In Week 3 of the 2025 regular season, the Indiana Hoosiers will host the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The Friday night game is set to start at 6:30 PM and will be broadcast on BTN. The Hoosiers, ranked #22 in the AP poll and #19 in the Coaches poll, are looking to continue their undefeated season.
The Indiana State Sycamores, with no conference affiliation, face a challenging task against a Big Ten opponent. In their last regular season game, they fell to Purdue with a 49-0 score, struggling both offensively and defensively. They will aim to improve on their road performance as they come into this matchup.
The Hoosiers have been impressive early in the season, with a 2-0 record and both victories at home. They recently defeated Kennesaw State 56-9, showcasing strong offensive and defensive capabilities. With a substantial home field advantage and a high-powered offense, they are heavily favored to extend their winning streak.
Indiana vs Indiana State At a Glance
- Game Location: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN
- Game Date and Time: Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM
- Television Broadcast: BTN
- Indiana Hoosiers Record: 2-0 this season
- Indiana State Sycamores Record: 0-1 last season
- Game Odds: Indiana State Moneyline +8000, Indiana Moneyline -200000
Indiana Hoosiers: Can the Hoosiers Continue Their Winning Streak?
Offensive Strengths
The Indiana Hoosiers have showcased a potent offense in the 2025 season so far. Ranking 3rd in rushing yards with a total of 625, their ground game has been a major contributor to their success. With 83 points scored, they sit at 19th in points for, indicating their ability to find the end zone.
Their passing game, although not as dominant as the rushing attack, has been effective with 473 yards, placing them 59th. This balance in offense has made them a tough team to defend against. Their ability to accumulate first downs, ranking 7th with 58, helps maintain long, sustained drives.
Defensive Capabilities
On the defensive front, the Hoosiers have been impressive, allowing only 23 points, which ranks them 15th. Their defense has been opportunistic, ranking 5th in both interceptions and fumbles recovered, with 4 and 1 respectively. This defensive prowess gives them an edge, often setting up their offense in favorable positions.
With 3 sacks, the defense also ranks 8th, showcasing their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This combination of a solid pass rush and a ball-hawking secondary makes them a formidable unit on both sides of the ball.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a standout performer, leading the team with 438 passing yards and 4 touchdowns in two games. His efficiency and decision-making have been crucial to the team’s offensive success. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. has also made significant contributions, rushing for 163 yards and scoring a touchdown.
Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is another key player, with 12 receptions, 141 yards, and 3 touchdowns, ranking him among the top receivers. His ability to make big plays downfield adds a dynamic element to the Hoosiers’ passing attack.
Injury Report
The Hoosiers have a few injury concerns to keep an eye on. Defensive back Bryson Bonds is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury. Wide receiver Tyler Morris is out for the season with a knee injury, which could impact their receiving depth.
Punter Mitch McCarthy and defensive back Byron Baldwin Jr. are also questionable with undisclosed injuries. The availability of these players could affect the Hoosiers’ special teams and defensive rotations.
Team Betting Trends
- The Hoosiers have won both of their games this season.
- They are performing well against the spread in the early part of the season.
- Indiana’s games have leaned towards the over, given their high-scoring offense.
Indiana State Sycamores: Analyzing the Road Ahead
Offensive Challenges
The Indiana State Sycamores are entering the new season with room for improvement on offense. Ranking 137th in points scored, the team struggled to make a significant impact on the scoreboard. With only 50 passing yards and 104 rushing yards in their opening game, finding ways to advance the ball will be critical.
The Sycamores’ first downs were limited to 11, placing them 118th in this category. This suggests difficulties in sustaining drives, an area that needs addressing to enhance offensive output. The team will need a strategy shift to improve their scoring and yardage in upcoming games.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Indiana State demonstrated resilience, ranking 19th in points allowed. However, they allowed 49 points in their first game against Purdue. Enhancing defensive consistency is essential for future success.
The defense recorded two sacks, ranking 44th, and recovered one fumble, placing them 15th. These stats indicate potential in generating turnovers, which could be pivotal in turning games around.
Key Players to Watch
Elijah Owens, the team’s quarterback, completed 50 passing yards in the first game. Despite this modest start, his performance will be crucial in determining the offensive trajectory for the season.
Running backs Plez Lawrence and Shen Butler-Lawson will also play pivotal roles. With 27 and 23 rushing yards respectively, their ability to break through defenses could be vital for the Sycamores’ offensive strategy.
Receiving Corps
Matt Ross and Rashad Rochelle lead the receiving efforts with 23 and 26 receiving yards, respectively. Their contributions will be necessary for opening up the passing game and creating more scoring opportunities.
As the Sycamores aim to improve their offensive output, the development of their receiving corps will be essential. Elevating their performances could significantly impact their ability to sustain drives and score points.
Betting Trends
- Indiana State is currently 0-1 in the season.
- The Sycamores have yet to score in their first game.
- They allowed 49 points in their opener against Purdue.
- Indiana State ranks 19th in points allowed despite their opening game score.
- Key focus areas include improving offensive yardage and increasing scoring opportunities.
Indiana vs Indiana State Prediction: Indiana -48.5
Indiana’s high-powered offense ranks 19th in points scored this season, while their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 23 points. Playing at home, Indiana should be in full control against an Indiana State team that struggled mightily last season with a 0-1 record and no points scored.
The Sycamores’ defense, ranked 19th in points against, may have been a highlight, but it won’t be enough against Indiana’s multifaceted offense. With 625 rushing yards and a strong home performance this season, Indiana is poised to dominate.
Given the 48.5-point spread, Indiana has shown they can cover large spreads, having done so in their last meeting with Indiana State, winning 41-7. The Hoosiers’ offensive depth and defensive capabilities make them strong favorites to cover again.
Expect Indiana to capitalize on their home field advantage and maintain their winning streak. A projected score of Indiana 55, Indiana State 3 aligns with their dominant season performance thus far.
- Indiana vs Indiana State Prediction: Indiana -48.5
- Indiana vs Indiana State Score: Indiana 55 – Indiana State 3
