For the first time this season, I’m conflicted about this series. Richards’ Report Card started with one goal in mind — offering in-depth position-by-position analysis for each Indiana football game this season.
At first, it was a helpful tool to make an otherwise underwhelming slate of nonconference matchups a little more interesting. Then, it became a useful way to highlight which areas the Hoosiers excelled in and which position groups showed room for improvement. In either case, Richards’ Report Card had relevance.
It’s only now, after Indiana’s win over then-No. 1 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, that I’m starting to question if it even matters. What’s the point of critiquing position groups when the end result is the same? What can I possibly say went wrong after the Hoosiers walked away with arguably the biggest win in program history?
To be honest, I’m not sure. However, at this point, I’m in too deep. For the 13th time this season, here’s Richards’ Report Card.
Quarterbacks
Grade: A-
Explanation: I was really tempted to throw statistics aside and just give redshirt junior Fernando Mendoza an A+ here. Unfortunately, I have dignity and won’t do that. Indiana’s signal caller completed 15 of his 23 passes for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception. It’s a solid performance in general, but a great one when going against the best scoring defense in the country. Beyond the numbers, the way Mendoza bounced back from a brutal hit on the first play from scrimmage, missed just one play and came back in to lead the Hoosiers to a conference title was unbelievable. The performance put the bow on his Heisman Trophy campaign, an award he’s expected to receive this Saturday in New York City.
Running Backs
Grade: A
Explanation: Indiana’s running back room has posted multiple games with 300 or more rushing yards this season, but the 118 produced against the Buckeyes may have been it’s most important. The Hoosiers put up more rushing yards against Ohio State than any other Big Ten team this season as both redshirt senior Roman Hemby and redshirt senior Kaelon Black averaged over four yards per carry. It’s crucial to have a balanced attack against a defense as skilled as the Buckeyes, and that’s exactly what Hemby and Black provided for Indiana.
Receivers
Grade: A+
Explanation: When it mattered most, a Hoosier receiver stepped up, albeit an unlikely one. Sophomore Charlie Becker led Indiana with 126 yards on six catches, none bigger than the 33-yard snag on third and long with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Becker — who entered the season as the Hoosiers’ fourth-string wideout — has recorded at least five catches for over 100 yards in three of their last four matchups. Additionally, senior Elijah Sarratt gave Indiana its lone touchdown with a leaping catch on a backshoulder fade.
Offensive Line
Grade: B+
Explanation: To tell you the truth, I was concerned about the Hoosiers’ offensive line against the speed and physicality of Ohio State’s pass rush. While the unit did ultimately allow three sacks, they did enough for Indiana’s offense to stay in rhythm. A big part of that started in the run game. The Hoosiers were the first team this season to beat Ohio State in the trenches. They moved the ball effectively on the ground, gave Mendoza enough time to work through progressions and did just enough for Indiana to come out on top.
Defensive Line
Grade: A
Explanation: The Buckeyes entered the Big Ten Championship game averaging 171.5 rushing yards per game. They recorded a season-low 58 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers. Indiana’s defensive front clogged run gaps and created negative plays which forced Ohio State’s offense to become one dimensional. Senior defensive end Stephen Daley and redshirt junior defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker did what they’ve done all season long and once again disrupted the flow of an opposing offense. The two combined for 3.5 tackles for loss Saturday and now have 30.5 such tackles for the season.
Linebackers
Grade: A+
Explanation: If I had to pick one position group that decided this game, it would have to be this one. The linebackers have been the heart and soul of the Hoosiers’ defense this season, and they showed why against the Buckeyes. Sophomore Rolijah Hardy was everywhere. His pass breakup on a third down late in the fourth quarter prevented what would’ve been a go-ahead touchdown pass. Redshirt junior Isaiah Jones finished with a pair of sacks. Senior Aiden Fisher was the vocal leader at the center of an Indiana defense that held Ohio State to a season-low 10 points.
Secondary
Grade: B-
Explanation: Facing two of the nation's top receivers in sophomore Jeremiah Smith and junior Carnell Tate is a tough task for any defense. The Buckeyes star wideouts — as per usual — showed up against the Hoosiers, combining for 12 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown. Regardless, Indiana’s defensive backs mostly kept them in front of them. Smith burned junior cornerback D’Angelo Ponds on a 52-yard gain early in the second quarter, but outside of that, the Hoosiers didn’t allow big gains through the air. They also produced a turnover, as redshirt sixth-year senior safety Louis Moore earned his sixth interception of the season on Ohio State’s first drive.
Special Teams
Grade: C+
Explanation: Redshirt sophomore kicker Nico Radicic missed his first kick of the season when he hooked a 39-yard field goal attempt just left of the uprights. Even so, he still converted a pair of field goals and nailed his lone extra point attempt. Senior punter Mitch McCarthy averaged just 35.7 yards per punt, but pinned the ball inside the 20-yard line on every boot. I’ve been incredibly kind to Indiana’s special teams unit all season long, so I don’t feel guilty giving them the lowest grade on this week’s report card for that missed field goal alone.
Follow reporters Dalton James (@DaltonMJames and jamesdm@iu.edu) and Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa and qmrichar@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
