There hasn't been a feel-good story in college football this season quite like the one unfolding in Bloomington, Indiana.
In the offseason, longtime head coach Curt Cignetti made a bold move, leaving James Madison to take the reins at Indiana, hoping to rejuvenate a program that has struggled for years in the Big Ten. In just his first year at the helm, Cignetti has already achieved remarkable success.
The Hoosiers are 10-0 for the first time in program history and are set to face their biggest challenge yet: No. 2 Ohio State this Saturday.
Currently ranked No. 5 in the nation, Indiana is firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. However, despite the team's impressive record, many have critiqued the Hoosiers' strength of schedule, which ranks 106th out of 136 teams according to ESPN's metrics.
While the criticism is valid, Indiana can only play the opponents in front of them-and great teams take care of business. The question remains: Are they a legitimate contender, and are they better than some of the SEC teams on the bubble for a playoff spot?
On Wednesday, Coach Curt Cignetti appeared on "The Triple Option" podcast and didn't hold back, offering a detailed response to the criticism surrounding his team's schedule.
"Well, you know, these schedules are set years in advance. Alabama played Mercer, Georgia played Chattanooga. The schedule is what it is, and the fact of the matter is, we've beaten seven Power 4 teams," Cignetti said. "Every single one of those teams had a winning record when we played them. We also defeated the defending national champion and the runner-up. We didn't trail until two weeks ago. Do your research. Google us, so you know something about us."
Indiana now faces its toughest challenge yet as they head to Columbus, Ohio, for a massive top-five showdown with the Buckeyes, who have national title aspirations and one of the most talented and expensive rosters in the country.
Despite facing criticism, the Hoosiers remain unbeaten. They've defeated every team in front of them, and while there may be controversy if they're handily beaten on Saturday, it doesn't diminish what Curt Cignetti has accomplished in Bloomington in just his first season.