IU football: Three quick reasons Indiana beat Wisconsin 31-7, highlights, final stats

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana beat Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium by a final score of 31-7. The Hoosiers have started a season 11-0 for the first time ever and they’ve won three straight over the Badgers.

Below are three quick reasons why the Hoosiers won, along with highlights and final stats.

Indiana (11-0) has a bye week before facing Purdue in West Lafayette on Nov. 28.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the game from The Daily Hoosier.

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THREE QUICK REASONS INDIANA WON

1. Halftime adjustments. IU looked like they were celebrating their come-from-behind win at Penn State in the first half. The Hoosiers only outgained Wisconsin by 14 yards and led just 10-7 at the break. But a 75-yard touchdown drive coming out of halftime, and a forced fumble at the Wisconsin 21 led to a 14-0 third quarter. Once Wisconsin fell behind by multiple scores, their ability to work the clock diminished. IU outscored Wisconsin 21-0 in the second half.

2. Fernando is efficient. Despite being under heavy pressure for most of the game, Fernando Mendoza kept his name among the leaders for the Heisman Trophy. He completed 22 of 24 throws for 299 yards and four scores. He set the all-time single season record for touchdowns passes by an IU quarterback (30). Mendoza was sacked five times, but the Hoosiers didn’t turn the ball over. For the second straight game, sophomore receiver Charlie Becker led the way for IU, with five catches for 108 yards and a score.

3. Defense spends time in the Wisconsin backfield. Led by Stephen Daley’s three tackles for loss, Indiana compiled eight tackles for loss and two sacks to keep Wisconsin behind the chains. IU also had two takeaways after the break — a forced fumble in the third quarter and an interception in the fourth. For the game IU limited the Badgers to 168 yards and eight first downs. Wisconsin had just 23 yards and one first down in the second half.

HIGHLIGHTS