Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover was left bloodied but unbowed during his debut for the team, after a North Texas defender committed a blatant facemask foul that spun his helmet around and caused heavy bleeding. Despite the injury, Hoover remained on the pitch and, only three plays later, threw a nine-yard touchdown pass while still bleeding from his nose and chin, prompting praise from broadcasters for his toughness. The moment has been highlighted as one of the standout displays of grit in the early weeks of the college football season.

The incident occurred midway through the second quarter of Indiana's season opener, when North Texas lineman Udoka Ezeani grabbed and twisted Hoover's facemask. Fox's broadcast team, including Gus Johnson, drew attention to Hoover's bloodied appearance, with Johnson remarking "he bleeds red". Hoover, a transfer from TCU stepping in for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on a reigning national championship team, finished the first half having completed seven of eight passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, including the score to wide receiver Charlie Becker made shortly after the injury.