Mendoza, Sarratt power Indiana football past Kennesaw State, 56-9

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti a week ago was clear about how unhappy he was with his team's performance in the season-opening win over Old Dominion.

On Saturday against Kennesaw State, the Hoosiers took advantage early and didn't let up. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw four touchdowns, three to Elijah Sarratt, on the way to a 56-9 win at Memorial Stadium.

"Last time we really waxed somebody was Purdue, and that was a long time ago," Cignetti said. "It was good to get back to that."

No. 21 Indiana (2-0) opened the scoring against Kennesaw State (0-2) with a 1-yard rushing touchdown then Mendoza found Sarratt from nine yards out on a fade route for his first score of the game.

The Hoosiers' largest lead of the first half was 21-0 after Lee Beebe Jr. ran it in from 11 yards out.

Indiana's defense continued to keep Kennesaw State out of the end zone but a few big plays allowed the Owls to get in field goal range on three occasions.

"Sort of stumbled, bumbled around in the second quarter a bit," Cignetti said.

The Owls cut it to a 21-9 Indiana advantage early in the third quarter with a successful 50-yard field goal but that was as close as it'd get.

Indiana scored back-to-back touchdowns as Sarratt grabbed his second touchdown from three yards out then the Hoosiers' defense made a big play.

Jamari Sharpe initially gave up a 34-yard catch but then stripped the ball out on the tackle and recovered the fumble.

On the following possession, Omar Cooper took a reverse toss and broke a couple tackles for a 75-yard touchdown to give Indiana a 35-9 lead midway through the third quarter.

Sarratt became the 14th player in IU history with three receiving touchdowns in a game after Mendoza found him again for a 20-yard score.

The Hoosiers put the game further out of reach with two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Indiana outgained Kennesaw State 593-271 in total offense. Mendoza finished with 245 yards and no interceptions. The Hoosiers also rushed for 313 yards and three scores.

"Good day, I think we made the improvement we needed to make ... took a step forward, the step we needed to take," Cignetti said.