IU snaps 3-game skid, beats Illinois 52-35

IU ended its three-game losing streak Saturday at Memorial Stadium by defeating Illinois (3-6, 0-5) 52-35 after ending the game by scoring 17 unanswered points.

The Fighting Illini tied the game at 35 when running back Josh Ferguson fumbled the ball into the end zone and his teammate, offensive lineman Corey Lewis, fell on the ball for a touchdown.

Despite allowing 612 total yards to Illinois, the Hoosiers’ defense ended the game with by forcing two turnovers on downs and an interception.

IU’s offense, fueled by a pair of 100-yard rushers in its backfield, scored quickly to take the lead and keep its foot on the gas.

After Lewis’ touchdown, IU sophomore running back Tevin Coleman ran for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the ensuing drive to give the Hoosiers a seven-point lead. On IU’s next possession, senior running back Stephen Houston rushed twice for 37 yards and a score.

Coleman finished the game with 215 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Houston rushed 17 times for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It is the second game in which the Hoosiers had two running backs with more than 100 yards on the ground.

IU’s offense was balanced. Nate Sudfeld was 20-of-27 for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior wide receiver Cody Latimer was on the receiving end of all three touchdowns, tying his career high. Latimer had 11 receptions for 189 yards, which were career bests.

Despite numerous injuries on both sides of the ball that depleted IU’s starting lineup, the Hoosiers were able to double their win total in the Big Ten.

IU will face No. 24 Wisconsin in Madison, Wisc. on Saturday at noon. The Hoosiers will need to win two of their final three games to earn bowl eligibility.

-- Andy Wittry