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Numbers + Nasty in Week 2: No. 23 Indiana Hosts Kennesaw State

Kevin Kelley
College Football | Saturday, Sept. 6 • 12:00 p.m. ET • FS1
The No. 23 Hoosiers (1–0) return to Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium fresh off a balanced 27–14 opener and carrying a spread that suggests businesslike work against Kennesaw State (0–1). The metrics paint IU as a possession bully and a third-down closer:
By the numbers (national ranks):
  • IU Offense: 502.0 ypg (21st) — 309.0 rush ypg (9th), 193.0 pass ypg (84th), 27.0 ppg (64th)
  • IU Defense: 314.0 ypg allowed (66th) — 96.0 pass (20th), 309.0 rush (119th), 14.0 ppg (58th)
  • 3rd Down: IU converts 58.8% (21st) vs. KSU defense allowing 35.3% (71st)
  • Turnovers: IU +2 (11th)
  • Flags: IU just 25.0 penalty yds/gm (20th); KSU 68.0 (111th)
  • Time of Possession: IU 41:28 (1st); KSU 24:59 (118th)
  • Red Zone: IU scoring on 57.1% (needs polish); KSU red-zone D allows 66.7%
Leaders & levers:
  • IU QB Fernando Mendoza: 193 pass (58.1%), 33 rush + TD; steady platform throws + keepers in the red area.
  • RB Roman Hemby: 111 rush on 23 totes; pairs one-cut urgency with patience behind double teams.
  • WR Omar Cooper Jr.: 52 receiving on 2 grabs; vertical threat who stretches safeties.
  • KSU QB Dexter Williams II: 149 pass, 44 rush; dual-threat stressor if edges lose contain.
  • RB Coleman Bennett: 66 and a TD; the Owls’ chain-mover.
  • WR Gabriel Benyard: 103 on 5; explosive if he finds grass after the catch.
Keys in crimson:
  1. Own the script: A quick start behind the ground game (Hemby + QB keepers) lets IU lean into the TOP hammer.
  2. Red-zone reps: The yardage is there; the short-field sequencing (personnel/tempo) is the growth target.
  3. Edge integrity: Williams’ legs are KSU’s chaos card—set the edge, fold linebackers over the top, rally and wrap.
If Indiana’s front keeps its pads square and the offense finishes drives, this should read like a clean, ranked-team home performance.