Indiana’s promising football season faced a significant challenge on Saturday as the fifth-ranked Hoosiers suffered a 38-15 defeat against second-ranked Ohio State. The loss raised doubts about Indiana’s status as a contender in the Big Ten and for the College Football Playoff, leaving many questioning the team’s resilience.
Curt Cignetti’s team needed a powerful response, but they walked away from Columbus with disappointing statistics, managing only 151 total yards of offense—the lowest allowed by Ohio State against a ranked opponent in 17 years. Roughly half of those yards were accumulated in the final moments of the game, contributing to a late touchdown that had little impact on the overall result. This defeat also marked Ohio State’s largest victory over a top-five opponent since the year 2000.
Despite this setback, Indiana’s achievements this season remain significant. Entering the game with one of the top strengths of record according to ESPN’s FPI, the Hoosiers showed their potential as a playoff contender through a series of dominant performances, with their first ten wins coming by an average margin of 30.1 points. However, the fact that none of these victories were against ranked teams leaves questions about their ability to compete at the highest level, especially with just one win against an FBS opponent boasting a winning record.
Now, with just one game left in the regular season, Indiana has an opportunity to finish with an 11-1 record, a strong claim for a playoff spot regardless of surrounding circumstances. Their next challenge will be a match against in-state rival Purdue, who has struggled this season with only one win and a dismal point differential against top-10 teams.
Even though a victory over Purdue may not significantly bolster Indiana’s playoff resume, it would ensure they hit the crucial win threshold. Much of Indiana’s playoff hopes will depend on how they are perceived relative to other at-large teams, especially following some surprising losses in the SEC, where three contenders fell to unranked opponents in Week 13.
The Hoosiers are also monitoring developments in the ACC, where the rankings indicate that both the Hurricanes and the Mustangs could potentially make the playoff if they finish 11-1. As the College Football Playoff Rankings approach, Indiana’s position will become clearer. If other teams falter, the outlook could become better for the Hoosiers.
In summary, while the defeat to Ohio State was disappointing, Indiana has a chance to solidify their playoff aspirations moving forward. They must focus on winning their next game against Purdue as they navigate the complexities of playoff selection. The encouraging news from other conferences gives Indiana’s supporters a glimmer of hope as they look to end the season on a high note.