Indiana Holds on for Thrilling 27-24 Road Win at Penn State

photo from espn.com

Nov, 9, 2025, 7:14pm

STATE COLLEGE — In one of the wildest finishes of the season, second-ranked Indiana edged Penn State 27-24 at Beaver Stadium, improving to 10-0 overall. The Hoosiers got out to a strong start, taking a 17-7 lead into halftime behind solid offensive execution and a defense that made key early stops. In the second half, however, Penn State mounted a furious rally. The Nittany Lions erased the deficit and took a 24-20 lead with roughly six minutes remaining, thanks to two consecutive touchdowns by their dynamic back Nicholas Singleton.

With less than two minutes on the clock, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was hit and harassed all game. However, Mendoza led a clutch 75-yard drive off the Penn State punt. He completed several key passes including a 22-yard and a 17-yard gain, putting the Hoosiers in the red zone. Then, on third down with 36 seconds remaining, Mendoza found receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the back of the end zone for a dramatic toe-tap touchdown that kept Indiana undefeated. 

Penn State got one final chance, but their Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete and the clock ran out. Meanwhile, Indiana celebrated their first Big Ten road win at Penn State in program history.  

413’s Bottomline

This game showcased Indiana’s resilience and growing pedigree. They built a lead, weathered a fierce Penn State comeback, and executed under pressure when it mattered most. For Indiana, it’s another step toward Big Ten and national relevance.

For Penn State, this loss stings. They showed flashes of life and nearly pulled off a comeback, but turnovers and missed opportunities (especially late) prevented the upset. The program still has work to do to regain its footing in big moments.