BLOOMINGTON, IN — The No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating the UCLA Bruins 56–6 at Memorial Stadium. The victory propels Indiana to an 8–0 record, maintaining their perfect season, while UCLA falls to 3–5.
Game Recap
The Hoosiers set the tone early with a defensive touchdown. Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher intercepted UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s first pass attempt and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, giving Indiana a 7–0 lead just over a minute into the game.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza continued the momentum, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing score. Running back Roman Hemby contributed two rushing touchdowns, while his brother, Alberto Mendoza, added another in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. also had a notable performance with two touchdown receptions.
UCLA’s offense struggled throughout the game, managing only 201 total yards. The Bruins’ only points came from a 44-yard field goal by Mateen Bhaghani in the second quarter.
Key Performers
- Indiana:
- Fernando Mendoza: 15 completions on 22 attempts for 168 yards, 3 total touchdowns.
- Roman Hemby: 17 carries for 81 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Aiden Fisher: 1 interception returned for a touchdown.
- E.J. Williams Jr.: 5 receptions for 109 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- UCLA:
- Nico Iamaleava: Struggled under pressure, throwing an early interception.
- Mateen Bhaghani: Scored UCLA’s only points with a field goal.
What It Means
Indiana’s dominant victory solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the nation, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive prowess. The Hoosiers’ balanced attack and disciplined defense make them a formidable contender as the season progresses.
For UCLA, the loss highlights ongoing challenges, particularly in offensive execution and protection. The Bruins will need to regroup and address these issues as they look to rebound in their upcoming games.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com | October 25, 2025
