BLOOMINGTON –Indiana opened the 2024 season with a 31-7 win over Florida International at Memorial Stadium.
Below are three quick reasons why the Curt Cignetti era got off to a 1-0 start.
Further below you’ll find highlights and final stats from the game.
Indiana will host Western Illinois on Friday evening.
1. The running game was working. Indiana rushed 40 times for 234 yards, a 5.9 yard per carry average. That was more rushing yards than any game last season. With FIU playing a shell defense at times, the IU backs were able to get downhill before first contact. Three different backs — Elijah Green, Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison had at least 68 rushing yards.
2. Stingy defense. Indiana only allowed 182 total yards to FIU, and 75 of that came in a late first half drive where the Hoosiers appeared to use a more conservative scheme. Seven of FIU’s 10 drives went for six or less plays. IU had eight tackles for loss and four sacks while pitching a second half shutout. Aiden Fisher led IU with 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Amare Ferrell had an interception.
3. A fast start. The Hoosiers scored touchdowns on drives two through four while forcing punts on FIU’s first three drives of the game. That allowed Indiana to jump out to a quick 21-0 first half lead, a gap that was plenty wide to hold up for the rest of the game. But that was also the bad news, as IU wasn’t nearly as crisp the rest of the way, especially on offense. Highlighting the sloppy play were nine Indiana penalties for 80 yards.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINAL STATS
