The Indiana Hoosiers are set to open Big Ten play against the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Coach Griff breaks down the key matchups, offensive game plan, defensive adjustments, and what Indiana must do to set the tone early in conference play.

🏈 Topics Covered:

• Illinois’s offensive and defensive strengths

• Indiana’s keys to victory in the trenches

• Top players to watch from both sides

• Predictions for Saturday’s Big Ten opener

Indiana football obliterated Indiana State 73-0 to finish non-conference play at 3-0. The Hoosiers racked up 680 yards of offense, held the Sycamores to just 77 total yards, and got huge performances from Omar Cooper Jr. (10 catches, 207 yards, 4 TDs) and freshman RB Khobie Martin (Fishers, IN).

Coach Shannon Griffith breaks down the Indiana State beatdown, how the Hoosiers stacked up against their game goals, and what this 3-0 start means heading into the Big Ten gauntlet. Plus, we’ll review the Big Ten Week 3 scoreboard and set up next week’s matchups, including Illinois vs Indiana under the lights in Bloomington.

📌 Topics Covered:

• Omar Cooper Jr.’s monster day

• Khobie Martin’s breakout game

• IU defense dominance (77 total yds allowed)

• Big Ten Week 3 scoreboard

• Goals vs Results for the Hoosiers

• Wrapping up non-conference 3-0

• Looking ahead to Illinois

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• Coach Shannon Griffith breaks down keys to victory, ISU playmakers, and why IU is set to roll into 3–0.

The Hoosiers are back under the lights at Memorial Stadium for their final non-conference matchup as they take on the undefeated Indiana State Sycamores. Both teams enter at 2–0, with Indiana State averaging nearly 40 points per game behind quarterback Elijah Owens and running back Plez Lawrence.

Coach Shannon Griffith breaks down the keys to victory for Indiana:

• 275+ rushing yards from Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, and David Beebe Jr.

• QB Fernando Mendoza throwing for 250+ yards with efficient distribution

• Defense limiting Indiana State to under 120 rushing yards and 225 passing yards

• At least 2 takeaways to flip momentum

• Clean, disciplined special teams play

Prediction: Indiana 56 – Indiana State 12. The Hoosiers showcase balance on offense and discipline on defense to roll into 3–0 before Big Ten play begins.