Indiana Stuns Ohio State with Last-Minute Field Goal Miss to Claim Big Ten Title, Lock in College Football Playoff's Top Seed
In a stunning turn of events, No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers pulled off an upset victory over top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, securing their first Big Ten title in nearly half a century and likely earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
The decisive moment came when Jayden Fielding's 29-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left with just 2:48 remaining, giving Indiana the lead they needed. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza made all the big plays, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt and a clutch 33-yard completion to Charlie Becker on third down.
Indiana's defense, meanwhile, shut down Ohio State's high-powered offense, holding them to just 10 points for the second half of the game. The Hoosiers' victory extends their best season in school history to 13-0, snapping a 30-game losing streak against the Buckeyes that dated back to 1988.
Mendoza's performance was nothing short of remarkable, as he went 15 of 23 for 222 yards and one touchdown, earning himself MVP honors. Ohio State's quarterback, Julian Sayin, had a valiant effort, but his ankle injury in the second quarter limited his impact, as he completed just 21 of 29 passes for 258 yards.
The Buckeyes' loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given their chances to win back-to-back national championships. Coach Ryan Day described the team's emotions as "hurt and stinging," but vowed to have hard conversations with his players in the coming weeks.
Indiana's victory has cemented their place in college football lore, making them the first team to end a 16-game winning streak and the longest in major college football history. The Hoosiers' improbable run will undoubtedly make for a compelling story arc as they look to take on the College Football Playoff field.
"We are brothers, we know how to stick together," Mendoza exclaimed after the game, highlighting the team's unbreakable bond. And with this thrilling upset, Indiana has proven that they are indeed real – and ready to contend for it all.
In a stunning turn of events, No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers pulled off an upset victory over top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, securing their first Big Ten title in nearly half a century and likely earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
The decisive moment came when Jayden Fielding's 29-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left with just 2:48 remaining, giving Indiana the lead they needed. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza made all the big plays, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt and a clutch 33-yard completion to Charlie Becker on third down.
Indiana's defense, meanwhile, shut down Ohio State's high-powered offense, holding them to just 10 points for the second half of the game. The Hoosiers' victory extends their best season in school history to 13-0, snapping a 30-game losing streak against the Buckeyes that dated back to 1988.
Mendoza's performance was nothing short of remarkable, as he went 15 of 23 for 222 yards and one touchdown, earning himself MVP honors. Ohio State's quarterback, Julian Sayin, had a valiant effort, but his ankle injury in the second quarter limited his impact, as he completed just 21 of 29 passes for 258 yards.
The Buckeyes' loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given their chances to win back-to-back national championships. Coach Ryan Day described the team's emotions as "hurt and stinging," but vowed to have hard conversations with his players in the coming weeks.
Indiana's victory has cemented their place in college football lore, making them the first team to end a 16-game winning streak and the longest in major college football history. The Hoosiers' improbable run will undoubtedly make for a compelling story arc as they look to take on the College Football Playoff field.
"We are brothers, we know how to stick together," Mendoza exclaimed after the game, highlighting the team's unbreakable bond. And with this thrilling upset, Indiana has proven that they are indeed real – and ready to contend for it all.
what a game tho! indiana's defense was straight fire 
holding ohio state's high powered offense to just 10 points is no joke. mendoza's MVP win was well deserved 
but let's be real, sayin's ankle injury was the turning point in that game 
what a shame for the buckeyes. indianas 13-0 record is insane 
they're gonna get destroyed by USC or not 
... 13-0 is not a record for Indiana! They lost in 2007 when they went 12-1. And btw, didn't they have that one year where they were undefeated but lost in the championship game? I think it was '07 too? 
But seriously, congrats to Indy on their Big Ten title and all! They must've been totally stoked 
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15/23 passing from Fernando Mendoza was LIT 
, and that last-minute field goal attempt by Jayden Fielding was SO close yet so far 
what a thrilling finish! 
, shutting down Ohio State's offense. This win cements Indy's spot in college football history books 
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can't wait to see how they do against the playoffs 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around what just happened! Indiana beating Ohio State in such a dramatic fashion? It's like something out of a movie 
. I mean, that last-minute field goal attempt was so close yet so far... it's hard not to feel bad for the Buckeyes. Their season is basically over now 
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! Jayden Fielding's missed field goal had me on the edge of my seat 
, I thought it was all over for Ohio State. But Fernando Mendoza, man... he's a hero 
! 15/23 and 222 yards? impressive! 
And that defense, 
shut down Ohio State like a fine Swiss watch 
. Indiana's on fire this season, they're gonna be tough to beat in the playoffs 
its not like they didnt have the talent or anything coach day is just gonna be one of those guys who blames his players for the loss 
didnt even hold indiana 2 10 points for the whole game. like wut happened? anyway, looks like indiana's gonna be the top seed 
cant wait 2 see how they do in the playoff
. Seriously though, Fernando Mendoza is like a superhero quarterback - saving the day with his sweet passes and clutch plays 
. And Jayden Fielding's missed field goal attempt? That's like the ultimate "close but no cigar" story 
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indiana going 13-0 is insane!!! mendoza's performance was straight fire 
i'm hyped for these hoops to take on the playoffs, this team has the potential to go all the way 
. Fernando Mendoza is, like, totally on fire tho 
. It's clear they were ready for that big game 
. I'm hyped to see what they'll do next!
I'm still reeling from that last-minute field goal miss by Ohio State! 
MVP all the way! He's been incredible this season, leading his team to 13-0 and ending that long losing streak against Ohio State. It's officially a story for the ages - will they make it to the College Football Playoff top seed?