Indiana blew it against Ohio State on Saturday, losing 19-15 and ending a mind-blowing 22-game winning streak that stretched back to the 2024 season. That collapse happened in an electric environment, the biggest home game in program history, when a potential game-winning throw in the end zone couldn’t be brought in because the wide receiver just couldn’t get a foot down. Coach Curt Cignetti was visibly shaken, glassy-eyed and mumbling about getting ready for Michigan. He could barely get the words out, eventually forcing, “It was there for the taking. You’ve got to be able to take that thing.” But don’t let that brutal defeat fool you, because even after all that heartbreak, I’m all in on the Hoosiers. Give me all that candy stripe and more, people!
That Brutal Loss Was Just The Beginning
The game was right there for Indiana, but they just couldn’t grab it. Quarterback Josh Hoover had his first turnover of the season, and yeah, he missed a number of easy throws that absolutely could have had the Hoosiers sitting on 23 wins in a row right now. And don’t even get me started on the field goals! A short one doinked off the upright, and a 55-yarder wasn’t even close. Oh, and the dumb penalties? Forget about it. All of those self-inflicted wounds could have sealed their fate. You even had Ohio State’s star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith outmuscle a double team in the end zone for the eventual game-winning score. It was a brutal way to lose, the kind of loss that makes a coach who’s had all the answers for a historic awakening unable to even think straight. It truly felt like they lost it all.
This Defense Is Straight Up Terrifying
Here’s the wild part: none of that matters because Indiana has one nasty defense. Seriously, this isn’t just good, it’s a Georgia 2021-22 level defense. Maybe not with the exact same NFL talent, but with the same devastating impact. The same undeniable ability to not only dictate tempo in games, but to force teams completely out of their comfort zone. Ohio State even used Smith as a decoy for the entire first quarter, which was just bizarre. And when he did finally get going, he finished with only four catches for 68 yards, with 38 of those coming on that crazy 50-50 jump ball touchdown. That should tell you everything you need to know about what Indiana’s defense is doing to offenses.
It’s not just the pass coverage, it’s the absolutely relentless pass rush. Pressure coming from all angles, creating constant conflict because the quarterback never knows where it’s coming from, and even worse, doesn’t know where to go with the ball when it arrives. It’s no coincidence that Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin’s two worst games in two seasons as the starter both came against Indiana. This time, he even left the game in the fourth quarter with what looked like an elbow or shoulder injury after a nasty hit from defensive lineman Mario Landino. That’s a 290-pound defensive tackle who can move outside and rush off the edge! Landino, along with nose guard Tyrique Tucker and edges Stephen Daley, Kellan Wyatt, and Tobi Osunsanmi, are just a handful on every single play. Every time the Indiana offense put that defense in a terrible position, the defense responded. Honestly, but for that single freakish play from Smith, Indiana would’ve won that game.
So, what’s next? Coach Cignetti already mentioned Michigan, and you know this defense is already locked in. Can they bring that same devastating impact and pass rush against another top team? You bet they can. This Hoosiers squad, despite the ugly loss to Ohio State, just showed the Big Ten what they’re truly capable of on defense. Get ready, Wolverine fans, because Indiana’s coming to prove this wasn’t a fluke.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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