Indiana Dominates Maryland 55-10; Sarratt Injured

**Hoosiers Dominate Maryland 55-10, But Sarratt Injury Casts Shadow Ahead of Penn State Showdown**

**BLOOMINGTON, Ind.** – The No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers delivered a resounding statement Saturday afternoon, dismantling Maryland with a dominant 55-10 victory at a raucous Memorial Stadium. The win pushed Indiana’s season record to an unblemished 8-0 overall and 5-0 in Big Ten Conference play, further solidifying their national championship aspirations in what has become a historic season.

While the Hoosiers’ offensive firepower was on full display for a sellout crowd, the jubilation was tempered by the early exit of star wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who left the game with hamstring tightness in the third quarter. Sarratt, a cornerstone of Indiana’s explosive attack, is slated for an MRI, though head coach Curt Cignetti expressed optimism regarding the severity, stating it’s “hopefully not severe.” Before his departure, Sarratt had already made his mark, hauling in 5 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, showcasing why he’s considered one of the nation’s premier playmakers.

Even with Sarratt sidelined for the majority of the second half, Indiana’s offense hardly missed a beat, showcasing its depth and versatility. Quarterback Jayden Bradley continued his Heisman-caliber campaign, orchestrating the attack with precision, completing 19 of 24 passes for 283 yards and an impressive three touchdowns, all without throwing an interception. Bradley’s command of the offense has been a defining characteristic of Indiana’s rise this season.

The Hoosiers’ running game was equally effective, gashing the Terrapins for 271 yards on the ground. Junior running back Trenton Jones led the charge, exploding for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, demonstrating his power and agility. Marcus Brown provided a strong complement, adding 81 yards and another score on 11 carries.

In Sarratt’s absence, fellow wide receiver Kevin Davis stepped up admirably, becoming a prime target for Bradley. Davis finished the day with 6 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, underscoring the depth of Indiana’s receiving corps. Overall, the Hoosiers churned out a staggering 554 yards of total offense, controlling the game from the opening whistle.

“It was a dominant performance from start to finish,” Coach Cignetti remarked after the game. “Our guys just continued to execute, regardless of the situation. We’ve talked all week about bringing our A-game, and they delivered.”

Defensively, Indiana was equally stifling, holding Maryland to a mere 215 total yards. Terrapins quarterback Cameron Williams struggled against the Hoosiers’ relentless pressure and tight coverage, completing just 12 of 24 passes for 107 yards and throwing a crucial interception that blunted one of Maryland’s few promising drives.

For Maryland, now sitting at 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play, the loss was a stark reminder of the chasm between their current status and the conference’s elite. Coach Mike Locksley’s squad will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season and secure bowl eligibility.

The Hoosiers, meanwhile, are riding a wave of unprecedented success under Coach Cignetti, whose transformative tenure has turned a perennial underdog into a national contender. The atmosphere around Bloomington has been electric all season, with Memorial Stadium now a fortress for a program that has captured the imagination of college football fans nationwide.

Next Saturday, Indiana faces its biggest test of the season, heading on the road for a colossal matchup against No. 3 Penn State. The winner of that contest will seize control of the Big Ten East Division and significantly bolster their College Football Playoff aspirations. The significance of Sarratt’s MRI results cannot be overstated for what promises to be one of the season’s most anticipated games.

Maryland will return home to College Park to host No. 20 Iowa, looking to bounce back from their disheartening loss.