Tony Thomas
Writer
The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, under Curt Cignetti, have achieved winning football on the gridiron the last two seasons. The Hoosiers have posted a 24-2 record under Cignetti and won a Big Ten Conference title this season, their first since the 1967 season.
This season, the undefeated Hoosiers (13-0) were ranked in the top ten in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll by the end of September and have remained there ever since.
Cignetti has restored a winning football mindset in the psyche of his players and of the fans in Bloomington. As a result, the Hoosiers fielded a potent offense that has scored 41 points per game.
Indiana defeated three top ten opponents (#9 Illinois, #3 Oregon and #1 Ohio State) this season that finished with a combined record of 31-6.
A dominant defense that has allowed a paltry 10 points per contest could win Indiana a national title.
In eight games this season, the Hoosiers held their opponents to 10 points or less. In addition, Indiana allowed just 100+ yards rushing against them only twice.
The Indiana’s defense, under coordinator Bryant Haines, is ranked in the top ten in several categories:
Standout players on this dominant defense include five players that earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors:
The Hoosiers posted four games of double-digit tackles for loss and four games of five or more sacks. In addition, Indiana intercepted at least one pass in 11 of 13 games, and five games with multiple interceptions. Also, only two opponents managed to convert on 3rd down 40 percent or more of the time.
Add all that up, and either the Oklahoma Sooners or the Alabama Crimson Tide will have the unenviable task of facing arguably the best defense in college football. A unit that is championship-caliber and could lead the Hoosiers to a national championship. That would be a fitting end to their already historic season.
Cody Croy
Writer
Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes have agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Columbus, ending speculation that he could return to the NFL. Patricia, who has been in Columbus for one year, set historic numbers in his first season as defensive coordinator. Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes ultimately fell short […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
Desperation is a stinky cologne, but the Buckeyes are desperate for wins following the loss to Michigan State. Ohio State relied on every ounce of manpower against #15 Michigan State. They have been down a starter in John Mobley Jr for weeks, but without Devin Royal, the game felt like a prayer. Amare Bynum was […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Buckeyes had not lost back-to-back games yet this year coming into tonight. Ohio State started the night in Joe Lunardi’s bracketology as one of the first four out of the 64-team tournament. With Selection Sunday looming and no ranked wins to show for it, the Buckeyes face a must-win scenario. The Buckeyes came out […]
