Josh Hoover shines in Indiana debut, easing concerns after Fernando Mendoza's departure

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TCU coach Sonny Dykes took a shot at Josh Hoover's three-year production with the Horned Frogs during the offseason, saying that "stats are stats" when discussing his former quarterback's numbers.

If Hoover was looking for a way to respond, he delivered it on the field Saturday.

Stats are stats.

In his Indiana debut, the TCU transfer avoided turnovers and led the sixth-ranked Hoosiers to a Week 1 win over North Texas, showing why he's expected to be a serious contender in this season's Heisman Trophy race.

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Hoover was highly efficient, completing 13-of-16 passes for 231 yards while finishing with four touchdowns in the Hoosiers' 52-16 win over the Mean Green at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. It's the ninth game of his career with at least four touchdown passes, which is the most among all active players.

"You never really know what to expect. I thought he made a significant stride in fall camp, and I was confident (in him). I thought he played (with) a lot of confidence today," Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told Fox's Jenny Taft after the game about his quarterback's performance.

The 6-2 quarterback didn't wait long to make his first impression with his new fanbase, as he connected with Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh for a 15-yard back-shoulder touchdown on his first passing attempt of the afternoon. Talk about a statement setter.

He'd connect with his other star wide receiver, Charlie Becker, for a pair of touchdowns as well. The first came on the final play of the Hoosiers' third drive when he tossed one up high in the air for the preseason All-Big Ten wide receiver to reel in above a pair of defenders. The second was a contested 50-50 ball down the field in the third quarter that resulted in a 35-yard touchdown pass.

Hoover's hot start in Bloomington is on script for past transfer quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza under Cignetti at Indiana. The Hoosiers' third-year coach, in fact, was asked about his success with transfer quarterbacks during an appearance on ESPN's "College GameDay" on Saturday.

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"He had a really good camp. I like the step he took," Cignneti said on 'College GameDay.' "They've all kind of taken the same steps: spring ball, summer, fall camp. Now he's got to put it between the white lines.

"… Josh has played a lot of football. We got to protect him. We got to get open, and then he's got to do his job."

The Hoosiers did, in fact, protect Hoover fairly well on Saturday — aside from a play in the first half that led to a North Texas defender ripping his helmet off, which led to an open, bloody wound to Hoover's face, which did not see him leave the field — and his offensive weapons did get open.

All told, the Cignetti QB Factory in Bloomington is on its way to having its latest success story in Hoover, and he's doing it by filling the shoes of the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

Here’s a deeper look at Hoover's stats in Week 1 at home against North Texas:

Josh Hoover stats today vs North Texas

Here’s a full look at Hoover's line on Sept. 5 against North Texas:

  • Completions: 13
  • Attempts: 16
  • Completion percentage: 81%
  • Passing yards: 231
  • Touchdowns: 4
  • Interceptions: 0

Josh Hoover highlights today vs North Texas

Here's a look at highlights of each of Hoover's touchdown passes on Saturday against North Texas:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Josh Hoover shines in Indiana debut, easing concerns after Fernando Mendoza's departure

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