No. 2 Indiana staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Penn State 27-24 on November 4, 2023, at Beaver Stadium. With just 36 seconds remaining, Omar Cooper Jr. caught a spectacular 7-yard touchdown pass, marking a significant moment for the Hoosiers as they secured their first victory in State College in over a decade, ending a streak of 13 consecutive losses against Big Ten opponents.
This win improved Indiana’s record to 6-1 in the conference and 9-1 overall, while Penn State fell to 0-6 in the Big Ten and 3-6 overall, extending their losing streak to six games. This marks the first time the Nittany Lions have experienced such a streak since 2004.
Thrilling Finish in Beaver Stadium
Indiana’s path to victory was far from straightforward. Following a punt by Penn State and a 7-yard sack against Fernando Mendoza, Indiana mounted a comeback drive that featured Mendoza completing five passes for a total of 87 yards. The pivotal play came when Mendoza delivered a high pass to the back of the end zone, allowing Cooper to leap and secure the catch over defender Zakee Wheatley.
Throughout the game, the Nittany Lions demonstrated resilience, particularly with Nick Singleton, who amassed 120 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Despite their efforts, this loss marked Penn State’s 16th consecutive defeat against teams ranked in the top five.
With 10:47 left in the game, King Mack intercepted a Mendoza pass at the Indiana 44-yard line, setting the stage for a crucial drive. On second-and-8 from the 19-yard line, Ethan Grunkemeyer connected with Singleton on a short pass that resulted in a touchdown, giving Penn State its first lead of the game at 24-17 with 6:27 remaining.
Defensive Battles and Key Plays
Indiana’s defense responded by forcing a punt after a solid sack by Dani Dennis-Sutton on Mendoza. The Hoosiers regained possession with less than two minutes on the clock, starting their drive at their own 20-yard line after a 63-yard punt by Gabe Nwosu. Mendoza, who had struggled for most of the afternoon and finished the game with 218 passing yards and one rushing touchdown, showed his mettle in the closing moments.
After trailing 17-7 at halftime, Penn State’s first half included a promising start but faltered in the final three minutes. The Hoosiers capitalized on a fumble by Kaytron Allen when he lost control of the ball after being tackled, allowing Indiana to recover and score just before the break.
The game featured numerous lead changes, underscoring the competitive nature of both teams. Indiana’s early momentum included a 53-yard pass from Mendoza to Charlie Becker and an 18-yard scramble for a touchdown by Mendoza that initially put the Hoosiers ahead.
Penn State’s defense managed to contain Indiana early on, forcing the Hoosiers to punt on their first two possessions. However, Indiana’s first score came after a long pass and subsequent drive, emphasizing the high stakes and pressure of the game.
Despite their struggles this season, the Nittany Lions demonstrated flashes of potential, with Grunkemeyer completing 22 of 31 passes for a career-high 219 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his third start. Yet, their inability to maintain leads in critical moments has plagued them throughout the season, a trend that continued against Indiana.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Indiana aiming to solidify its position among the top contenders and Penn State seeking to break its losing streak in the coming weeks.
