US NEWS: In a thrilling display of resilience and defensive prowess, the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers pulled off a monumental upset on Saturday evening, defeating the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 13 to 10 in the Big Ten Championship game. This victory not only propelled Indiana to a perfect 13 and 0 record but also marked their first triumph over Ohio State since 1988, securing the conference crown and the coveted top seed in the College Football Playoff.
The matchup, held amid high stakes and intense rivalry, unfolded as a low-scoring battle where every play counted. Indiana found itself trailing 10 to 6 at halftime, managing only one touchdown in the second half to surge ahead. What truly defined the game, however, was the Hoosiers’ impenetrable defense, which blanked the Buckeyes entirely over the final two quarters, ensuring the slim margin held until the final whistle.
At the helm of this remarkable transformation is head coach Curt Cignetti, now in his second year with the program. Historically, Indiana has languished among the lower tiers of FBS teams, often struggling to find consistent success. Yet Cignetti, with a track record of outperforming expectations at previous stops in his career, has swiftly repositioned the Hoosiers as a force to be reckoned with in college football’s upper echelons.
Immediately following the game, Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach and current analyst for “Big Noon Kickoff,” offered effusive praise that underscored the magnitude of Cignetti’s achievements. “This is the greatest turnaround in the history of our sport,” Meyer stated emphatically. “Not even close. The best coaching job I have seen in my life, and in the history of the sport.”
Meyer’s comments carry significant weight, given his own illustrious history, including multiple national championships during his tenure at Ohio State. For Indiana fans, such recognition from a figure tied to their archrival adds an extra layer of validation to the program’s ascent.
Reflecting on Cignetti’s inaugural season, the Hoosiers posted an impressive 11 and 1 regular season record, with their sole setback coming against Ohio State. That performance earned them a berth in the College Football Playoff, though they exited in the first round after a loss to Notre Dame.
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This season, Indiana has built on that foundation, stringing together 13 consecutive wins and earning a first round bye in the playoff format. As the bracket finalizes on Sunday, the Hoosiers await their quarterfinal opponent, which will be either the No. 8 or No. 9 seed.
Cignetti’s leadership has instilled a culture of discipline and execution, turning a once overlooked team into a playoff contender with legitimate title aspirations. As the postseason looms, his work in Bloomington serves as a compelling narrative of perseverance and strategic brilliance in one of America’s most competitive sports landscapes.