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Fight breaks out on Indiana bench after Iowa DB Xavier Nwankpa's questionable hit on Fernando Mendoza

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz16 hours agoNickSchultz_7
Fight breaks out on Indiana bench after Iowa DB Xavier Nwankpa's questionable hit on Fernando Mendoza
Screenshot courtesy @HeavensFX/X

A scuffle broke out on the sideline after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza took a big hit. Iowa DB Xavier Nwankpa hit him as he headed out of bounds, and multiple Hoosiers stepped up to defend their quarterback.

The play occurred just as the third quarter was coming to an end. Mendoza ran for a 14-yard scramble when Nwankpa laid a big hit as he ran out of bounds. Once Mendoza hit the ground, a swarm of Indiana players went toward the Iowa DB, and Hawkeyes players also got involved.

The flag on the play was an offsides penalty, which Indiana declined. IU then failed to convert on the following play, giving Iowa the ball at the 47-yard line.

Indiana entered Saturday with plenty of momentum after a resounding victory over Illinois last time out. The Hoosiers dominated on both sides of the ball to get the 63-10 win at Memorial Stadium. Mendoza had a huge performance, going an efficient 21 of 23 for 267 yards and five touchdowns to lead the charge.

However, Iowa presented quite a task. Phil Parker’s defense is considered one of the best in the nation and entered Saturday ranked third in the Big Ten in rushing, allowing just 60 yards per game on the ground. That’s why Curt Cignetti said it’d be a good test for IU – though Illinois found itself in the crosshairs.

“Iowa, it’s a tough place to play, Kinnick Stadium,” Cignetti said. “They sell out almost every Saturday. It’s loud. We’re going to have to play well. This will be a challenge, a more difficult challenge than the last one, for sure. And the sooner our guys realize that, the better.”

Cignetti also had high praise for Kirk Ferentz, who became the Big Ten’s all-time winningest coach last week. Even despite the blowout win against Illinois, he knew there’d be areas the Hoosiers would have to improve against Iowa.

“Regardless of the final score, there’s always things that show up on tape that have got to get corrected,” Cignetti said. “Believe me, there’s plenty there. So really more interested in moving on to our next opponent, which will be a real challenge at Iowa. Got a lot of respect for Coach (Kirk) Ferentz, everything he’s accomplished throughout his career as a head coach and as an assistant, too.”