Indiana's Josh Hoover Benched by Curt Cignetti vs. Minnesota, Box Score Stats, Highlights & Reaction
Indiana might have a quarterback problem. It didn't keep the Hoosiers from picking up another win, albeit in dramatic fashion.
Indiana might have a quarterback problem. It didn't keep the Hoosiers from picking up another win, albeit in dramatic fashion.
Head coach Curt Cignetti benched Josh Hoover in favor of Grant Wilson at halftime of the Hoosiers' matchup against Minnesota on Saturday, though the defending champions ultimately prevailed in overtime, 23-16, after a wild sequence of 60-yard field goals forced some extra football.
Here's what Hoover's stats looked like at the time of his benching:
And here are the remainder of the key stats from Saturday's matchup:
Hoover took a big hit late in the first half after throwing an interception, which resulted in a penalty against Minnesota:
It's been a rough stretch for Hoover. Two weeks ago he finished 20-of-40 for 296 yards and a touchdown in a 19-15 loss against Ohio State. Last week he was just 8-of-18 for 81 yards and an interception in a 13-6 overtime win against Michigan.
He carried a probable designation throughout the week.
As for the remainder of the game, it was mostly a defensive affair until a wild finish.
Nick Marsh scored the opening touchdown of the game in the first quarter:
But Minnesota took the lead in the second quarter with a smooth flea flicker:
The Golden Gophers also impacted the game on special teams, blocking a field goal in the second quarter. It was a rough kicking day for Indiana in general—the Hoosiers also fumbled the snap on what would have been a game-tying attempt in the fourth quarter:
Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki, meanwhile, had himself a day, going 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 60-yarder that ultimately served as the game-winner. And yet... tasked with hitting a 60-yarder himself to keep Indiana alive, Paddy McAteer responded as time expired to force overtime.
Charlie Becker then showed up in overtime in a big way, hauling in a touchdown reception on the first play.
Indiana's defense stopped the Gophers on their possession and the upset bid was averted.
For Minnesota (5-3), it was a heartbreaking result after an incredibly valiant effort on the road. For Indiana (8-1), it was a true test of resiliency, even if the questions about Hoover's starting status will linger into the future.
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