The No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers are still in a strong position despite their recent loss.
If the Hoosiers finish a historic regular season by winning back the Old Oaken Bucket for the first time since 2019, they are likely to secure one of the 12 playoff spots, which could mean a home game and, with some luck, a chance to reach their first Big Ten title game.
Coach Curt Cignetti believes his team is ready to stick to the game plan as they prepare to face in-state rival Purdue on Saturday.
“They all understand what a rivalry game is, and they know what’s at stake,” Cignetti said. “We need to pack the stadium. It’s got to be loud. It’s got to be a winning edge for us. We’ve got to have a great week of preparation. We’ve got to play well and play very well.”
The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, No. 10 CFP) were playing some of the best football in the Bowl Subdivision until the last six quarters, which included their loss to No. 2 Ohio State. Despite the setback, Cignetti still believes Indiana has done enough to earn a spot in the expanded playoff.
However, Indiana knows that a loss to the Boilermakers (1-10, 0-8) could ruin their chances.
Purdue has had one of its worst seasons, losing 10 games in a row, with five of those losses by 35 or more points. One more loss would break school records for most losses, most conference losses, and longest losing streak. It would also be Purdue’s first winless season in the Big Ten since 2013 and only the fourth time since 1946.
With this tough season, many are questioning the future of Ryan Walters, the second-year coach.
“I mean, I’m looking forward to Saturday. That is what I’m focused on right now,” he said. “Those are the things that are right in front of us right now. Then after Saturday, I’ll look forward to the next wave of things.”
For the Hoosiers, the key question is what their future holds and how soon they will see it take shape. By extending their school records for overall and Big Ten wins, they could achieve more than just adding the letter “I” to the chain that goes inside the Old Oaken Bucket.
“I’m slowly starting to realize how important this game is,” said defensive lineman James Carpenter, one of 13 players who followed Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana. “I haven’t heard any stories, I just know that there is some pretty deep hatred between the two fan bases. That’s what college football is all about. We’re pumped for this game.”
