Indiana’s impressive football season faced a significant challenge on Saturday as the fifth-ranked Hoosiers were defeated 38-15 by second-ranked Ohio State. This loss has led to renewed scrutiny about Indiana’s status as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten and a viable College Football Playoff candidate.
Curt Cignetti’s team struggled throughout the game, accumulating only 151 yards of total offense—the lowest figure allowed by Ohio State against a ranked opponent in nearly two decades. A large portion of Indiana’s yardage came during a late-game touchdown drive, which is often seen as inconsequential in the broader context of the matchup. This defeat marked Ohio State’s most significant victory against a top-five team since the year 2000.
However, this setback should not overshadow the Hoosiers’ accomplishments this season. Entering the game, Indiana boasted the sixth-best strength of record according to ESPN’s FPI metric, highlighting their potential as a College Football Playoff contender. Prior to this game, Indiana had showcased dominance with an average margin of victory of over 30 points across their first ten wins. Nonetheless, these victories were primarily over teams that were not ranked, leaving Indiana with just one win against an FBS opponent boasting a winning record.
As Indiana aims to bolster its playoff credentials, it is imperative for them to finish the season with an 11-1 record, which would provide a strong case for inclusion in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff system. The Hoosiers’ next challenge lies against their in-state rival Purdue, which has struggled this season with a 1-10 record and an alarming deficit against top-ranked teams.
While defeating Purdue may not significantly enhance Indiana’s playoff resume, it would fulfill the win requirement necessary for postseason consideration. Ultimately, the Hoosiers’ fate in the selection process will depend heavily on how they compare to other potential at-large teams, especially those from the SEC, which currently has a cluster of two-loss teams vying for playoff spots.
Recent developments, such as Ole Miss’s loss to Florida and Tennessee’s defeat by Arkansas, have positively impacted Indiana’s position, reducing competition for playoff spots. The Hoosiers must also monitor the ACC teams like the Miami Hurricanes and SMU, who are in contention assuming they both finish the season at 11-1.
The upcoming College Football Playoff Rankings will be pivotal in assessing Indiana’s playoff prospects. For now, the Hoosiers can remain optimistic, especially if other contenders stumble in the final weeks of the season.
In summary, while Indiana’s recent loss against Ohio State raises some questions, the potential for an 11-1 finish remains within reach, and the opportunities for playoff qualification are still alive. As the season wraps up, all eyes will be on how teams across the country perform, with hope lingering for the Hoosiers’ postseason aspirations.