A dramatic last-minute touchdown pass propelled the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers to a 27-24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 11, 2023, at Beaver Stadium. With just 36 seconds remaining, Omar Cooper Jr. caught a 7-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza, sealing Indiana’s first win in State College after enduring 13 consecutive losses in Big Ten play. This defeat marked Penn State’s sixth straight loss, their longest losing streak since 2004.
The game began with Indiana holding a 17-7 lead at halftime. However, the Nittany Lions, unable to secure a win against a top-five opponent for the 16th consecutive time, fought back in the second half. Nick Singleton was a standout for Penn State, racking up 120 all-purpose yards and scoring three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.
Indiana’s comeback was sparked by a series of decisive plays in the closing minutes. After a Penn State punt and a 7-yard sack against Mendoza, the Hoosiers advanced the ball downfield. Mendoza demonstrated his resilience, completing five passes for 87 yards during the decisive drive, culminating in Cooper’s spectacular touchdown catch over Zakee Wheatley.
The Nittany Lions had previously gained the lead when Ethan Grunkemeyer, who completed 22 of 31 passes for a career-high 219 yards, connected with Singleton for a score that put Penn State ahead 24-21 with just over six minutes left. Prior to that, Singleton had also contributed to the Lions’ scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run earlier in the game.
Indiana’s victory was not without its challenges. They faced adversity when Penn State’s King Mack intercepted Mendoza’s pass at the Indiana 44-yard line, giving the Lions a crucial opportunity. On second-and-8 from the 19, Singleton made a play after receiving a short pass from Grunkemeyer, displaying agility and speed to evade a defender and score.
Despite a strong start, Penn State’s offensive momentum stalled as they managed only one first down in the latter part of the first half. That drive ended with a fumble recovery by Indiana, setting the stage for a touchdown run by Kaelon Black just before halftime, which extended Indiana’s lead to 17-7.
The atmosphere in Beaver Stadium was intense, with fans witnessing a game filled with momentum shifts. After a 53-yard pass from Mendoza to Charlie Becker put Indiana on the scoreboard early, the Nittany Lions responded effectively with a kickoff return from Singleton that energized their offense.
With Indiana’s record now standing at 9-1 and 6-1 in conference play, they remain a strong contender in the Big Ten. Conversely, the Nittany Lions are now grappling with the challenges of a difficult season, hoping to find their footing in the coming weeks. The match highlighted the unpredictable excitement of college football, showcasing the determination of both teams as they navigate their respective journeys.
