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The No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers escaped Penn State with a 27-24 victory Saturday thanks to Fernando Mendoza’s hit on Omar Cooper Jr. in the final seconds of the game.
Cooper made the catch and an incredible touch for the touchdown with 36 seconds left in the game. The dream season the Hoosiers were putting together was kept alive as Indiana moved to 10-0 on the season and 7-0 against Big Ten Conference opponents.
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Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) celebrates a victory over Penn State following an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
The touchdown pass generated excitement among college football fans on social media.
“It was the most improbable win I’ve ever been a part of,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. “And there couldn’t have been a better place to make it happen.”
Penn State rallied from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter and came within a few first downs of pulling off an improbable upset. Penn State took a 24-20 lead on a Nicholas Singleton touchdown reception.
The Hoosiers silenced the 107,000 members of State College, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions owned a 25-2 record in head-to-head battles. Penn State had won every previous matchup that took place on its home field.
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Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) catches a touchdown pass over Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
“It’s just a swaying crowd, when you hear that silence when they hit you when you throw, then you know it’s a finish,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza was 19 of 30 with 218 yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. He also had a rushing touchdown. Roman Hemby led Indiana in rushing with 55 yards on 12 carries. Kaelon Black also had a touchdown.
Charlie Becker led the Hoosiers with seven receptions for 118 yards. Cooper had six receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
The downtrodden Nittany Lions fell to 3-6 on the year and 0-6 against Big Ten opponents.
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was 22-for-31 with 219 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Singleton led the team with 71 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
