Kirk Herbstreit Shouts Out Unsung Hero of Penn State vs. Indiana Game

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Kirk Herbstreit Shouts Out Unsung Hero of Penn State vs. Indiana Game

Key Points:

  • Kirk Herbstreit had a message for fans
  • He shouted out an unsung hero
  • IU has two deceptively challenging games left

The Indiana Hoosiers remained perfect on the 2025-26 season with a thrilling last second win over the Penn State Nittany Lions this past Saturday during which a circus, highlight-reel catch from Omar Cooper Jr. caused fans to react with excitement on social media.

On Monday after the game, former Ohio State receiver Joey Galloway and former Buckeyes quarterback Kirk Herbstreit shared their thoughts on what many people feel is the catch of the year so far in college football.

Herbstreit gave a special shout-out to an unsung hero whose actions helped Cooper Jr. to make the improbable toe-tapping catch.

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Herbstreit Shouts Out Referee on Cooper Play

Herbstreit shouted out the referee on the Cooper Jr. play for his self control.

“And how about the referee?” Herbstreit said. “He had to get out of the way, keep his eyes down focused on the feet, and then he comes up with, ‘Touchdown,’ and it’s one thing to go, frame by frame, of course that’s a touchdown, but in the heat of the moment, as fast as that happened, for him to get out of the way and still keep his vision on that back line, and he nails it…”

“As much as we rip officials, how great was it to see that guy just dialed in?” he added.

Hoosiers Two Games From Date With Destiny

The Hoosiers have two games left on the schedule with hopes of punching their ticket to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game.

Indiana will face Wisconsin at home on Nov. 15 and will conclude its season with a rivalry game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.

Indiana is likely to be big favorites in both games but both the Badgers and Boilermakers have been playing better football as of late with the Badgers beating Washington last week and the Boilers playing Michigan to a close final score in Ann Arbor the previous week.

Purdue played number one Ohio State close in the first half of last week’s 34-10 loss but ran out of steam as the Buckeyes took control, handing the Boilermakers their eighth loss in ten games this season.

Related: Kirk Herbstreit Names College Football Town With the ‘Nicest Human Beings’

Related: Tom Brady Welcomes Drew Brees to Fox Sports With Supportive Message Friday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos