October 9, 2021 will go down as one of the most memorable days in the 96-year history of Kinnick Stadium.
That crisp, autumn Saturday featured a heavyweight clash between No. 3 Iowa and No. 4 Penn State. The Hawkeyes trailed throughout much of the game, but rallied to win, 23-20, behind a raucous crowd at Kinnick. Fans flooded the field in celebration, and Iowa enjoyed its marquee victory.
The memories of this game remain fresh in the minds of many Hawkeye fans, and while the day will stand as a positive one for the rest of time, the magical contest marks the most recent ranked victory for Iowa.
Kirk Ferentz and company have had plenty of chances to end the dubious streak, 10 to be exact, but the Hawkeyes have failed to pass each test. The first exam came in Week 2 against arch rival Iowa State, but Iowa’s offense sputtered and the Cyclones won, 16-13, on a late 54-yard field goal by Kyle Konrardy
That loss still stings for the Hawkeyes, but they have a golden opportunity to prove themselves on Saturday when No. 11 Indiana pays a visit to Kinnick Stadium.
Once regarded as one of the worst power conference programs of all time, the Hoosiers have undergone an improbable resurgence under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana won 11 games and reached the College Football Playoff in 2024, but the 2025 Hoosiers might be even better.
Indiana was criticized for playing a weak schedule last year, but it will face Big Ten juggernauts Oregon and Penn State this season. The Hoosiers passed their first test of the season with flying colors, dismantling then-No. 9 Illinois by 53 points last weekend. Indiana boasts one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, posting a nation-high 63.8 points per game.
“They’re really playing at a high level right now,” Ferentz said. “Didn’t look like they had a flaw the other night at all, just a really strong performance. And it’s pretty much been that way all season long. Every game they’ve been in, they’ve been winning very decisively.”
The Hoosiers feature plenty of star-studded talent on offense, but quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been the key to their hot start. Mendoza, a transfer from California, is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, completing over 76 percent of his passes for 14 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Mendoza’s hot start has earned him plenty of praise from analysts, with some listing him on their early Heisman Trophy watchlists.
“I don’t have a Heisman vote, but I would vote for him based on what I saw,” Ferentz said. “He looks really good too. So I guess part of their sets why they’re putting up those numbers. They can run the ball pass it. Got the ability to hit the big play.”
Iowa is well-aware of the offensive firepower Mendoza and Indiana bring to the table, but is confident it can stifle the Hoosier attack.
“Effort, effort, and focus, third-year defensive back Deshaun Lee said. “If you focus on your job, all 11 guys just focus on their job with the maximum effort that they can produce, you’ll definitely be in good shape and have a good chance to win.”
Indiana’s offense garnered most of the attention against Illinois, but its defense also produced a terrific outing against a strong Fighting Illini offense. The Hoosiers recorded seven sacks in the contest, many coming on three or four-man rushes.
“We can’t be on a different page,” second-year tackle Trevor Lauck said. “I think as long as we’re on the same page, we’ll have a decent shot. They’re a great defensive line. They do a lot of cool things, so it’ll be pretty important that we stick to the same plan and playing together.”
“We’re going against good players who are being coached by great coaches,” fifth-year center Logan Jones said. “It’s going to be a challenge up front. And I’m really looking forward to it, because this is what you dream of.”
Though Saturday’s matchup is Iowa’s annual Homecoming game, it will also mark a bit of a homecoming game for Lauck. The sophomore, who also celbrates his 21st birthday this weekend, grew up in Indianapolis and was recruited by the Hoosiers.
“It’s going to be a pretty big day. I’m pretty excited,” Lauck said. “Got about 30 or so family members making the trip. So, yeah, it’ll be a big day.”
While the Lauck family will certainly enjoy themselves, they will probably have a tough time hearing each other. Hawkeye fans have waited for a big game in Kinnick Stadium, and Saturday’s game is likely to produce the loudest crowd of the season, which could give Iowa an edge.
“It is their [Indiana’s] first road game, and we know our fans are going to going to be there, and they’re going to be excited and ready,” Lauck said.
“I’m thinking about it right now, but, man, it’s going to be a great environment, just like always,” Lee said. “Man, a big game inside Kinnick. The fans are going be riled up, having our back, helping us out. That’s going to be a great experience.”
Injury updates
Third-year running back Jaziun Patterson will not be available this weekend after suffering an ankle injury during Friday’s win over Rutgers.
“We’ll see how that goes as we move forward,” Ferentz said.
Second-year wide receiver Reece Vander Zee will also be out for the Indiana game, but Ferentz is hopeful the sophomore will be on track to make his first appearance of the season after the bye week against Wisconsin on Oct. 11.