Indiana Hoosiers Win First Big Ten Title Since 1945 with Thrilling Upset Over Ohio State
In a stunning turn of events, Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers have clinched their first outright Big Ten title since 1945, defeating arch-rival Ohio State 13-10 in Indianapolis. The victory marked the end of the Buckeyes' 16-game winning streak and snapped a 30-year losing streak for the Hoosiers against the Wolverines.
Cignetti's tenure has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming a program that had endured three consecutive losing seasons into a legitimate championship contender. In just two years, he has turned Indiana from the Football Bowl Subdivision's most losing program to the nation's No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. The Hoosiers are now 13-0 and have become the last unbeaten team in major college football.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was instrumental in the victory, leading his team on several key drives and making a series of clutch plays despite being injured early in the game. His perfectly placed 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt midway through the third quarter sealed the win for Indiana, and he later added a 33-yard completion to Charlie Becker with just over two minutes remaining.
Mendoza's heroics were matched by Cignetti, who defied expectations from the start of his tenure. The brash coach refused to tolerate moral victories or close calls and instead expected to win, to win big, and to win immediately. His mantra has been echoed by the team, with Mendoza stating that he "would die for my brothers on that field."
The Hoosiers' victory over Ohio State marked a significant moment in their history, not just because of the championship but also because it signified a shift in the program's trajectory. With this win, Indiana has proven itself to be a legitimate force in college football and is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Cignetti's success has been recognized with his second straight Big Ten Coach of the Year Award, while Mendoza appears poised to become the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy. The Hoosiers' championship marks a new chapter for the program, one that could potentially bring national titles and sustained success in football.
In a stunning turn of events, Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers have clinched their first outright Big Ten title since 1945, defeating arch-rival Ohio State 13-10 in Indianapolis. The victory marked the end of the Buckeyes' 16-game winning streak and snapped a 30-year losing streak for the Hoosiers against the Wolverines.
Cignetti's tenure has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming a program that had endured three consecutive losing seasons into a legitimate championship contender. In just two years, he has turned Indiana from the Football Bowl Subdivision's most losing program to the nation's No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. The Hoosiers are now 13-0 and have become the last unbeaten team in major college football.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was instrumental in the victory, leading his team on several key drives and making a series of clutch plays despite being injured early in the game. His perfectly placed 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt midway through the third quarter sealed the win for Indiana, and he later added a 33-yard completion to Charlie Becker with just over two minutes remaining.
Mendoza's heroics were matched by Cignetti, who defied expectations from the start of his tenure. The brash coach refused to tolerate moral victories or close calls and instead expected to win, to win big, and to win immediately. His mantra has been echoed by the team, with Mendoza stating that he "would die for my brothers on that field."
The Hoosiers' victory over Ohio State marked a significant moment in their history, not just because of the championship but also because it signified a shift in the program's trajectory. With this win, Indiana has proven itself to be a legitimate force in college football and is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Cignetti's success has been recognized with his second straight Big Ten Coach of the Year Award, while Mendoza appears poised to become the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy. The Hoosiers' championship marks a new chapter for the program, one that could potentially bring national titles and sustained success in football.
OMG u guys cant believe what just happened!! 
Cignetti & the Hoosiers did it!!! 
They got that 1st big ten title since 1945 
& its not even close! 
Mendoza was on fire 
led the team to victory despite being injured early in the game 
. That 17 yard TD pass to Elijah Sarratt midway thru the 3rd quarter sealed the deal 
. And let's not forget Cignetti's mantra: WIN BIG OR NOTHING 
his confidence is infectious! 
and I got no doubt they're gonna make a deep run in the playoffs 
13-0 baby 
The Hoosiers have truly proven themselves to be a FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH on the football field. I'm so hyped for this team and their fans can't wait to celebrate this historic win 
16-game losing streak just went out the window! i'm loving the team's momentum, they've got some serious firepower now 
. Mendoza is a superstar, no doubt about it 
Cignetti's coaching skills are insane, turning this program around in just 2 years is a masterclass 
️. Now let's see how far they can take it 
I mean, I get it, some calls are close, but do they have to make you watch a whole replay of the play before making a decision? It's like, come on! Just use your instincts and make a call already. And don't even get me started on how long those replays can be... 
the hope dealer is SO here for this team theyre gonna make a deep run in the playoffs and i got no doubt about it 
. The fact that Mendoza led them to victory despite being injured early on is just another example of how broken the system is – they need a miracle to win. And let's be real, this title is more about setting up for a potential national title run than actual success in the long term 
. Still, I guess it's a nice distraction from the impending winter blues 
!!! I'm literally shook rn! The Hoosiers are ON FIRE 
!! Cignetti is a GENIUS 
, I mean who else can turn around an entire program like that?! He's the real MVP 
!!! Their chemistry on and off the field is everything 
! Can't wait to see what the future holds for this squad 
! They're gonna take over the playoffs and make some noise 
. Now, with this win, they're all set to make a deep run in the playoffs and maybe even bring home that national title 
but honestly cant blame them cuz mendez is a total superstar 
and coach cignetti is like a genius or something lol his "win big now" mentality is literally the most inspiring thing i've ever seen 
they're the last unbeaten team in major college football and i think they've got a real shot at that national title 
. But now they're all grown up, thanks to coach Cignetti 
just kidding sorta, congrats to Indy on their first Big Ten title since '45! Cignetti's coaching skills are straight fire 
maybe they'll finally make it to the national title game 
And seriously though, it's amazing that Indiana pulled off that upset over Ohio State. But on the other hand, are they really gonna be a dominant force if they can only manage to scrape out wins by such small margins?
. Can Indiana actually keep this up? Are they just gonna choke next week or do they have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs? 
mendoza the QB is literally my boy, who else makes clutch plays with an injury