In a thrilling finish, the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers secured a dramatic 27-24 victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 4, 2023, at Beaver Stadium. With only 36 seconds remaining, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. caught a acrobatic 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Fernando Mendoza, marking Indiana’s first win in State College after a frustrating streak of 13 consecutive losses in Big Ten play.
The Hoosiers improved their record to 6-1 in the conference and 9-1 overall, while Penn State fell to 0-6 in the Big Ten and 3-6 overall, extending their losing streak to six games. This is the Nittany Lions’ first six-game losing streak since 2004, raising significant concerns about their performance this season.
As the game unfolded, Indiana found themselves trailing after a series of momentum swings. Nick Singleton of Penn State showcased his talent by accumulating 120 all-purpose yards and scoring three touchdowns, including a crucial go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The game changed dramatically in the final minutes. Following a Penn State punt and a 7-yard sack against Mendoza, Indiana began their final drive from their own 20-yard line. Mendoza showed resilience, completing five passes for 87 yards during this crucial drive, culminating in the touchdown pass to Cooper. Cooper’s catch was particularly notable as he leaped to secure the ball over defender Zakee Wheatley.
Earlier in the game, Penn State had taken a brief lead when Ethan Grunkemeyer connected with Singleton, who darted to the end zone after a short pass. This touchdown gave the Lions a 24-21 advantage with just over six minutes left.
Despite Penn State’s strong performance in the first half, where they managed to tie the game at 7-7, their offensive momentum waned significantly after halftime. The Nittany Lions had only one first down in the second half until Grunkemeyer’s late-game efforts. Grunkemeyer, in his third career start, completed 22 of 31 passes for a career-high 219 yards, alongside one touchdown and an interception.
The first half showcased a competitive battle, with Indiana initially leading 17-7 at halftime. The Hoosiers scored first, driven by an impressive 53-yard pass from Mendoza to Charlie Becker and an 18-yard rushing touchdown by Mendoza. Conversely, Singleton’s contributions were essential for Penn State, particularly a 2-yard touchdown run that tied the game in the second quarter.
As the game concluded, Indiana’s victory not only highlighted their resilience but also signaled challenges ahead for Penn State. The Nittany Lions will need to regroup as they face their next opponent, hoping to break their losing streak and improve their standing in the conference. Meanwhile, Indiana continues to build on their successful season, aiming for a strong finish as they head into the final stretch of their schedule.
