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Indiana vs Old Dominion: Hoosiers on Upset Alert?

12by: CoachGriff5508/28/25X.com/HoosierTailgate
IU vs OD HELMETS
IU vs OD Hoosiers on Upset Alert?

By Shannon “Coach Griff” Griffith – Lead Analyst, TheHoosier.com & Host of Hoosier Football Tailgate

The 2025 season opener for Indiana Football isn’t just another non-conference tune-up — it carries national buzz as one of the biggest upset alert games of Week 1. While the Hoosiers are favored, Old Dominion is a program built on grit and the ability to shock bigger-name opponents. Memorial Stadium will be the proving ground for whether Curt Cignetti’s new-look roster can handle the pressure.

Why the Spotlight Is On

Head coach Curt Cignetti brings a fresh approach and a roster rebuilt through the transfer portal. Expectations are higher than they’ve been in years, but with that comes pressure to deliver right away. Indiana can’t afford to stumble out of the gate — especially with a Big Ten schedule looming that leaves little margin for error.

Meanwhile, Old Dominion thrives as an underdog. The Monarchs play with tempo, discipline, and aggression, and they’ll look to frustrate Indiana early. They’ve pulled off Power Five upsets before, and they’ll arrive in Bloomington with nothing to lose.

Players Who Will Shape the Game

  • Roman Hemby (RB, Indiana): The Maryland transfer gives the Hoosiers a home-run threat out of the backfield. A fast start from Hemby could keep ODU on its heels.
  • Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana): All eyes are on the new Hoosier signal-caller. With NFL scouts already intrigued by his skillset, Mendoza has the chance to set the tone for IU’s season in his first start.
  • Old Dominion Secondary: Known for being opportunistic, they’ll look to bait Mendoza into mistakes. One or two turnovers could swing this game’s momentum.

Keys to Victory

The trenches will tell the story. If Indiana’s offensive line can impose its will, the Hoosiers should cruise. Defensively, IU must contain ODU’s spread attack and avoid giving up explosive plays. For the Monarchs, the formula is simple: hang around, create turnovers, and force Indiana into a tense fourth quarter.

Hoosier Football Tailgate Breakdown

On this week’s Hoosier Football Tailgate Live Show, I break down the matchup in detail — why this game has upset potential, which Hoosiers need to step up, and what it would mean for the program to start strong under Cignetti.

Final Word

For Indiana, this game is less about the opponent and more about proving discipline, execution, and composure under the weight of expectations. The Hoosiers have the talent to win decisively. But if they let Old Dominion hang around, Memorial Stadium could quickly turn from celebration to shock.

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