After a pair of interceptions from senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld, the Hoosiers found themselves trailing 10-0 to Duke after the first quarter of the Pinstripe Bowl. Senior kicker Ross Martin drove a 52-yard field goal into the wind to give the Blue Devils an early 3-0 lead.
The Hoosiers responded by an impressive drive deep into Duke territory before Sudfeld was intercepted by Phillip Carter at the Duke 22. On the very next play, sophomore running back Shaun Wilson ran outside for an electrifying 85-yard touchdown to give the Blue Devils a 10-0 lead.
The Hoosier defense responded to the double-digit deficit by forcing Duke to punt. Sudfeld, fresh off a pair of first-half interceptions, led a 10-play 78-yard touchdown drive highlighted by a beautiful scoring pass to freshman receiver Luke Timian. Sudfeld's throw was a lofty one that reached Timian right at the pylon, giving the wideout his first career touchdown grab.
The drive cut the Duke deficit to 10-7.
Then the IU defense came up strong yet again, forcing Duke to turn the ball over on downs at their own 47-yard line.
Duke was not finished with big scampers, as dual-threat junior quarterback Thomas Sirk scampered up the middle for a 73-yard touchdown run, the second play of the drive. The Blue Devils took the momentum that IU had built in the second quarter with a 17-14 lead with one minute remaining in the half.
Consistent plays from Redding, sophomore receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. and freshman receiver Nick Westbrook setup a 45-yard field goal to tie the game, 17-17, at halftime.
Devine Redding led the charge offensively for the Hoosiers, tallying 135 yards on 23 carries with star junior running back Jordan Howard out with a knee injury. Sudfeld completed 14 of his 27 passes for 190 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Teddy Bailey
