The matchup between Indiana State and Indiana University (IU) in football always draws interest, especially for Hoosier fans. Below is a deep dive into what to expect, the latest developments, and a prediction for the game.

Background: IU Football & Indiana State Football

• Indiana (Hoosiers) Football competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a Big Ten Conference member. After a strong showing last season and into 2025, expectations are higher.

• Indiana State Sycamores Football plays in the FCS (Missouri Valley Football Conference). They are coached by Curt Mallory, now in his eighth season at the helm in 2025, with a career record at ISU of 26-55.

• History between the two isn’t long. They’ve met six times previously, and Indiana University holds a 6-0 record in those matchups.

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2025 Season So Far: Form, Strengths & Weaknesses

Indiana (IU)

• IU started the 2025 season 2-0. Wins over Old Dominion (27-14) and a dominant performance vs. Kennesaw State (56-9) have set them up with momentum.

• Key strengths:

  • Running game: Averaging something like 311 rushing yards per game across its backfield trio (Roman Hemby, Lee Beebe Jr., Kaelon Black) a top-tier performance.

  • Passing & QB play: Fernando Mendoza has thrown well, with high completion rates, multiple touchdowns, and showing good chemistry with his receivers.

• Areas to watch:

  • Defense: especially in “explosive plays” allowed; safety issues, missed tackles, alignment communication have been noted as things that need polish.

Indiana State (Sycamores)

• Also 2-0 to open, with wins over McKendree and Eastern Illinois.

• However, their starting quarterback Elijah Owens suffered a collarbone injury in Week 2 (vs Eastern Illinois). Redshirt junior Keegan Patterson is expected to start in his stead. Patterson showed capability in limited time, both in passing and rushing.

• Coach Curt Mallory has kept the team competitive despite past seasons’ struggles; ISU is off to one of its better starts in recent years.

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Indiana vs Indiana State Prediction

Given the current form, history, roster strength, and home field advantage:

• Edge to Indiana (Hoosiers). IU has more explosive offensive weapons, deeper roster, and experience at FBS level.

• Spread & odds: Indiana is heavily favored; reports indicate a spread around -48.5 points with an over/under near 57–60 points.

• Expect IU to win comfortably, likely by a large margin if they clean up defensive miscues and execute with their strengths in the run and pass game. Indiana State may put up some resistance early, especially with Patterson at QB, but it will be an uphill battle.

Game Details: When, Where & How to Watch

IU Football Schedule Snapshot (2025)

Here is part of Indiana’s early season 2025 schedule to give context:

• Aug 30: vs Old Dominion ‒ Win 27-14

• Sep 6: vs Kennesaw State ‒ Win 56-9

• Sep 12: vs Indiana State at home

• Following games include vs Illinois, @ Iowa, @ Oregon, etc. as Big Ten conference play ramps up.

Head-to-Head History & Motivations

• As mentioned, IU is undefeated vs Indiana State (6-0). The previous meeting in 2023 ended with an IU win, 41-7.

• For Indiana State, this is a chance not just for an upset, but to prove growth in their program: they’re off to their best 2-0 start since 1986.

• For IU, this serves as final warm-up before tougher Big Ten games, an opportunity to polish defensive lapses and build confidence.

What to Watch: Key Matchups

• IU’s run game vs ISU’s front – Can Indiana State slow down the Hoosiers’ ground attack? If not, the game could get out of hand early.

• QB transition for ISU – How well can Keegan Patterson fill in for Owens? Turnovers, decision timing, mobility will matter.

• Hoosier defense – Especially in secondary and safeties; alignment mistakes and giving up big plays have been concerns. Tightening that up will be critical.

• Momentum and morale – For ISU, motivation is high; lots of in-state players on their roster, and a chance to make a statement. IU, on the other hand, will want to maintain consistency and avoid looking past this game.

Prediction

Final Score Estimate: Indiana defeats Indiana State by 35-45 points, something like IU 52, ISU 10-17 depending on how many points ISU can piece together in the first half.

Conclusion

The Indiana vs Indiana State game is likely to be a showcase of IU’s growth in 2025, especially their offense and ability to dominate non-conference games. Indiana State has heart and is riding momentum, but the gap in talent, coaching, and depth is significant. For fans of Indiana football (IU football), this is a game to watch to see how well the team executes and addresses its weak spots before Big Ten play intensifies.

FAQs: Indiana vs Indiana State Football

1. What is the Indiana vs Indiana State prediction?

Indiana is heavily favored to win, with most predictions suggesting a final score around IU 52, ISU 14. The Hoosiers’ depth and talent should give them a decisive edge.

2. Where to watch Indiana State football vs Indiana Hoosiers football?

Fans can watch the game on the Big Ten Network (BTN). It can also be streamed on digital platforms that carry BTN, such as certain sports streaming services.

3. What is the IU football schedule for 2025?

IU opened with wins against Old Dominion and Kennesaw State, followed by the Indiana State game. Upcoming opponents include Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, and other Big Ten rivals.

4. Who is the current quarterback for IU football?

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been leading IU this season, showing consistency in passing and building strong chemistry with his receivers.

5. Has Indiana State ever beaten Indiana in football?

No. Indiana University holds a 6-0 all-time record against Indiana State in football.