Indiana

Tale of the Tape: Indiana offense vs. Penn State defense

Published

5 months ago

November 6, 2025

Tale of the Tape: Indiana offense vs. Penn State defense

Curt Cignetti completely reloaded the offense to make it even better in his second season at Indiana. With Fernando Mendoza at the helm, Indiana is flourishing not only in the passing game but also in the running game. Penn State has struggled on defense, and was gashed by one of the best offenses last week in Ohio State.

Facing another top offense in the country, the Nittany Lions will have their hands full facing some high-end talent at all aspects of the Indiana offense.

Can Penn State’s defense slow down the best offense in the country or will Indiana continue to run through teams?

All rankings and stats are from CFBStats.com

Passing yards per game

Indiana offense: 259.2 ypg (33rd in nation)
Penn State defense: 166.4 ypg (16th)

Mendoza is one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy. Just because the numbers aren’t quite there, doesn’t mean it’s bad. Mendoza is doing exactly what he needs to, making every throw in the book. In his last two games, his passing numbers have gone down, but the Hoosiers haven’t needed him. Against a top pass defense on paper, Mendoza will rely on his receivers, who could open the game up like Ohio State’s did last season.

A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley will have to step up to limit receivers like Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. If Mendoza finds them early, it could be game over before halftime.

Passing yards per attempt

Indiana offense: 9.4 ypa (8th)
Penn State defense: 6.4 ypa (32nd)

Similar numbers to the per-game numbers at passing. Indiana gets almost a first down every single pass attempt on average. Mendoza relies on Cooper and Sarratt, who both have made plays. Penn State’s secondary has shown to struggle against better receivers and could struggle again against the Indiana duo.

The top three receivers all average over 10 yards per catch and the big play ability is something that is heavily in Indiana’s playbook. Similar game plans could be implemented as it was against Ohio State, despite the lack of stopping the big play.

Rushing yards per game

Indiana offense: 245.67 ypg (6th)
Penn State defense: 159.38 ypg (90th)

Indiana has one of the best running games in the country. Mix that with Penn State’s struggling rush defense and it’s potential disaster for the blue and white. The running game has to be limited if the Nittany Lions want any chance in the game. However, the Hoosiers could continue to ride the running game and roll to a victory fairly easily.

Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton are two names on Penn State’s defensive line that need to step up. For Indiana, Kaelon Black leads the way with 619 yards. However, the team utilizes a committee style with the top three rushers having four or more touchdowns.

Rushing yards per attempt

Indiana offense: 5.74 ypa (10th)
Penn State defense: 4.18 ypa (77th)

Black and Khobie Martin are both averaging over six yards per rush. Based on prior matchups, they are in for a monster day, making it easier for Mendoza and the pass game. Black’s 6.4 ypa with a long of 40 yards will give issues for Penn State. Martin one-ups him with 7.2 ypa, both holding the capability of a big run.

Amare Campbell will need to continue to step up in the absence of Tony Rojas. If another linebacker emerges the running game could be limited. However, Penn State hasn’t shown anyone in that position that can step up, which could show what is to come against the Hoosiers.

Points per game

Indiana offense: 46.4 ppg (1st)
Penn State defense: 21.8 ppg (41st)

If the game goes off the stats, Indiana will score around 35 points. However, that number could absolutely be higher as Ohio State put up 38 points and had most of them with plenty of time to spare. Indiana can score quick or it can take its time to get down the field. No matter what, it’s successful as Cignetti just continues to win at a program that had little success.

Penn State will need to do whatever it can to keep the ball away from this high-powered offense. If it limits possessions, the Nittany Lions could have a chance, but the offense has had so much success that it may not even matter.

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Indiana

Monday storm blows across northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio

Published

5 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Monday storm blows across northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio

NORTHEAST INDIANA (WANE) – A storm system passed through northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio on Monday evening, leaving a substantial amount of damage in its wake.

Monday night’s storm warranted thunderstorm warnings throughout the viewing area, including Steuben, DeKalb, and Allen counties in Indiana, along with Defiance, Paulding, and Van Wert counties in Ohio.

The storm itself lasted about an hour, but caused chaos by downing unstable trees and signage from strong winds.

Thousands reported power outages across the Fort Wayne area, with a handful of outages in Ohio’s northwest region.

Viewers from across the WANE 15 viewing area shared photos documenting the storm as it blew through, with additional weather phenomena:

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Indiana

Physical guard commits to Indiana basketball from transfer portal: Stats, highlights

Published

17 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Physical guard commits to Indiana basketball from transfer portal: Stats, highlights

BLOOMINGTON — Darian DeVries’ backcourt rebuild got a boost Monday, with the news that Georgia Tech guard Jaeden Mustaf intends to transfer to Indiana.

“ALL IN,” Mustaf posted on social media announcing his decision.

Mustaf, a Maryland native who was once a target for Mike Woodson and Indiana’s previous staff, averaged 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across 29 appearances for Georgia Tech last season. The 6-foot-6 guard is also a career 37.2% 3-point shooter, though not at significant volume.

Importantly, Mustaf is a big-bodied guard who rebounds his position well and draws fouls at an above-average clip. Last season in Atlanta, he had 4.2 fouls drawn per 40 minutes, and 4.4 in ACC play, a top-25 number in the conference. He also finished his sophomore season scoring the ball well — Mustaf averaged 14 points per game in the Yellow Jackets’ last nine, and 16.3 per game in their last six.

His arrival strengthens a guard rotation that will need remade essentially from the ground up this spring. The Hoosiers’ only returners don’t play the position, and DeVries signed just one out-and-out guard, Prince-Alexander Moody, in the 2026 class.

Mustaf’s commitment hands the Hoosiers a strong, capable guard with high-major experience and multiple years of eligibility remaining around which DeVries and his staff can build.

Mustaf was at one time a target for Woodson, coming out of high school. Mustaf played with Overtime Elite before making the move to college.

Trevor Manhertz, forward, freshman
Prince-Alexander Moody, guard, freshman
Jaeden Mustaf, guard, senior
Vaughn Karvala, forward, freshman
Trent Sisley, forward, sophomore

Want more Hoosiers coverage? Sign up for IndyStar’s Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.

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Indiana

New Hope of Indiana launches $4 million campaign to transform campus

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

New Hope of Indiana launches million campaign to transform campus

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A $4 million transformation is in the works for New Hope of Indiana, the largest nonprofit residential services provider for individuals with disabilities in Marion County.

New Hope says the ‘Imagine More’ capital campaign will fund key improvements to New Hope’s 14-acre campus at 8450 Payne Road. It’ll include a new community and multi-purpose space, expanded and inclusive outdoor areas, a commercial kitchen for life-skills and employment training, and renovations to improve accessibility, safety, and overall experience.

Photo Provided by New Hope of Indiana.

New Hope has already raised $3.35 million toward its gold, including a $1.5 million matching gift from United Way of Central Indiana. During their campaign’s launch Monday, New Hope says they plan to raise the remaining $650,000 to complete the campaign, the largest in its history.

“As we celebrate 48 years of service, this campaign represents an important step forward for New Hope and the people we serve,” Allison Wharry, president and CEO of New Hope of Indiana said in a release.

“Imagine More is rooted in listening to the individuals and families in our community, and creating spaces that support dignity, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. We are grateful for the momentum that has brought us this far and excited to invite the community to help us finish,” Wharry said.

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