pair of defenders thrown out of the game — defensive tackle CJ West and starting corner D’Angelo Ponds — amidst a flurry of flags in the second half. The Hoosiers defense didn’t let either penalty slow them down.
They forced a punt after West was called for targeting on the first play of the second half. Ponds was called for targeting at the inside the 5-yard line, but UCLA had to settle for a 34-yard field goal on the drive.
Indiana’s teams in recent years weren’t able to recover when things started going against them, but that kind of mindset is long gone under coach Curt Cignetti, and while he won’t be happy about having to play the first half against Charlotte next week without the defenders, he will be happy with the mental fortitude of his group.
IU football backup receiver’s light up the Bruins
IU receivers Miles Cross and Ke’Shawn Williams grabbed a leading role on offense on the team’s visit out west.
Cross surpassed his season totals in catches (one) and yards (30) in the first half. He came through in some big moments by converting a pair of third downs and scoring a touchdown on IU’s opening drive. He…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/indiana-football-shines-hollywood-dominant-024614811.html
Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star
Publish date : 2024-09-15 02:46:14
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