Indiana quarterback Michael Penix had one passing touchdown in his first year with the Hoosiers in 2018. He matched that total in the first quarter of the first game in 2019.

After settling for a field goal on its first drive, Indiana reached the end zone for the first time this season when Penix found senior wide receiver Nick Westbrook for a 75-yard touchdown.

Penix displayed tremendous arm strength on the long play, as his pass sailed about 50 yards through the air. Westbrook clearly beat the Ball State defender on the route and then outran him to the end zone.

Penix finished the first quarter against Ball State 8-of-11 for 144 yards with the long touchdown and an interception. The 75-yard grab was Westbrook’s only reception of the first quarter, but Big Ten fans should expect to see plenty of the Penix-Westbrook connection in 2019.

Penix played three games last year before suffering a torn ACL, which ended his season. Fortunately, he was able to redshirt, so he could still play four years for the Hoosiers.

Meanwhile, Westbrook returns as the team’s leading receiver. During his junior year in 2018, he posted 42 catches for 590 yards and four touchdowns.