COLUMBUS, Ohio — Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti expressed frustration with the ongoing “narrative” surrounding his team’s standing in the College Football Playoff rankings prior to their matchup against Ohio State. He specifically addressed the criticism regarding Indiana’s relatively easy schedule during a pre-game interview with ESPN, stating, “People can stick that narrative up their you know what.”
However, the words did not resonate well after the game, as Indiana suffered a 38-15 defeat to Ohio State at Ohio Stadium. The Hoosiers struggled significantly, managing only 151 yards of offense and failing to score for most of the game. After an initial touchdown on their opening possession, Indiana saw Ohio State score 31 unanswered points and secure a commanding lead. The loss marked a disappointing moment for Cignetti, especially as it represented the least productive offensive performance of his short tenure as head coach.
Quarterback Kurtis Rourke faced a challenging game against Ohio State’s defense, suffering five sacks and being limited to a mere 68 yards passing. It marked a troubling milestone, as it was the first time in his career that he recorded less than 100 yards passing, alongside a career-low completion percentage of 44%. Indiana’s defeat also extended their losing streak against Ohio State to 30 games, a streak that has not seen them victorious in Columbus since 1987.
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, a standout transfer from Alabama and the top-rated transfer in the nation, made a significant impact during the game by scoring the team’s first punt return touchdown in a decade, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 21-7. This play came at a critical time for Indiana, as they were searching for momentum after halftime but struggled to advance the ball and crossed midfield only twice in the second half.
The Buckeyes capitalized on mistakes made by Indiana and demonstrated effective pressure on Rourke throughout the game, forcing critical errors that contributed to IU’s downfall. Despite some early promise where Indiana took a 7-0 lead in the game’s opening moments, they were unable to maintain their momentum as the game progressed.
While this game was undoubtedly a setback for Indiana, it presents an opportunity for the team to learn and grow. With the season still ongoing, Cignetti and his players can reflect on their performance, make necessary adjustments, and strive to come back stronger in future games. The challenges faced against a top-tier opponent like Ohio State can also serve as valuable experience for a team looking to establish itself in the competitive landscape of college football.