Indiana football moves to 2-0 after a dominant performance in its 2019 home opener against Eastern Illinois.
It was the home opener for the Indiana football program and the team made sure to make it a memorable one as they took down Eastern Illinois 52-0, the largest margin of victory in Memorial Stadium history.
The Hoosiers dominated from the opening kickoff holding the Panthers to -5 yards in the first quarter, jumping out to a 21-0 lead in no time. It was a welcomed sight, and something we touched on before the game, as Kalen DeBoer put an emphasis on the running game to start, as Stevie Scott racked up 35 yards and a touchdown in the first 15 minutes. Scott finished with 61 yards and that lone score on just 12 carries.
A point of emphasis was also to get the rest of the talented running game involved. Just three carries for the rest of the backfield in week one, the trio of Sampson James, Cole Gest, and Ronnie Walker added eight carries in the first half and finished with 16 carries for 36 yards and two touchdowns.
With the score 35-0 at the half, Indiana pulled its starters for the entire second half, but they did however put up 338 yards compared to just 52 for Eastern Illinois in the first 30 minutes.
The versatile offense was on full display as 11 different players caught a pass and nine finished with multiple receptions. Donavan Hale rebounded after a one catch performance in week one, with a five reception for 110 yards and one touchdown performance, leading the Hoosiers in receiving yards and catches. Peyton Hendershot continued to build his connection with Penix, as he added five catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.
The defense, which was a major concern after week one, flexed its muscles on Saturday. After struggling to get in the backfield against Ball State, they were in the backfield early and often finishing with eight tackles for loss and two sacks.
Holding the Panthers to 116 total yards, there was a lot of improvement from week one. Despite playing an FCS opponent, the Hoosiers did exactly what they were supposed to do.
Michael Penix finished 14-for-20 with 197 yards and two touchdowns in one half of play, while Peyton Ramsey chipped in 226 yards on 13-of-14 passing with two touchdowns as well.
Next week is the real test as Indiana welcomes in Ohio State to Bloomington for a great week three matchup.