Josh Hoover bleeds, aces first test as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza successor

TCU coach Sonny Dykes took a shot at Josh Hoover's three-year production with the Horned Frogs during the offseason, saying that "stats are stats" when discussing his former quarterback's numbers.

If Hoover was looking for a way to respond, he delivered it on the field Saturday.

In his Indiana debut, the TCU transfer avoided turnovers and led the sixth-ranked Hoosiers to a Week 1 win over North Texas, showing why he's expected to be a serious contender in this season's Heisman Trophy race.

Hoover was highly efficient, completing 13-of-16 passes for 231 yards while finishing with four touchdown passes in the Hoosiers' 52-16 win over the Mean Green at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. It's the ninth game of his career with at least four touchdown passes, which is the most among all active players.

"You never really know what to expect. I thought he made a significant stride in fall camp, and I was confident (in him). I thought he played (with) a lot of confidence today," Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told Fox's Jenny Taft after the game about his quarterback's performance.

The 6-2 quarterback didn't wait long to make his first impression with his new fanbase, as he…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/