BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — In a commanding performance to kick off the season, Josh Hoover showcased his skills as he threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns, leading the No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers to a resounding 52-16 victory over North Texas on Saturday. This game marked the start of Indiana's title defense after their triumphant season last year.
Hoover, stepping into the starting role following the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, wasted no time making an impact. He connected on his very first pass, a 15-yard touchdown, and finished the game with an impressive 13 completions on 16 attempts, without any turnovers. His performance was a key factor in extending Indiana’s winning streak to 17 games, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while also maintaining a 16-game home winning streak.
Turbo Richard, a transfer from Boston College, contributed significantly to the scoreboard as well, rushing for two touchdowns. He finished the game with 15 carries for 58 yards and added a 38-yard reception. Additionally, receiver Charlie Becker was a standout performer, catching four passes for 64 yards and scoring twice. Both Nick Marsh and Davion Chandler also added to the scoring with touchdown receptions, showcasing the depth of Indiana's offensive capabilities.
On the other side, North Texas struggled to keep pace with the high-powered Indiana offense. Jahiem White, making his debut for the Mean Green, rushed for 61 yards and scored one touchdown, while also catching seven passes for 36 yards. Despite the loss, North Texas head coach Neal Brown attempted to control the game by managing the time of possession, a strategy that may pay off in future matchups.
In terms of injuries, North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson, who had previously played two seasons at Indiana before transferring, showed promise with 192 passing yards on 22 completions from 28 attempts, although he did leave the game briefly due to a lower body injury. Indiana, however, faced its own challenges as they lost key players in the first half, including running back Khobie Martin and defensive backs A.J. Harris and Jamari Sharpe, the latter of whom played a pivotal role in last season’s championship game.
Looking ahead, North Texas will host UNLV next Saturday in their home opener, aiming to bounce back from this defeat. Meanwhile, Indiana will prepare to face Howard at home, looking to build on their strong start to the season and address any areas of concern highlighted by coach Curt Cignetti, particularly in terms of penalties and defensive performance.
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