What was the final score of the Indiana vs. Penn State game?

Indiana defeated Penn State 27-24 in a thrilling comeback.

Who led the game-winning drive for Indiana?

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza orchestrated the late drive, capping it with a touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. with 36 seconds left.

How did Penn State's season start compared to how it ended?

Penn State began the season ranked No. 2 but fell to 3-6 after a disappointing year that saw head coach James Franklin fired halfway through the season.

Home / Sports / Indiana Stuns Penn State with Last-Minute Touchdown

Indiana Stuns Penn State with Last-Minute Touchdown

9 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza throws game-winning TD pass with 36 seconds left
Penn State had taken a 24-20 lead in the 4th quarter before the comeback
Indiana remains unbeaten at 10-0, while Penn State drops to 3-6

Indiana Stuns Penn State with Last-Minute Touchdown

On November 5, 2022, No. 2 Indiana pulled off a dramatic comeback victory on the road, defeating Penn State 27-24 in the final seconds. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers' game-winning drive, completing 5 of 8 passes for 87 yards and finding wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. for a 7-yard touchdown with just 36 seconds remaining.

Penn State had taken a 24-20 lead earlier in the fourth quarter, with running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen scoring touchdowns to erase Indiana's 10-point advantage. However, Mendoza and the Hoosiers refused to be denied, driving 80 yards down the field in the final minutes to secure the win.

The victory keeps Indiana unbeaten at 10-0 on the season, while Penn State drops to 3-6 after a brutally disappointing start that saw head coach James Franklin fired halfway through the year. The Nittany Lions were unable to hold on for the upset, falling to 1-27 against top-five teams since 2000.