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Indiana’s 34-6 loss to Iowa among worst season openers in over 60 years
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The Indiana Hoosiers were looking to start the 2021 season strong after a great 2020 college football season. On Saturday, the #17 Indiana Hoosiers kicked off their 2021 season with a disappointing 34-6 road loss to the #18 Iowa Hawkeyes.
According to Indy Star college reporter Zach Osterman, the Hoosiers had their worst loss by point margin in a season-opener since the 2017 matchup at home against the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes with a 49-21 loss. This loss also matched their other worst season-opening game since 1957 when they lost at the #4 Michigan State Spartans 54-0.
The 28-point margin of defeat today is IU’s joint-worst loss in a season opener since 1957. Matches the 49-21 loss to Ohio State in 2017. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) September 4, 2021
The Hoosiers came into this game as a 3.5-point underdog to the Hawkeyes, but they fell apart quickly by halftime with a 31-3 score. Indiana was outgained by Iowa in total yards accounted for 303-to-233 and first downs accounted for 18-to-11. In the first game since suffering an ACL injury on November 30th against the Maryland Terps, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw three interceptions against the Hawkeyes.
The Hoosiers (0-1) will host the Idaho Vandals (1-0) next Saturday in their home game of the season.