Tony Thomas
Writer
The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, under Curt Cignetti, have achieved winning football on the gridiron the last two seasons. The Hoosiers have posted a 24-2 record under Cignetti and won a Big Ten Conference title this season, their first since the 1967 season.
This season, the undefeated Hoosiers (13-0) were ranked in the top ten in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll by the end of September and have remained there ever since.
Cignetti has restored a winning football mindset in the psyche of his players and of the fans in Bloomington. As a result, the Hoosiers fielded a potent offense that has scored 41 points per game.
Indiana defeated three top ten opponents (#9 Illinois, #3 Oregon and #1 Ohio State) this season that finished with a combined record of 31-6.
A dominant defense that has allowed a paltry 10 points per contest could win Indiana a national title.
In eight games this season, the Hoosiers held their opponents to 10 points or less. In addition, Indiana allowed just 100+ yards rushing against them only twice.
The Indiana’s defense, under coordinator Bryant Haines, is ranked in the top ten in several categories:
Standout players on this dominant defense include five players that earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors:
The Hoosiers posted four games of double-digit tackles for loss and four games of five or more sacks. In addition, Indiana intercepted at least one pass in 11 of 13 games, and five games with multiple interceptions. Also, only two opponents managed to convert on 3rd down 40 percent or more of the time.
Add all that up, and either the Oklahoma Sooners or the Alabama Crimson Tide will have the unenviable task of facing arguably the best defense in college football. A unit that is championship-caliber and could lead the Hoosiers to a national championship. That would be a fitting end to their already historic season.
Cody Croy
Writer
The Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious in Sunday night’s 59th edition of the Super Bowl by a score of 29-13. Many former Buckeyes were featured in this game including Mike Vrabel, TreVeyon Henderson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Patriots offensive lineman Thayer Munford played just one snap. Smith-Njigba became the 39th former Buckeye to win a Super Bowl. […]
Cody Croy
Writer
The 15th annual NFL honors ceremony was held on Thursday night and a couple former Buckeyes brought home some hardware. Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the Offensive Player Of The Year award, given to the best offensive player in the NFL. Smith-Njigba had a sensational season, converting 119 catches, 1,793 yards, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Ryan Day added another key piece to his staff: former Illinois special teams coordinator Robby Discher, who will serve in the same role. Discher also served as the tight ends coach at Illinois. The Buckeyes have a committee of assistants and advisors that help out with special teams, but Rob Keys has held the title […]
