The college football world turns its eyes to Columbus, Ohio this Saturday as the undefeated, 5th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers invade Ohio Stadium for a colossal Big Ten clash with the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. On the line: a likely berth in the Big Ten Championship Game, pole position for a College Football Playoff spot, and in the Hoosiers’ case, a chance to author one of the most remarkable stories in the sport’s history.
Indiana, led by sixth-year head coach Tom Allen, has already achieved its first 10-win season ever. But make no mistake, the Hoosiers aren’t content merely shattering program records. They have their sights set on far greater spoils: a conference title and a groundbreaking CFP appearance.
Standing in their way are the mighty Buckeyes, who despite a September stumble against now-No. 1 Oregon, remain one of the most talented and formidable squads in the land. With Heisman contender C.J. Stroud at the controls and a wealth of NFL-caliber skill weapons, OSU’s offense has been nearly unstoppable since that lone defeat.
The matchup within the matchup to watch? Stroud and Co. against a stingy, hard-hitting Indiana defense that ranks in the top 10 nationally in yards allowed per play. The Hoosier D is anchored by sack machine Dasan McCullough and ballhawking safety Bryson Bonds. They’ll need to be at their best to slow down the Buckeye juggernaut.
Hoosiers on the Verge of History
For a program that’s never even won 10 games in a season before 2024, the turnaround orchestrated by Allen and his staff has been nothing short of astonishing. Long a Big Ten basement dweller, Indiana flashed potential with a strong 2020 campaign, then took a step back in ’21 and ’22.
But this fall has seen all the pieces come together in spectacular fashion. The catalyst has been the rapid development of sophomore QB Dexter Williams II, the latest in a growing line of dual-threat stars to light up the Big Ten. After sharing snaps in ’23, the dynamic Williams grabbed hold of the job in camp and hasn’t looked back.
“You just can’t say enough about Dexter’s growth, his confidence, the way he’s leading this team,” Allen remarked this week. “He’s a special player, but an even better young man. His best football is still ahead of him.”
– Tom Allen, Indiana Head Coach
Williams’ favorite target, senior WR Jordyn Williams (no relation), is also enjoying a breakout campaign. The 6’3″ wideout has already tallied 1,158 yards and 11 TDs, stamping himself as a likely first-round NFL draft choice next spring. His battles with OSU lockdown corner Denzel Burke could tip the outcome Saturday.
Buckeyes Look to Defend the Shoe
Ohio State hasn’t dropped a game in the Horseshoe since a 31-23 loss to Michigan in November 2022. Head coach Ryan Day knows his squad can ill afford a slip-up against the hungry Hoosiers with the East Division crown in the balance.
“We’ve got a ton of respect for Indiana and what they’ve done this year,” Day said. “It’s going to be a four-quarter battle, we know that. Our guys will be ready.”
As if the on-field stakes weren’t enough, the rivalry has been spiced by some extracurriculars among the fanbases. Hoosier faithful put Day on blast this week for his role in the contentious split with former IU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson back in 2011. Wilson has since rehabilitated his career in Columbus as Day’s OC.
Currently trending in Ohio 📶 pic.twitter.com/XcU7h5ohcD
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 23, 2024
Wilson himself has downplayed the storyline, insisting his focus is solely on the 2024 Buckeyes and this monumental matchup. But safe to say, no love lost between these two programs right now. The emotions, the intensity, the energy in Ohio Stadium should be off the charts come 3:30pm ET kickoff on Saturday.
CFP Picture Coming Into Focus
Saturday’s showdown carries massive College Football Playoff implications. The winner will be in prime position to claim a top-4 spot, with a chance to further bolster its resume on conference championship weekend.
For Indiana, it would mark an historic first CFP berth, an unthinkable feat just a few short years ago. Ohio State is seeking a return to the playoff after a one-year absence in 2023.
Elsewhere around the country, fellow undefeateds Oregon, Alabama and Penn State will be watching the scoreboard intently, knowing a Hoosier victory opens the door for them to potentially move up in Tuesday’s next CFP rankings release. One-loss squads LSU, USC and Clemson also hold out hope of sneaking in.
The CFP debate has raged all season long, and Saturday’s collision in Columbus will go a long way toward clearing up the picture. Can the Cardiac Hoosiers do the unthinkable and stake their claim to a playoff spot in the Shoe? Or will the Buckeyes defend their home turf and stay on course for another Big Ten title?
The HistoryMakers
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, this 2024 Indiana squad has already earned a special place in college football lore. Their magical run, the raucous sellouts at Memorial Stadium, the buzz that’s enveloped the Bloomington campus – it’s a generational type of season.
“It’s been incredible, like nothing I’ve experienced,” Jordyn Williams said. “This team, this school, this community – we made history together. Guys 20, 30 years down the line will remember this group. That’s powerful, man.”
– Jordyn Williams, Indiana Wide Receiver
But make no mistake: the Hoosiers aren’t content merely to be here, to have their Cinderella story written for them. They’re on a mission to script their own ending, and that final chapter begins Saturday in the Horseshoe.
Indiana. Ohio State. Big Ten supremacy on the line, in front of a frenzied packed house in an iconic cathedral of the sport. However it unfolds, this one has all the makings of an instant classic. The eyes of the college football universe will be locked on Columbus, as the next gripping installment in a truly historic season plays out under the bright lights.
Hoosier Hysteria? Buckeye Coronation? We’ll find out soon enough. Buckle up.
