Fernando Mendoza Leads No. 20 Indiana to 27-14 Win Over Old Dominion in Season Opener

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In a strong debut for the Indiana Hoosiers, transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza led No. 20 Indiana to a 27–14 victory over Old Dominion in Saturday’s season opener at Memorial Stadium. Mendoza, who transferred from California, completed 18 of 31 passes for 193 yards and rushed for 34 yards, including a key 5-yard touchdown run that helped the Hoosiers build a 17–7 lead by halftime. Special teams played a crucial role as well, with wide receiver Jonathan Brady electrifying the home crowd with a 91-yard punt return touchdown late in the first quarter. The Hoosiers’ ground game was dominant, totaling 309 rushing yards. Maryland transfer Roman Hemby led the way with 110 yards on 23 carries, while Kaelon Black added 92 yards and a touchdown.

Despite the win, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti was critical of his team’s execution in the red zone. The Hoosiers managed only two touchdowns and two field goals on six trips inside the Old Dominion 10-yard line, turning the ball over on downs twice. “I think this is a great learning tool for us,” said Cignetti. “There was just a lot of stuff, a lot of things my teams in the past haven’t done.” Old Dominion came out strong, with quarterback Colton Joseph racing 75 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game. Joseph also scored on a 78-yard run in the fourth quarter, finishing with a career-high 179 rushing yards on 10 carries. However, his three interceptions and the Monarchs’ inability to stop Indiana late in the game ultimately sealed their fate. Indiana’s defense was led by Mississippi transfer Louis Moore, who had an interception and a team-high seven tackles. Moore’s eligibility status remains uncertain, as he was granted a two-week restraining order by a Texas judge in an ongoing dispute with the NCAA regarding prior junior college and FBS play.

The game also marked the return of Indiana’s mascot, “Hoosier the Bison,” last seen in 1969. The revived mascot was unveiled to fans during the home opener, adding a nostalgic touch to an otherwise tense contest.

Up Next:Old Dominion hosts North Carolina Central next Saturday, while Indiana continues its homestand against Kennesaw State.