BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – A game of ups and downs and ups and downs, and finally ups, ended in spectacular fashion on Saturday, as the Indiana Hoosiers (3-0) knocked off the WKU Hilltoppers (2-1), 33-30. An IU team that struggled to keep up with the fast-paced and vertical Hilltoppers for three quarters stormed back to force an overtime victory.
The Hoosiers’ first half start was great, compared to the difficulty they faced in Week 2. However, IU was riddled by an inconsistent offense and exposed defense for most of the first half. IU got on the board first with a 34-yard confidence-boosting field goal from kicker Charles Campbell after missing multiple attempts in the rain game versus Idaho. True freshman Dasan McCullough also emerged early with another sack, his third of the season, for a 9-yard loss forcing a WKU punt.
After a failed 4th down attempt by the Hoosiers (1/3 4th down conversion rate this season), the Hilltoppers put up a quick 7 following in a 1:13 drive spanning 49 yards in 4 plays, ending with a 26-yard touchdown catch by TE Joey Beljan.
Indiana would not score again until early in the second quarter on a 5-yard touchdown pass by Connor Bazelak to WR Andison Coby. Bazelak would throw for 220 yards and a touchdown on 20/30 passing in the first half. This play marked the last effective drive of the half for the Hoosiers whose next three were spelled by a fumble, punt, and turnover on downs. WKU responded to the Hoosier touchdown by continuing their no-huddle air attack and scoring in 42 seconds on 3 plays over 65 yards. WKU closed the half with a field goal, making the score 17-10 after 30 minutes.
The beginning of the second half was more of the same for the Hilltoppers: no-huddle screen passes for large gains resulting in a third-quarter touchdown. IU found room for a field goal but struggled to keep up with WKU.
OLB Myles Jackson intercepted WKU QB Austin Reed to shift the momentum in IU’s favor. The turnover gave IU the ball on their own 10-yard line. The Hoosiers, led by Josh Henderson who tallied 65 yards on the day, marched 90 yards to score a touchdown and make it a one-score game at 24-19.
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