History was made at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025, as No. 2 Indiana defeated Penn State 27-24, securing the Hoosiers’ first-ever victory in Happy Valley. The heartbreaking loss eliminated Penn State from bowl eligibility and marked a historic low point in a season of unprecedented turmoil.
The Dramatic Finish
With 1:51 remaining and Penn State leading 24-20, Indiana began their final drive from their own 20-yard line. What followed was a masterclass in clutch execution that will be remembered for years in Big Ten lore.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s junior quarterback, methodically moved his team downfield:
- 22-yard completion on first down
- 12-yard completion on second down
- 29-yard gain that moved Indiana into Penn State territory
- 17-yard completion setting up first and goal from the 7-yard line
With 36 seconds remaining, Mendoza dropped back, scanned the end zone, and delivered a perfect pass to Omar Cooper Jr., who made a spectacular toe-tap catch in the back corner of the end zone. Touchdown, Indiana. 27-24.
The Beaver Stadium crowd fell silent as Indiana celebrated their historic breakthrough.
Game Flow and Key Moments
First Half: Defensive Battle
The opening half was characterized by stout defense and conservative play-calling. Penn State struck first with a field goal in the first quarter, while Indiana responded with a touchdown drive capped by Mendoza’s rushing score.
Penn State’s redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, playing in just his second career start, showed remarkable poise against the nation’s second-ranked team. The young signal-caller managed the game effectively, avoiding costly mistakes while moving the offense efficiently.
Second Half: Penn State’s Rally
Penn State trailed 13-3 at halftime but came alive in the third quarter. Grunkemeyer engineered two touchdown drives, connecting with Trebor Pena for key gains that set up Nicholas Singleton’s two rushing touchdowns.
The Nittany Lions took their first lead at 20-13 late in the third quarter, electrifying the home crowd and briefly raising hopes of a comeback victory.
Indiana’s Response
Indiana answered Penn State’s rally with a methodical touchdown drive of their own, tying the game at 20-20. Mendoza’s connection with Charlie Becker proved pivotal, as the senior receiver consistently moved the chains on crucial third downs.
Statistical Breakdown
Penn State Nittany Lions (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten)
- Ethan Grunkemeyer: 219 passing yards (career high), 1 TD, 1 INT
- Nicholas Singleton: 71 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Trebor Pena: 99 receiving yards (team leader)
- Total Offense: 336 yards
- Turnovers: 2 costly giveaways
Indiana Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten)
- Fernando Mendoza: 218 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 1 rushing TD
- Charlie Becker: 7 receptions, 118 yards
- Omar Cooper Jr.: Game-winning 7-yard TD catch
- Total Offense: 326 yards
- Turnovers: Only 1 giveaway
The Historic Significance
This victory carries enormous historical weight:
For Indiana
- First-ever win at Beaver Stadium in program history
- Perfect season maintained at 10-0 overall
- Big Ten championship hopes alive at 7-0 in conference play
- Mental barrier broken against one of college football’s most intimidating venues
For Penn State
- Historic first: First time ever losing to Indiana at home
- Bowl eligibility eliminated with 3-6 record
- 0-6 Big Ten record: Worst conference start in program history
- Season of transition: Highlighted challenges during coaching change
Player Performances
Penn State Standouts
Ethan Grunkemeyer showed significant growth in his second start. The redshirt freshman completed passes to multiple receivers, displayed pocket awareness under pressure, and made several crucial throws on third downs. His 219 passing yards represent a season high and suggest promising development.
Nicholas Singleton continued his strong 2025 campaign with two rushing touchdowns, providing the offensive spark that Penn State needed. The junior running back ran hard between the tackles and showed breakaway ability on several carries.
Trebor Pena emerged as Grunkemeyer’s favorite target, hauling in 99 receiving yards and making several difficult catches in traffic.
Indiana Heroes
Fernando Mendoza demonstrated why he’s considered one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks. Beyond his game-winning drive, Mendoza consistently made smart decisions and distributed the ball effectively to his playmakers.
Charlie Becker was Mendoza’s security blanket, catching 7 passes for 118 yards and moving the chains consistently on third downs.
Omar Cooper Jr. cemented his place in Indiana lore with the game-winning touchdown catch. The junior receiver’s concentration and athleticism in the final moments proved decisive.
Coaching Impact
The game highlighted the contrasting situations of both programs:
Interim coach Terry Smith has maintained player morale and competitive effort through difficult circumstances. Despite the loss, Penn State played with energy and executed their game plan effectively for most of the game.
Indiana’s coaching staff made excellent adjustments throughout the game, particularly in their final two-minute drill execution. The Hoosiers’ ability to remain calm and execute under pressure reflects excellent preparation.
Season Implications
Penn State’s Reality Check
With three games remaining, Penn State faces several challenges:
- Avoiding 0-9 Big Ten record: Need at least one conference victory
- Player development: Continued growth for Grunkemeyer and other young players
- Coaching search: The program’s direction for 2026 and beyond
- Team morale: Maintaining effort through adversity
Indiana’s Championship Path
Indiana’s perfect season continues with three regular-season games remaining before a potential Big Ten Championship Game appearance. The Hoosiers have positioned themselves for a College Football Playoff berth, with their first-ever Beaver Stadium victory serving as a signature resume-building win.
Looking Ahead
Penn State’s Schedule
- November 15: @ Michigan State
- November 22: vs Nebraska (Senior Day)
- November 29: @ Rutgers (Season Finale)
Indiana’s Path
- November 15: vs Illinois
- November 22: @ Purdue
- November 29: vs Northwestern (Regular Season Finale)
Conclusion
November 8, 2025, will be remembered as a historic day in Big Ten football. Indiana’s first-ever victory at Beaver Stadium marks a significant milestone for their program, while Penn State’s historic loss represents the low point of a tumultuous 2025 season.
For Penn State, the challenge now becomes finishing the season with dignity while building for the future. For Indiana, the focus shifts to maintaining their perfect season and pursuing a College Football Playoff berth.
As both programs move forward, this game will serve as a reference point—a moment when history was made in Happy Valley, changing the narrative for both programs involved.