UPDATE: Indiana football has achieved a historic milestone, finishing the regular season with a stunning 56-3 victory over rival Purdue on December 1, 2023. This win marks the Hoosiers’ first 12-0 season in program history, cementing their status as a formidable force in college football.
Head coach Curt Cignetti, who took the helm in 2023, expressed disbelief at the rapid turnaround of a team once dubbed college football’s all-time losingest program. “This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen,” Cignetti stated. “It just goes to show you that with a commitment and the right people in place, anything’s possible.”
The game, held at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, was a decisive statement as the No. 2 Hoosiers dominated from the outset. With this victory, Indiana not only claimed the coveted Old Oaken Bucket trophy but also secured a spot in the Big Ten championship game on December 6, 2023, marking another first for the program.
The Hoosiers’ undefeated streak is particularly noteworthy as they previously finished a season unbeaten in 1945 with a record of 9-0-1, but never before had they gone 12-0 in regular-season play. Cignetti acknowledged the entire program’s effort, saying, “Everybody from IU President Pamela Whitten to the players and coaches contributed to this success.”
Emphasizing teamwork, senior center Pat Coogan inspired his teammates with a motivating speech prior to the game. His words resonated with the players, including quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who remarked, “He’s like, ‘Look at us, a bunch of misfits… and now we have a chance to be 12-0.’ And now, we are 12-0.”
Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher highlighted the team’s shared commitment to victory. “Everybody just wants to win,” he said. “A like-minded team that just wants to win is a very dangerous team.” Defensive end Stephen Daley, a transfer from Kent State, exemplified this mentality, stating, “Just not wanting to disappoint the man next to you has been the driving force for us this season.”
Cignetti entered the game with questions about his team’s killer instinct and ability to finish strong. The Hoosiers answered emphatically, delivering a performance that left no doubt about their dominance. Following the game, players celebrated in the locker room, knowing they had made history.
As Indiana prepares for the Big Ten championship, excitement is palpable. “Everybody on the team — coaches, support staff, players — we’ve all worked our entire lives to get to this point,” Mendoza added. The Hoosiers’ focus now shifts to the upcoming challenges, including a potential pathway to the College Football Playoff and a shot at a national championship.
With their historic achievement, the Indiana Hoosiers have proven they belong among college football’s elite. The road ahead is filled with promise, and the team is determined to keep their momentum going. “We know we have something special with this team,” Fisher concluded. “And we know we can take this thing pretty far.”
Stay tuned for further updates as Indiana continues its journey in this record-breaking season.
