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2h ago

Indiana Drubs No. 9 Illinois 63–10, Jumps to No. 11

The rout vaulted Indiana to No. 11, sharpening its College Football Playoff case.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) is pushed by Illinois' Dylan Rosiek (28) as he runs during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
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Head Coach Curt Cignetti during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
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Overview

  • Indiana’s defense overwhelmed Illinois with seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and just two net rushing yards allowed on 20 carries.
  • Quarterback Fernando Mendoza went 21-of-23 for 267 yards and five touchdowns, completing his final 17 passes before exiting in the fourth quarter.
  • D’Angelo Ponds blocked a first-quarter punt and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown, a sequence players and coaches credited with flipping momentum.
  • The win pushed Indiana up eight spots to No. 11 in the AP Top 25, while Illinois dropped to No. 23 as coach Bret Bielema said he was at a loss for words.
  • Indiana is 4-0 with its first road game next at Iowa, and Illinois, now 3-1, will try to regroup at home against USC.