For every game this season I’ll be diving into the tape and grading Indiana football’s position groups. While the Hoosiers took home a 27-14 win over Old Dominion University Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, a wide array of performances yielded some vastly different overall grades.
See how each of Indiana’s position groups scored on this inaugural edition of Richards’ Report Card.
Quarterbacks
Grade: C-
Explanation: Redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza struggled to find a consistent rhythm throughout his 18-of-31 performance that yielded 193 passing yards. The University of California, Berkeley, transfer wasn’t particularly accurate and made a few ill-advised throws into heavy traffic. Senior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt didn’t have a target until the second half — that can’t happen. The Hoosiers’ leading receiver in 2024 and Associated Press All-Big Ten second team member is a key weapon that needs opportunities to contribute. Still, Mendoza didn’t turn the ball over and managed an offense that compiled over 500 total yards.
Running Backs
Grade: A-
Explanation: The Hoosiers’ rushing attack was the highlight of their offense against the Monarchs. A three-man rotation — headed by Maryland transfer redshirt senior Roman Hemby — combined for 282 rushing yards on 51 carries. Hemby and company were explosive, routinely reaching the second level for big gains. If not for an early fumble by redshirt junior Lee Beebe Jr. and some red zone shortcomings — which can partly be attributed to poor play-calling — this performance would’ve been an A+.
Receivers
Grade: B-
Explanation: It was a slow day for the Hoosiers’ receivers. Redshirt sixth-year senior E.J. Williams Jr. led the way with five receptions for 45 yards and Sarratt followed close behind with three receptions for 44 yards — all of which came in a heavily targeted second half. Plenty of Mendoza’s passes were behind receivers, sailed above their heads or simply to no one. One of the few deep passes that did hit the mark — a 50-yard throw to a wide-open redshirt junior Omar Cooper Jr. on a streak route — was dropped. That drop alone is enough to bump this grade down one letter.
Offensive Line
Grade: A-
Explanation: Indiana’s offensive line was simply dominant. Pass protection was phenomenal, giving Mendoza plenty of time to sit back in the pocket and work through his progressions. The Hoosiers’ quarterback was sacked only once after scrambling out of a pocket that was clean for over three seconds. For the most part, the run blocking was just as commanding. The interior offensive line, anchored by redshirt senior center Pat Coogan, created massive gaps for the Hoosier backs to attack and physically outmatched Old Dominion’s front seven. The only reason this group won’t be getting an A+ is the red zone run game. Play calling aside, Indiana’s talent up front should be enough to overpower a Sun Belt Conference opponent at the goal line. At select points Saturday afternoon, it wasn’t.
Defensive Line
Grade: C-
Explanation: To give an analogy, this is like getting every multiple-choice question correct but completely failing the short answer. Indiana’s defensive line played a solid game, but it was also the main reason for all of Old Dominion’s points. Redshirt senior defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler was fooled on the first play from scrimmage resulting in a 75-yard touchdown from Monarchs’ redshirt sophomore quarterback Colton Joseph. A similar mistake was made by senior defensive end Kellan Wyatt in the fourth quarter as Joseph gave an encore with a 78-yard scramble to the end zone. Those are losing plays, and I bumped them a letter grade for each. Lastly, the defensive line managed just one sack and not a single quarterback hurry, albeit against a run-heavy Old Dominion offense.
Linebackers
Grade: C+
Explanation: The linebackers are also going to be punished for Joseph’s chunk runs. Sophomore Rolijah Hardy showed a lapse in discipline on the game’s initial play, clearing the lane for the game’s first score. Still, Hardy and his veteran counterpart senior Aiden Fisher combined for nine total tackles and three quarterback hurries while locking down their assignments in the pass game.
Secondary
Grade: A
Explanation: Practically perfect. Indiana’s secondary held the Monarchs’ offense to just 96 yards through the air and intercepted Joseph on three different occasions. Redshirt sixth-year senior free safety Louis Moore led Indiana with seven total tackles. From start to finish the Hoosiers’ defensive backs blanketed Old Dominion’s receiving core and made winning plays. The only gripe preventing this grade from being an A+ is nitpicky, but the secondary needs to be the final line of defense against breakout runs — even against a player with Joseph’s speed.
Special Teams
Grade: A-
Explanation: Who would’ve guessed Indiana’s first run would come from its special teams unit? Senior wide receiver Jonathan Brady’s 91-yard punt return score was the Hoosiers’ longest punt return since 2004 and served as a turning point in Indiana’s season-opening win. The Hoosiers proceeded to score 27 straight points. Other than kickoff specialist redshirt senior Brendan Franke’s miss on a 52-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half, Indiana’s special teams excelled in each of its duties.
Follow reporters Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames and jamesdm@iu.edu) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa and qmrichar@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
