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

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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

Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

  • 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

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) and IIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrate after a touchdown during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

  • 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

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Karson Kiesewetter (28) and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) react during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

  • 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

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety King Mack (16), safety Zakee Wheatley (6), linebacker Amare Campbell (24), cornerback A.J. Harris (4) and cornerback Audavion Collins (2) celebrate a tackle during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

  • 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

Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) runs after a catch during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

  • 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.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Tale of the Tape: Indiana offense vs. Penn State defense

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