Indiana Football Game Preview: Indiana State – key question, injury report, how to watch
Indiana football wraps up the 2025 non-conference slate Friday when they host in-state foe Indiana State.
Indiana State comes into this game 2-0 with wins over Eastern Illinois and McKendree.
The Sycamores are led by 8th-year head coach Curt Mallory. Mallory is the son of former Indiana head coach Bill Mallory and is 26-55 in his eight years with Indiana State.
The No. 22 Hoosiers will be looking to finish their non-conference schedule strong before beginning Big Ten play.
Below is the full preview ahead of Friday night’s week three game.
Opposing Q&A: Indiana State head coach Curt Mallory, players previews Week 3 matchup with Indiana
Key Question
Are explosive plays going to define the Indiana defense?
The Indiana defense entered the season with high expectations, thanks to several key players returning.
The expectation was that the Hoosiers would pick up where they left off with their first three matchups being relatively easy games.
Through the first two weeks, both positive and negative explosive plays have defined the Indiana defense.
With five turnovers forced, including two Louis Moore interceptions, the Hoosiers have done a terrific job of forcing turnovers thus far.
Forcing turnovers was a key part of the Hoosiers’ success last season and the first two weeks show that should continue in 2025.
On the flip side, they’ve struggled to prevent explosive offensive plays.
In week one, we saw two separated 75+ yard touchdown runs from Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph.
In week two, we saw Indiana allow seven plays of at least 20 yards against Kennesaw State.
The explosive plays did not lead to touchdowns against the Owls, but better opponents will likely punish the Hoosiers for those same mistakes.
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Indiana has one more week to correct these mistakes before hosting No. 9 Illinois.
Preventing the explosive plays will have to be a point of emphasis when the Hoosiers host the Sycamores on Friday night.
Coach Q&A: Curt Cignetti previews Indiana’s Week 3 clash with Indiana State
Matchup History
Indiana football is 6-0 all-time against Indiana State, with all six matchups happening in Bloomington.
They most recently faced off in 2023 in a game the Hoosiers won 41-7.
Omar Cooper Jr. led Indiana with seven catches for 101 yards in the win, while Jaylin Lucas had two touchdowns in the win.
ON3 +: Early Look: Taking a look at Indiana’s Week 3 opponent, Indiana State
Injury Report
Indiana football announced that redshirt-senior safety Bryson Bonds will miss the rest of the 2025 season after suffering a knee injury in week one.
True freshman safety Byron Baldwin Jr. was called day-to-day by Cignetti after week one, but also did not play week two. His status for Friday night is in doubt.
Punter Mitch McCarthy also did not play in week two and was also labeled as “day-to-day” by Cignetti.
Indiana State will be without their starting quarterback Elijah Owens who suffered a collarbone injury in week two.
Quick Hitters
Who? Indiana State (2-0) vs #22 Indiana (2-0)
When? Friday, Sep. 12 | 6:30 p.m. ET
Where? Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Indiana)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network
Spread: Indiana -48.5
Over/Under: 57.5
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