For the first six games of the season, the Indiana Hoosier offense had been humming along to the tune of 47.5 points per game. Whereas the Nebraska Cornhusker defense had never given up a rushing touchdown, had given up more than 10 points just once and were holding opponents to 11.3 points per game.
Then Cornhusker defense stumbled into Memorial Stadium filled with a sell-out homecoming crowd enjoying the Hoosiers’ best start to a season since 1967.
By the time they would head back to Nebraska, IU would run for five touchdowns and throw for three more scores en route to a 56-7 victory.
It was an utter act of dominance from the Hoosiers, who may have finally shown that they deserve to be in the playoff conversation.
Throughout the season, after every IU finish one thing was certain — a whirlwind of doubts for a lack of quality opponents.
While wins against Maryland, Northwestern and UCLA have panned out to become wins against lower-quality teams, their act of dominance against Nebraska is different.
Nebraska was a fringe top-25 team entering the week and had peaked at 22nd in the AP Poll in previous weeks. Despite that, the Hoosiers made them look like a JV football team.
The Hoosiers played a near-perfect offensive game throwing for 280 passing yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-30 passing to pair with 224 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 30 carries, it was their defense that was even more impressive.
The defense held Dylan Raiola to 28-of-44 passing for 234 yards and three interceptions, as the Huskers rushed for just 70 yards on 29 carries and two fumbles.
Fans React to Indiana
Many fans feel that this team deserves to be higher in the rankings once the new polls come out on Monday.
Top 10 EASILY, need to put some respect on their name moving forward
— BR (@BornReadyWells) October 19, 2024
Tell your grandchildren about the 2024 Indiana Hoosiers
— Michael Allen (@_MBallen) October 19, 2024
The Hoosiers have the talent, the coaching and the record as any other traditional CFP contender — there is no reason IU should not be in that conversation as well.
Playoff Resume for Indiana
Although quarterback Kurtis Rourke remained on the sideline for the second half due to a finger injury, the sky is the limit for IU. Even with Rourke sidelined, sophomore quarterback Tayven Jackson was able to keep the offense well afloat.
With their 7-0 record, the Hoosiers have two crucial matchups on their schedule that will determine their playoff chances: Michigan and Ohio State.
On top of taking care of business against the inferior teams of Washington, Michigan State and Purdue, beating either the Wolverines or Buckeyes will all but secure their spot in the 12-team pool.
Before their rout of Nebraska, the Hoosiers’ SRS rating sat at eighth best in the country, meaning that despite their poor strength of schedule they are properly beating the inferior competition.
A top-two scoring offense, a top-11 scoring defense, the most yards per attempt and the best passer rating in the country reside in Bloomington.
In the current 12-team format, there is no reasonable explanation to hold this Hoosier squad out of the playoffs if they keep on winning.
Although Indiana does not get to benefit from being a pre-season ranked team, if anything it makes their accomplishments that much better. No one expected them to be this good, and here they are overachieving and resetting expectations.
If IU had a number next to their name in week one would things be different? Maybe. Nonetheless, just because no voters expected the outcome before the season does not warrant a lack of respect once it is earned.
Give the Hoosiers their respect and rank them in the top 12 as they have shown.
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