The Indiana Hoosiers are fresh off of a 56-7 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but some analysts are still not sold on the 7-0 team.
The Hoosiers have had a tough road to the 13th-ranked position, and it has largely been due to the strength of their schedule. While the Hoosiers have ran through their competition, the team also avoids some of the best Big Ten Conference opponents this season. Regardless of the strength of the competition, the Hoosiers offense has been an unstoppable machine throughout the 2024 season.
Indiana will avoid playing Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa among a few others inside the conference. Outside of the conference, the schedule has not been very difficult, with FIU, Charlotte, and Western Illinois being the chosen teams. The Hoosiers have Washington, Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Purdue left to play against this season.
Are the Indiana Hoosiers Better Than the Illinois Fighting Illini?
Some analysts feel the schedule has been “soft” for the Hoosiers, and have called for conference rivals Illinois to hold a higher ranking.
I just heard a national pundit suggest that 6-1 Illinois should be ranked higher than 7-0 IU – Because Illinois beat 3 ranked teams
Those teams:
2-5 Kansas
Nabraska (who IU beat by 49 and a floundering Michigan
None of those teams are ranked anymore #IUFB #NeverDaunted pic.twitter.com/lbB5fFr005— Rob Sapp (@SappOutOfPgh) October 23, 2024
Indiana Hoosiers fans, however, believe that the idea of Illinois being ranked seven or more spots higher is utterly ridiculous.
Illinois fans keep saying this same stuff. 🤣
— Brenton M. Fender (@Brentonmfender) October 23, 2024
This IU team is special. Great time to be a Hoosier.
— Rivlo Sports (@Rivlosports) October 23, 2024
There’s a difference between playing nobody and making every team you play look like a nobody.
— Scott McKain (@scottmckain) October 24, 2024
I’m not certain these will even be bowl teams 😂
— Brandon Peign (@PurplePeign) October 23, 2024
However, most Illinois Fighting Illini fans took the time to attack the Indiana Hoosiers and point out the easier strength of schedule.
You have a point but explain why Notre Dame has any business ranked ahead of Illinois and you forget in your little story we beat Nebraska in their house and played Penn State to a two score loss at their house
— Tracey. W. ILLiniNation 🟧 🏈🏈 (@traceywilson67) October 23, 2024
then again, who’s iu best win?
— ILL (@ILLINIBURNER0) October 23, 2024
Finally Indiana had a moment vs Nebraska. Your schedule has been arguably the easiest of any P4 team. But they have all been by all counts comfortable wins so that counts for something. I’m not saying ranked ahead of but Indiana should be a few spots higher and Illinois around 15
— CVance1988 (@CVance1988) October 23, 2024
Doesn’t change tack that UI beat 3 ranked teams. IU has played more consistent football over less talented teams and they look legit. Wish they played one another to see. As is, just be happy B1G has new blood.
— Steve King (@IlliniKing) October 23, 2024
Other college football fans took the time to point out the fact that some of the wins that Illinois have this season are quality wins.
For KU it is not a good argument. But Michigan would still be ranked had Illinois not beat them.
— kip dondlinger (@DK_210) October 23, 2024
Regardless of where the two teams end up in the rankings throughout the rest of the 2024 season, the battle between UI and IU will not be solved off the field. The two teams are not scheduled to play each other this season, which means a possible clash to settle things will have to wait.
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