Indiana Stuns Ohio State, Claims Big Ten Championship and Top Playoff Seed
No. 2 Indiana defeated No. 1 Ohio State 13-10 to win the Big Ten championship, ending a 50-year title drought and securing a top playoff seed as the last unbeaten team in major college football.
Overview
- No. 2 Indiana achieved a significant 13-10 victory over No. 1 Ohio State, securing the Big Ten championship title in a major college football upset.
- This win marks Indiana's first Big Ten championship since 1967, ending a 50-year title drought and a 30-year losing streak against Ohio State.
- The Hoosiers' triumph makes them the last unbeaten team in major college football, boasting their first outright championship since 1945.
- By winning the Big Ten title, Indiana has secured a top seed in the upcoming college football playoff, aiming for their first national championship.
- Despite the loss, Ohio State, with a 12-1 record, is still expected to enter the college football playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as an "incredible turnaround" orchestrated by coach Curt Cignetti, emphasizing Indiana's rapid transformation from a historically losing program to a Big Ten champion. They highlight the team's numerous record-breaking achievements and Cignetti's bold leadership, creating a narrative of overcoming long odds and proving doubters wrong.
"In just 737 days, he turned what had been the Football Bowl Subdivision’s losingest program into the nation’s No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs, a legitimate championship contender and a Big Ten champion for the first time since 1967."
Associated Press"The Hoosiers showed everyone why they’re no longer taking a backseat to the Buckeyes or anyone else in college football."
Associated PressArticles (3)
FAQ
Indiana's 13-10 victory ended a 50-year Big Ten title drought, their first outright championship since 1945, and broke a 30-year losing streak against Ohio State, marking a historic upset in college football.
By winning the Big Ten title, Indiana secured a top seed in the college football playoff as the last unbeaten team, positioning them for a chance at their first national championship.
Ohio State finished with a 12-1 record and, despite the loss, is still expected to enter the college football playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
Standout performances came from Indiana's quarterback Mendoza, wide receiver Charlie Becker with six catches for 126 yards, and running back Jeremiah Smith, contributing significantly to the victory.
Critical moments included Mendoza’s touchdown pass to Elijah Sarah, a successful fourth down defensive stop on Ohio State, and Ohio State's failure to capitalize in the red zone, which allowed Indiana to maintain their lead.
History
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