The Indiana Hoosiers have transformed their football program, entering the College Football Playoffs as the top seed for the first time in decades. This remarkable achievement marks a significant turnaround for a team historically seen as the underdog in the Big Ten Conference.
Longtime season ticket holder Bill Murphy, who has supported the Hoosiers for 66 years, reflects on the team’s past struggles. Despite enduring 55 losing seasons and a lengthy bowl drought, Murphy remained a devoted fan. He recalls the last time Indiana played in a bowl game, the 1968 Rose Bowl, where the Hoosiers faced a formidable USC team led by O.J. Simpson and lost 14-3. At just 15 years old, he missed the chance to attend that game, a disappointment that lingered for decades.
“If I die before we go to the Rose Bowl again, I want you to take my urn and buy a program, buy a seat, set the program and urn on the seat, and I’ll be there with you guys,” Murphy said, illustrating the depth of his commitment to the team.
Indiana’s football fortunes have shifted dramatically in recent years. The team has generated more excitement among fans than the traditionally dominant basketball program. Under the leadership of back-to-back AP Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have achieved a stunning 13-0 record this season, securing the title of Big Ten champion. The team has also produced its first Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The upcoming Rose Bowl matchup against Alabama on Thursday is anticipated to be a historic moment for the program. The game represents not just a chance to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, but also an opportunity for fans like Kevin Harrell to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. Harrell, who attended a recent game at Memorial Stadium, expressed his disbelief at the team’s turnaround, saying, “It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
As the fanbase expands, enthusiasm has surged. Memorial Stadium has seen sell-out crowds for all four home conference games this season, and chants of “Heis-Mendoza” have echoed through the stands. Airlines have responded to the increased demand for travel to the Rose Bowl by adding nonstop flights from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.
Murphy noted the shift in fandom, stating, “People get excited because people like winners.” He acknowledges that not all supporters have been as resilient as he has been through the years of disappointment.
At 77, Murphy finally has the chance to attend the Rose Bowl he missed all those years ago. “I’m still pinching myself, trying to make sure I’m not dreaming,” he said. This season, the Indiana Hoosiers have not only captured the hearts of their long-time supporters but have also attracted a new generation of fans eager to cheer for a winning team.
