By : Jack Moore
(Photo/Jack Moore-The Mojo Network)
Indiana football just keeps finding new ways to dominate. On Saturday, the No. 9 Hoosiers (9–0, 6–0 Big Ten) dismantled Maryland 55–10 on the road, extending their undefeated season and leaving no doubt about their place among the conference elite.
Maryland had sold out its homecoming matchup for the first time in years, with fans packing the stands in hopes of witnessing a rebound performance from the Terrapins (4–5, 1–5). Instead, they watched Indiana roll into College Park and control every phase of the game. A sea of crimson-clad Hoosier fans stuck around until the final whistle, roaring as head coach Curt Cignetti’s squad jogged off the field, businesslike yet clearly aware of the statement they’d made.
“We’ve got to make sure there’s no doubt left, at all,” defensive star Mikail Kamara said afterward.
Defense Sets the Tone
Indiana’s defense, ranked among the nation’s best in points allowed, once again smothered its opponent. Maryland’s freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who had shown flashes of promise this season, quickly found himself overwhelmed. The Hoosiers forced five turnovers, matching the Terrapins’ season total entering the game, and allowed just 293 total yards, most of which came long after the outcome was sealed.
While Indiana didn’t rack up sacks or tackles for loss like in previous weeks, the Hoosiers’ pressure forced Maryland into mistake after mistake. “The defense has risen to the occasion every time this year,” Cignetti said. “It wasn’t perfect, but there’s a lot of good on tape.”
Ground Game Takes Over
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza overcame an early interception to finish with 225 total yards and two touchdowns, but Indiana’s real strength came on the ground. After Maryland adjusted to slow down the Hoosiers’ passing attack, Cignetti’s team simply shifted gears and ran through the Terrapins at will.
Indiana piled up 367 rushing yards, its highest total since 2016, with three running backs surpassing 80 yards and four different players scoring touchdowns. Star back Anthony Hankerson led the charge early before giving way to a committee approach late. Mendoza’s younger brother, Alberto, provided the highlight of the afternoon with a 53-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that capped the blowout.
Even with injuries piling up, including key starters like Aiden Fisher, Drew Evans, and leading receiver Elijah Sarratt, the Hoosiers didn’t flinch. “We trust each other,” Mendoza said. “No matter who’s out there, we know the standard doesn’t change.”
A Ruthless Standard
Under Cignetti, Indiana’s identity has become clear: relentless focus, physical play, and an obsession with execution. “The thing I’m most proud of,” Cignetti said, “is how they play one snap at a time, regardless of the score or situation.”
That discipline has carried the Hoosiers through every challenge so far, and there’s little sign of it slowing down. With Penn State looming next week, Indiana continues to look like one of the most complete teams in college football.
“No matter if we’re up 10 at halftime or up 30 in the fourth,” Mendoza said, “we’re going to keep swinging. Every moment deserves our best shot.”
Right now, Indiana football isn’t just winning. It’s dismantling everything in its path.