How it Happened: No. 19 Indiana makes a statement with 63-10 win over No. 9 Illinois

In a primetime battle between No. 19 Indiana and No. 9 Illinois, the score was more reflective of a one-sided nonconference matchup than a conference game many expected to go down to the wire.

That’s because the Hoosiers blew out the Illini 63-10, showing little mercy for their foe 160 miles to the west. The dominant performance moved Indiana to 4-0 (1-0), while Illinois fell to 3-1 (0-1).

It was a complete team effort, as both the offense and defense were nearly perfect in all facets of the game. Indiana outgained Illinois 579-161, a number that says almost everything you need to know about how Saturday night went.

Fernando Mendoza threw for 267 of those yards, while the Hoosiers’ rushing attack added 312 yards on the ground. It marked the fourth time in as many weeks that IU rushed for more than 300 yards, with Khobie Martin leading the way at 112.

The defense held Luke Altmyer to 146 passing yards, but the real testament to Indiana’s defensive success was the fact that it allowed just 2 rushing yards the entire game.

With a showing that had Hoosier fans on their feet all game long, let’s get into what may have been the most impressive win of the Curt Cignetti era.

Ponds’ special teams TD sets the tone

Memorial Stadium was jumping with excitement minutes into the game, all thanks to D’Angelo Ponds’ masterful play on an Illinois punt.

After punts by both sides to begin the game, Illinois found itself in another punting situation on its second offensive series. With 9:33 left in the first quarter, Ponds blocked Keelan Crimmins’ punt, scooped up the loose ball and took it into the end zone.

While his teammates were key in making sure everything went according to plan once Ponds had the football, he essentially put Indiana up 7-0 single-handedly.

With his hands in the air and the rest of the Hoosiers celebrating with him in the end zone, Indiana seized all the momentum early on from Ponds’ exceptional play on special teams. He’s known for what he can do in coverage, but he looked like a seasoned pro on special teams.

While Indiana’s defense allowed a touchdown three plays later, the energy sparked by Ponds’ play wasn’t gone, even after the Illini’s score. That allowed the Hoosiers to feed off their home crowd throughout the game.

What Ponds started with his punt block touchdown can’t be understated.

Mendoza allows for big lead early on

For the second straight week, Mendoza put on a show.

He may have gotten off to a slow start in Indiana’s three-and-out to open the game, but for the rest of the night, he was nearly flawless. From executing screen passes to perfectly placing touchdown throws, Mendoza was sensational.

His first-half line included 15-of-17 passing for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Mendoza found Omar Cooper on the second offensive series of the game, while his scoring throws to E.J. Williams, Riley Nowakowski and Elijah Sarratt all came in the second quarter.

The way Mendoza not only placed the ball but used his legs to evade defenders before firing off passes was something to marvel at. He was making NFL-level throws left and right, and Illinois had no answer.

Mendoza’s night ended after three quarters, which in itself shows just how well he played. His final totals were 267 yards and five touchdowns, but the most striking stat was his 21-of-23 completion rate.

After a 19-of-20 performance a week ago, Mendoza has put himself in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the country. More importantly, he led Indiana’s offense to an incredibly productive night.

With Alberto Mendoza entering the game to begin the fourth quarter, Mendoza could close out another elite performance after 45 minutes. He got five receivers involved, but they’d all agree their quarterback was the X-factor in Indiana’s dominant showing.

Dominant defensive performance seals the deal

As good as Indiana’s offense was from start to finish, the Hoosiers’ defense may have been just as impressive.

The defensive front was elite, constantly pressuring Altmyer and Illinois’ running backs, while aside from one play, the secondary didn’t give an inch. The linebackers — Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy — were also critical to the defense’s success.

There may not have been a takeaway when the game was close, but Indiana never let up. Of Illinois’ 12 drives, seven ended in three-and-outs. The Hoosiers’ defense generated seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, and it capped the night with an interception in the fourth quarter when Amare Ferrell picked off an Ethan Hampton pass.

When it was all said and done, Indiana’s defense embodied the fast, physical and relentless mentality the program prides itself on. It culminated in a 63-10 win, with opportunities ahead to continue proving that this Hoosiers team is special.

On Saturday night it was all Indiana, and in every possible way, the Hoosiers dominated the Illini.

Not yet a member of TheHoosier?  Join our community for Just $1 for your first week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership. Join here!

Use the code “IND20” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. Rhoback — Best Fit, Best Feel.