Indiana Was The Real Winner On Saturday Even Though They Lost To Ohio State In A Brutal Way

Indiana faced their real first test of the season when they walked into Ohio State Saturday afternoon, and it didn’t go so well, as they lost 38-15.

The Hoosiers were 10-0 heading into the contest and the fifth-ranked team in the country, but they had no big win on their resume, which caused many people around college football to argue if they are a playoff team if they get blown out by the Buckeyes.

College football Indiana Hoosiers Fotball Curt Cignetti — Nov 9, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti looks on in the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The game was close for the first half, but Ohio State pulled away in the second, which made Indiana’s loss even worse. Even though the Hoosiers were on the wrong side of the scoreboard, they got a lot of help from their friends in Florida.

While Indiana was losing to Ohio State, another game that impacted the playoff race was going on in Gainesville between the Gators and Ole Miss.

Ole Miss Saved Indiana’s Season

Indiana Hoosiers Kurtis Rourke — Oct 19, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Rebels were a two-loss team heading into today, and a win against Florida and Mississippi State would have them in the playoffs. However, the win over the Gators never happened, giving Ole Miss its third loss of the season and ending any chance of making the college football playoffs.

Ole Miss would most likely get in over Indiana, which could’ve taken the Hoosier’s spot, but now that won’t be happening.

Indiana should feel good about making the playoffs because they will beat Purdue next week. They have one loss, and now there is an opening with Ole Miss losing, and the college football playoff committee can’t keep them out.