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22m ago

Indiana Routs No. 9 Illinois 63–10 as Defense, Special Teams and Mendoza Shine

The blowout moved Indiana to 4-0, with Curt Cignetti calling it a decisive trench mismatch that 'broke their will'.

Head Coach Curt Cignetti 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

Overview

  • Indiana’s front seven overwhelmed Illinois with seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, holding the Illini to two rushing yards and 161 total yards.
  • All-American corner D’Angelo Ponds blocked a first-quarter punt and returned it for a touchdown to ignite the runaway win.
  • Quarterback Fernando Mendoza went 21-for-23 for 267 yards and five touchdowns as Indiana also rushed for 312 yards.
  • After initially sending out the punt team on fourth-and-1 at midfield, Cignetti reversed course, converted, and Indiana began a stretch of six straight touchdown drives.
  • Bret Bielema said he was at a loss for words following the defeat, while Indiana’s 4-0 start has escalated playoff conversation with Iowa up next and Illinois turning to USC.