Overview
- Indiana improved to 10-0 with a 27-24 victory at Penn State and retained the No. 2 CFP slot, with Rhoades citing the Hoosiers’ overall profile and Mendoza’s late-game efficiency.
- Omar Cooper Jr.’s toe‑tap touchdown on Mendoza’s 80‑yard, game‑winning drive was named the FWAA “crunch time” play of the week.
- The Hoosiers host Wisconsin on Saturday at noon ET on BTN, entering as a heavy favorite with sportsbooks listing the spread near four touchdowns.
- Wisconsin’s offense remains unsettled with true freshman Carter Smith likely to start at quarterback after a 13-10 win over Washington that featured just 48 passing yards and standout defensive efforts from Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano.
- Mendoza’s Heisman candidacy continues to build as Indiana pairs an FBS‑leading 44.5 points per game with a top‑tier scoring defense, while coach Curt Cignetti stresses preparation and voiced respect for Badgers coach Luke Fickell.