Unfortunately, Indiana fans know this feeling all too well. In 2017, the Hoosiers led at halftime over #2 Ohio State, only to fall in a heartbreaking loss. Today, facing another tough opponent from Ohio, the Hoosiers held a fourteen point lead, but mistake after mistake led to a loss against #8 Cincinnati. The game changed dramatically after a questionable targeting call against star linebacker Micah McFadden on 3rd & 10. McFadden was ejected from the game due to the call and Cincinnati soon after scored a touchdown. When IU got the ball back, quarterback Michael Penix Jr threw an interception, unfortunately giving the Bearcats excellent field position. This error led to the Bearcats successfully kicking a field goal at the end the half.
Cincinnati looked much better in the second half and Indiana’s offense struggled to execute. IU did, however, cash in on a 14 yard touchdown run from wide receiver D.J. Matthews and a 49 yard field goal from kicker Charles Campbell. In the fourth quarter with Cincinnati up on the Hoosiers 30–24, the offense had one chance remaining. In a devastating turn of events, Penix was sacked on first down, threw an incomplete pass on second, and threw another interception on third down which sealed the Hoosiers’ fate.
Indiana has the skills and players needed to win these types of games, but a win is simply not possible with the number of errors made today. This includes three interceptions and turning the ball over three times in the red zone, which the Hoosiers know is unacceptable. In addition, the first quarter choice to go for a first down on 4th & 1 while in the red and up 7–0 seems as though it was ill advised. A 2nd quarter interception thrown by Penix in the endzone and a 3rd quarter fumble by Tim Baldwin Jr. on Cincinnati’s four yard line added to the Hoosiers demise. Costly mistakes such as these make it impossible to win any game, let alone when the opponent is a top ten team in the country. Penix has now already thrown six interceptions this year compared to only two passing touchdowns. Hoosier nation seems to have concerns with his play and wonder if it is time for backup quarterback Jack Tuttle to see more reps.
On the bright side, Hoosier fans proved IU is not only a basketball school this afternoon with the biggest crowd for a non-conference game in over thirty years. Indiana will play next weekend in Bowling Green, KY against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are 1–1 with a win over Tennessee-Martin and a loss to Army. The analysis remains constant- the Hoosiers must figure out the offense, including quarterback play, prior to getting into tough Big Ten conference play in two weeks.
Michael Penix Jr (QB) – 17/40, 224 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Stephen Carr (RB) – 21 carries, 52 yds, 2.5 yds per carry
D.J. Matthews (WR) – 5 receptions, 120 yds, 24 yds average
Peyton Henershot (TE) – 6 reception, 60 yds, 1 TD
Ryder Anderson (DL) – 7 TOT, 6 solo, 1 sack
Charles Campbell (K) – 3/3 XP, 1/1 FG, 41 yd long
