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    • At 5-0, the Hoosiers continue their testing
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    At 5-0, the Hoosiers continue their testing

    Idris Bevan Posted on

    BLOOMINGTON – Indiana football is 5-0 for the first time since the program’s only Rose Bowl season (1967).

    The Hoosiers overcame some early turnovers and got going in the second half to beat Maryland 42-28 on Saturday at rain-soaked Memorial Stadium.

    More: Indiana beats Maryland to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1967

    Here’s how IU performed:

    INJURY: B

    IU coach Curt Cignetti will likely see a mixed day for his offense, which was sloppy to begin with. Kurtis Rourke threw his first two interceptions of the season in the first quarter. IU allowed its first sacks with Rourke behind center since Florida International’s win in Week 1. In the rain, it was harder to find the offensive rhythm that had served IU so well earlier in the season.

    But Rourke recovered and finished the game 23 of 33 for 359 yards and three touchdowns. The ground game, while not explosive, was largely efficient. Indiana stayed ahead of the chains, absorbed Maryland’s blows and finally took control in the fourth quarter. It’s not a bad day at the office when you put up 512 yards and 42 points against a Big Ten opponent and feel like you haven’t always been at your best.

    DEFENSE: A

    Cignetti could appeal for some offside penalties. And this was the first time this year that Indiana played four quarters without forcing a turnover. But the Hoosiers were excellent just about everywhere, harassing Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards all afternoon. Her five sacks exceeded the Terrapins’ total allowed in the first four games of the season (4). Even the mishap that led to Roman Hemby’s 75-yard touchdown in the third quarter could be forgiven to some extent – D’Angelo Ponds looked like he had Hemby in his sights until the referee blocked his path. Perhaps crucially, Indiana’s defense forced a three-pointer after each of the three turnovers in the first half. Overall, the Hoosiers (5-0, 2-0) were very good against a previously high-powered Maryland offense.

    SPECIAL TEAMS: A

    Week after week, IU is so efficient in scoring situations that we say special teams have little to do. But perhaps it’s time to give Indiana some credit at this stage for how unremarkable their performances are. There are few mistakes and there are fewer points on the field. When backups are required, they are competently intervened. Special teams can’t always win a game, but they can lose one, and Indiana played remarkably clean here.

    COACHING: A

    A flawless game on Saturday would have been hard to imagine, as wet, windy and strange as the last two days. But despite four turnovers, Indiana managed to make fewer critical mistakes. There were ugly moments and Cignetti’s team had to deal with adversity for the first time this season. And they did. In front of a crowd that braved the wind and rain and stayed loud for four quarters, IU football responded in kind for the first time in a long time.

    Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU athletics podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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    Idris Bevan
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