Hoosiers see Ohio State showdown as just another game
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Kurtis Rourke and the Hoosiers are ready to upset the Buckeyes. Photo: James Black/Getty Images
The No. 5 Indiana University football team has spent this season backing up the big talk of their incoming head coach by amassing a historically perfect 10-0 record.
The big picture: With two games left and their spot in the 2024 postseason in flux, the team will put their undefeated season on the line Saturday against the No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus.
Why it matters: The winner will likely go to the Big Ten Championship game and face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks.
What they're saying: When discussing the moment this week, head coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged the importance of the matchup without playing into the hype that he helped create.
- "Their tradition speaks for itself. It's a big game for us because it's the game coming up," Cignetti said. "We treat 'em all alike. If there was a better way to prepare for a certain team, we'd do that for every team."
- Breakout quarterback Kurtis Rourke has a similar mindset.
- "It's just another week," Rourke said. "No matter what their logo is, we still have to prepare every day the same way."
State of play: Despite being undefeated, IU is the underdog against the 9-1 Buckeyes.
Reality check: The Hoosiers are used to being the underdog against OSU — Indiana hasn't beaten OSU since Oct. 8, 1988.
- The record between IU and Ohio State is 80-12-5 in favor of the Buckeyes.
- The Hoosiers have lost 29 straight games.
The intrigue: The winner of this game will be in position for a home game or a bye in the 2024 College Football Playoffs.
- Both teams are also vying for a spot in the Big Ten Championship game. If IU beats OSU and then follows it with a win against Purdue on Nov. 30, they'll be in the championship. Ohio State would need to beat IU, followed by Michigan on Nov. 30.
- The title game is Dec. 7 in Lucas Oil Stadium.
What's next: Kickoff is 12pm Saturday.
How to watch: Fox
How to listen: Local radio coverage via WIBC 93.1 FM and 93.5/107.5 The Fan.