UPDATE: The Indiana Hoosiers have officially made history, clinching a 12-0 regular season for the first time ever after a staggering 56-3 victory over archrival Purdue on Friday night, December 1, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team are no longer underdogs but rather an unstoppable force in college football.
Cignetti’s Hoosiers, ranked No. 2, have shattered expectations, proving skeptics wrong by achieving a perfect season. The significance of this win cannot be overstated; it marks a monumental turnaround for a program that struggled historically. “This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen,” Cignetti stated postgame. “When you have a commitment and a plan, anything’s possible.”
The Hoosiers have now secured a spot in the Big Ten Championship game on December 6 in Indianapolis, a first for the program. This victory not only adds the coveted Old Oaken Bucket trophy to their collection but also sets the stage for a potential run in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana’s 12-0 feat is historic, as the last time they finished a season undefeated was in 1945 with a record of 9-0-1. Cignetti, who joined the program just last year, emphasized the collective effort that led to this success. “Regardless of what happens from here on out, this team will always be the first team in Indiana history to go undefeated in the regular season,” he said.
The team’s spirit and unity have been pivotal to their success. Senior center Pat Coogan delivered an inspiring speech before the game, rallying his teammates with a message of resilience. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza reflected on Coogan’s words, noting the journey of “misfits” from various backgrounds coming together to achieve greatness. “Now, we are 12-0,” Mendoza declared.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher pointed to the team’s commitment to winning, stating, “Everybody just wants to win. It doesn’t matter what your role is.” This mentality has transformed the Hoosiers into a formidable team willing to support one another on and off the field.
As they celebrated in the locker room, the Hoosiers smoked cigars, savoring their historic accomplishment, but the focus remains on what lies ahead. Cignetti allows his players to revel in victory for just 24 hours before refocusing on their next challenge. Fisher expressed the urgency for more victories, saying, “We know we have something special with this team, and we can take this thing pretty far.”
With the excitement building, Indiana’s players and staff are prepared for the challenges of the Big Ten Championship and beyond. “Everybody on the team has worked our entire lives to get to this point,” Mendoza concluded. The Hoosiers are not just celebrating their past but are hungry for a future filled with even greater achievements.
As Indiana looks ahead, fans are urged to stay tuned for updates on their historic journey through the postseason.
