If the Indiana University football team is number 1, The Ohio State University football team is 1a. While as a 2-degree alum of IU I’m absolutely elated that we won the game, I by no means think we have definitive superiority over a perennially top five ranked football team. The Buckeyes are defending national champs for a reason—they have a host of blue-chip players and one of the best coaching staffs in America. In light of the amazing win we had, though, I had to give my opinion of the game and declare a lot had to go wrong for Ohio State for the Hoosiers to win.
Without question this game was the biggest and most exciting game IU has ever played. After decades of mediocre teams, losing records, and losses in the few bowl games IU has played, it was great to feel we had a team we could depend on and be competitive with opponents. A team with an accurate quarterback whose passes were on the mark, receivers who could actually catch the ball, and running backs who picked up 6-8 yards per run instead of being tackled for a loss. Most important was the incredible defense that shut down Ohio State’s running game, defended their fast/quick receivers, and didn’t allow any big plays. IU’s defense won the game. It was awesome.
But IU was also very very lucky! They were lucky when Quarterback, and Heisman front-runner, Fernando Mendoza, was not injured by a monster hit on the first play of the game. When he lay there motionless and face down on the turf I told Sandy “we’re done! It’s over! Forget it!” But he wasn’t hurt, and after sitting out one play, he returned to play well enough to be MVP.
They were lucky late in the 4th quarter when OSU was deep in the IU red zone and went for it on 4th down. The runner’s knee was down short of first down yardage before the ball crossed “the line to gain.” NO GAIN. IU BALL. An early Christmas gift from the B1G referees.
They were lucky, again, late in the fourth quarter when the Buckeye’s usually-accurate kicker missed a filed goal that would have tied the score and sent the game into overtime. But another early holiday gift kept the score 13-10, IU.
IU’s run defense was incredible. Like the TV announcers, I kept thinking OSU running backs would break loose for a long run and a touchdown, but it never happened. IU’s defense led in fewest rushing yards, 110-50. Indiana’s receivers were unbelievable, too. Elijah Sarratt (3 catches, 1 TD), Charlie Becker (6 catches, 126 yds.), and EJ Williams. Becker and Sarratt are as good a pair of receivers as any in the country.
Quarterback play made a difference, too. Mendoza’s maturity and experience proved him to be the better QB despite having fewer passing yards (222 vs. 258) and fewer completions (15 vs. 21).
Coaching was a critical difference as well. Good play calling and clock management in the fourth quarter gave Indiana the edge they needed to maintain their slim 13-10 lead as the last two minutes ticked away for Ohio State.
What a great game! What a great victory! What a great team, quarterback, defense, and receivers! And WHAT A GREAT COACH. He’s a lock for national coach of the year. Mendoza is a lock for Heisman—if he’s snubbed, it’s a scandalous travesty. Someone got paid off.
Now, it’s off to the Rose Bowl to play either Oklahoma or Alabama on New Years Day. How justified is that?! Out of the frying pan, into the fire. You talk about rich football traditions—Oklahoma and Alabama are great teams, with great histories. Whoever wins will be a tough opponent for IU.
This win culminating a 13-0 “perfect” season is a gift. It is an honor. It is a blessing! It’s the biggest thing in the history of Indiana University. Every alum needs to stand in respect for the University and the team. We have two more games to prove were the country’s best. Let’s stay injury-free, illness-free, and committed. We know we have what it takes. We just have to get it done.
AMEN !!!