Josh Hoover’s "football guy" debut is making him an instant fan favorite at Indiana

The Indiana Hoosiers cruised to a convincing 52-16 victory against North Texas in Week 1. There was a lot to like about Indiana’s season-opening performance, as the Hoosiers never trailed and controlled the game from start to finish.

Experts need to start believing in Indiana's chances to repeat as National Champions

One of the biggest storylines heading into Saturday's contest was TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover taking the reins of the Indiana offense. Hoover is following in the footsteps of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, and those are big shoes to fill. But Hoover put together a rock-solid debut, and wasted no time endearing himself to IU fans everywhere.

Josh Hoover is the ultimate "football guy"

Less than two minutes into his Indiana debut, Hoover threw a touchdown pass. On the Hoosiers' third play from scrimmage, Hoover connected with WR Nick Marsh on a 15-yard highlight reel touchdown pass. It was Hoover's first throw as a Hoosier, and it could not have gone any better. It gave him an eye-popping signature moment in Bloomington, but he was just getting started.

In the 2nd quarter, Hoover was marching the Indiana offense down the field. On a 1st-and-10 from the UNT 29-yard line, Hoover was sacked for a loss of six yards. However, North Texas' Udoka Ezeani grabbed hold of Hoover's face mask in violent fashion. He was flagged for a 15-yard penalty which put the Hoosiers in the red zone. It also left quite the gash on Hoover's nose.

Blood was dripping down Hoover's face and torso, and was visibly evident on his chinstrap, jersey, and pants. Just look at this close up:

But he didn't miss a snap. The Hoosier gunslinger stayed in the game and delivered a 9-yard touchdown strike to Charlie Becker just moments later.

It was an elite "football guy" moment for Hoover, and provided one of the most iconic images of the young college football season. It also immediately made Hoover an instant fan favorite in Bloomington.

Josh Hoover is already a fan favorite across Hoosier nation

As the college football season moves along, it might be tough for another moment to top Hoover's toughness and tenacity displayed in that sequence of events. That kind of "football guy" mentality is what Hoosier fans love to see from their new quarterback.

When it came to the rest of the game, Hoover was on point. He ended the contest by completing 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 231 yards and 4 touchdowns without throwing an interception. Not too shabby. That stat line is awfully reminiscent of what Mendoza's state lines looked like last year. I'm not saying Hoover is Mendoza 2.0, but it's hard not to be excited about the potential that Hoover has in Bloomington.

In the end, Hoover's debut at Indiana went about as well as Hoosier fans could have asked for. He was efficient, poised, in control of the offense, and didn't force anything. He also made several impressive throws at different areas of the field, and capitalized on Indiana's scoring chances. Add in his grit and resolve after seeing his nose torn to shreds, and Hoover has already won over the Hoosier faithful. It will be exciting to see what he can do the rest of the season.

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