In a game packed with momentum swings and high-stakes drama, the Indiana Hoosiers got their revenge on the San Diego State Aztecs, pulling off a 20-17 win in the final seconds of an electric NDL rematch.
The Hoosiers came into the game with last season’s loss to SDSU still fresh in their minds—and they played like a team on a mission. But what looked like a comfortable Indiana lead turned into a heart-pounding thriller by the fourth quarter.
With 1:57 left in the third quarter and down 13-3, the Aztecs appeared to be heading toward a quiet defeat. The offense had stalled, and Indiana’s defense was clicking. But something finally sparked in the SDSU huddle.
Nick Gardinera punched in a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:35 remaining in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 13-10 and giving the Aztecs a pulse. On the next drive, SDSU’s defense forced a quick three-and-out, setting the stage for a stunning turnaround. Just moments later, quarterback Danny O'Neil launched a deep strike to a streaking Jashaun Poke, who took it 64 yards to the house, flipping the game and putting the Aztecs up 17-13 with 3:40 to play.
But the problem for San Diego State? They left too much time on the clock.
Indiana calmly marched down the field, converting a critical 4th and 8 to keep the drive alive. The Hoosiers chewed up clock and capped the drive with a go-ahead touchdown with just 16 seconds left on the scoreboard, stunning the visiting Aztecs and sending the Bloomington crowd into a frenzy.
The Aztecs, who showed flashes of brilliance late, dropped to 0-1, while Indiana celebrated a hard-fought win that exorcised the ghosts of last season.
HOME
Discord