The Indiana Hoosiers score 77-points as they have defeated the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 77-3, behind a tough running game.
The Hoosiers scored seven touchdowns on the ground and rushed for a total of 325-yards on 46 carries. Indiana ran the ball through the Leathernecks defense and also added some big plays through the air as well. While there was a clear difference in skill and talent, it is promising to see the Hoosiers offense click so well together.
Indiana Hoosiers Score Seven Touchdowns on the Ground Against Western Illinois
The Indiana Hoosiers have earned their second win of the season after defeating the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 77-3, at home. The Hoosiers looked incredibly formidable on offense, scoring seven rushing touchdowns but also gaining 378-yards through the air. Indiana has started off the season by scoring 108-points and allowing just 10-points through two games.
The Indiana Hoosiers staff kicked the game off by attacking the defense through the air, completing a big 38-yard touchdown. Indiana then got the running game going by rushing down the field before scoring a two-yard touchdown with Justice Ellison. The biggest play of the day for the Hoosiers came through the air, with Elijah Sarratt securing a 71-yard touchdown reception.
Indiana led the game 42-3 at the half, but did not let their foot off of the gas in the second half of play as the starters came back out. The Hoosiers scored two more times before the fourth quarter, where they would score three more touchdowns. The Hoosier defense also recorded a score as Rolijah Hardy recorded a 12-yard interception return touchdown.
Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson played a decent amount for the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the blowout. Jackson recorded 104-yards and a 69-yard touchdown through the air and added 19-yards on the ground. Jackson ran in a 13-yard touchdown for the Hoosiers before third-string freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza took over.
What Went Right for the Indiana Football Team Against Western Illinois?
In a game where a team won 77-3, it is hard to point out one specific thing they did right, but the Hoosiers really ran the ball excellently against the Leathernecks. Indiana ran the ball 45 times against the Leathernecks and recorded 325-yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The longest rush of the night for Indiana was 47-yards as running back Justice Ellison led the way.
Ellison recored two touchdowns and 117-yards on the ground for the Hoosiers with an average of 13-yards per carry. Fellow Hoosiers Khobie Martin, Ty Son Lawton, Elijah Green, and Kaelon Black all recorded 30 or more yards rushing. Quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Tayven Jackson joined in on the rushing game and both added touchdowns on the ground.
The Hoosiers running game started and ended along the offensive line, as the line dominated the Leathernecks defense all game. Indiana had amazing pushes and blocks that created huge holes for the offense to run through. If the Indiana Hoosiers are able to replicate their performance along the line against the Big Ten Conference, they should be able to run the ball with ease this season.
The real test for the Hoosiers is going to come next against the UCLA Bruins in their first Big Ten Conference clash. The Bruins did not look good in their opener in Honolulu, nearing losing to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. UCLA played great defensively, and will be the first real defensive test for this Indiana offense.
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