VIDEO1: What Indiana coach Tom Allen said about QB Michael Penix Jr.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Michael Penix Jr. wasn't perfect for Indiana on Saturday, but he didn't have to be. He was still more than good enough to lead the Hoosiers to a 35-0 victory over Rutgers at Memorial Stadium.
Penix completed 20 of 29 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns, and once again had a great connection with junior wide receiver Whop Philyor, who had 10 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown. The two Tampa natives have had huge back-to-back performances. Philyor had double-digit receptions in two straight games, something that's never been done by an IU receiver before.
Penix also hit tight end Peyton Hendershot for a score in the first quarter, and also connected with senior wide receiver Nick Westbrook later in the period.
Here's what Indiana coach Tom Allen said about his quarterback's performance:
Indiana is now 4-2 against Rutgers since the Scarlet Knights joined the Big Ten in 2014, and have won four straight. It is their longest active winning streak against any conference opponent.
This was Indiana's first conference win of the season after losing games to Ohio State (51-10) and Michigan State (40-31.). Indiana now has two conferences road games ahead, facing Maryland on Oct. 19 and Nebraska on Oct. 26. The Hoosiers' next home game is Nov. 2 against Northwestern.
The Hoosiers were 27.5-point favorites coming into the game — their largest point spread ever in the Big Ten game — and they have done well as heavy favorites this year, beating Eastern Illinois 52-0 as a 36.5-point favorite and Connecticut 38-3 as a 27.5-point favorite.
