Indiana Quarterback Josh Hoover Exits Game Against Minnesota With Injury

Indiana starting quarterback Josh Hoover exited Saturday's game against Minnesota at halftime after taking a heavy hit in the second quarter. The fourth-ranked Hoosiers trailed 10-7 at the break when head coach Curt Cignetti turned to seventh-year senior backup Grant Wilson to take over the offense.

Hoover had completed 8 of 19 passes for 119 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the first half before leaving the contest. He had been managing an injury to his throwing arm previously sustained against Ohio State, though he was not listed on the team's availability report prior to kickoff.

The transition to Wilson comes as Indiana attempts to navigate the back half of the season while defending its national title. Hoover entered the matchup with 1,741 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and just one interception through the first seven games of the campaign, following his transfer from TCU where he played four seasons.

Wilson, who won the backup role over Tyler Cherry during fall camp, finished the afternoon with 156 passing yards and a touchdown. In the extra period, Wilson connected with Charlie Becker for a 25-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime to help secure the victory.

The game ultimately went to overtime after Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki converted a career-long 60-yard field goal to give the Golden Gophers a 16-13 lead with just 19 seconds remaining in regulation. Indiana responded when Becker caught a 33-yard pass to set up Paddy McAteer for a game-tying 60-yard field goal as time expired.

With the narrow victory, Indiana improved its record and kept its momentum alive before heading into a bye week. The Hoosiers are scheduled to host Southern California on November 14, giving the program time to evaluate Hoover's throwing arm and overall health moving forward.