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Indiana

Scouting Iowa: How the Hoosiers Win at Kinnick

12by: CoachGriff5509/25/25X.com/HoosierTailgate
IOWA THUMBNAIL

By Shannon Griffith, Lead Analyst – TheHoosier.com

Indiana football is riding high after a statement win. The Hoosiers demolished then-#9 Illinois 63–10 last weekend, vaulting into the #11 spot in the AP Top 25. That performance — 579 yards of offense while holding Illinois to just 161 — showed a balanced, disciplined, and explosive team that has quickly become one of the Big Ten’s most compelling stories.

Now comes the road test at Kinnick Stadium, one of the toughest environments in college football. Saturday’s matchup with Iowa will test whether Curt Cignetti’s squad can sustain its momentum and prove it belongs in the upper tier of the conference.

Current Landscape

  • Indiana (4–0): Led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers have been dominant offensively. Mendoza has thrown 14 touchdowns with no interceptions and is rapidly entering the Heisman conversation. Against Illinois, he went 21-of-23 for 267 yards and five scores — one of the most efficient performances in program history.
  • Iowa (3–1, 1–0 Big Ten): The Hawkeyes rebounded from a tough loss to Iowa State with a 38–28 win over Rutgers. Quarterback Mark Gronowski has shown flashes, throwing for 492 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 3 scores at Rutgers. Iowa remains anchored by a defense that has allowed just 14.5 points and 233 yards per game through four contests.



Key Matchups to Watch

MatchupWhy It MattersIndiana’s Path to Success
IU Offensive Line vs. Iowa Front SevenThe Hawkeyes’ defensive front is physical and disruptive.Protect Mendoza and establish a ground game to keep balance.
IU Receivers vs. Iowa SecondaryIowa’s run defense is strong, forcing teams to pass.Stretch the field vertically, create mismatches in the slot.
Indiana Run Game vs. Iowa Rush DefenseSustaining balance will prevent Iowa from teeing off on Mendoza.Mix downhill runs and screens to neutralize pressure.
Iowa Weapons vs. IU DBs & LinebackersGronowski can extend plays with his legs.Maintain discipline, limit chunk plays, force long drives.
Turnovers & Special TeamsKinnick has flipped games on miscues before.Win the turnover battle, stay sound in the kicking game.

What Indiana Must Do

  1. Finish Drives – Field goals won’t cut it on the road.
  2. Protect Mendoza – He’s at his best when clean and decisive.
  3. Force Iowa to Adjust – Attack deep early and make the Hawkeyes commit resources in coverage.
  4. Control the Turnover Margin – A clean game is a must in Kinnick.
  5. Manage the Fourth Quarter – Closing with long, clock-draining drives will be critical.

The Narrative

This game is about legitimacy. Indiana has already proven it can dominate at home against a top-10 opponent. Winning at Kinnick would send an even stronger message: that the Hoosiers are built for the grind of the Big Ten schedule.

Head coach Curt Cignetti has spoken of his respect for Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa program, but he also knows this is a chance to establish his own mark in Bloomington. For Indiana, the opportunity is clear: flip the recent history of this series and show that the Hoosiers are not just a hot start — they’re a Big Ten contender.

📌 Shannon Griffith is the Lead Football Analyst for TheHoosier.com and host of the Hoosier Football Tailgate Podcast.

🚨: Join Coach Griffith Tonight at 7:30 PM to get the full breakdown of the Hawkeyes on another Live Stream on the Hoosier Tailgate!🔥

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