Overview
- With 1:51 left and no timeouts, Fernando Mendoza led a 10-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 7-yard toe‑tap touchdown to Omar Cooper Jr. with 36 seconds remaining.
- Indiana moved to 10-0 and 7-0 in the Big Ten, earning its first win at Beaver Stadium and staying on track in the conference race and College Football Playoff picture.
- Sportsbooks including FanDuel and DraftKings made Mendoza the Heisman favorite after the victory, reinforcing a campaign built on high efficiency this season.
- ESPN’s Jordan Reid reported Jets GM Darren Mougey and senior advisor Rick Spielman were in attendance, reflecting heightened NFL scouting interest in Mendoza.
- Penn State dropped to 3-6 under interim coach Terry Smith after firing James Franklin, losing a 24-20 fourth‑quarter lead despite two late Nick Singleton touchdowns.