UPDATE: The Indiana Hoosiers have made history, achieving a remarkable 12-0 regular season after a stunning 56-3 victory over rival Purdue on Friday night at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. This marks the first time in the program’s history that Indiana has finished the regular season undefeated.
Head coach Curt Cignetti praised the team’s collective effort, stating, “This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen. It just goes to show you, when you have a commitment and a plan and the right people in place, anything’s possible.”
The Hoosiers’ dominant performance not only secures their place in college football history but also sets them up for an opportunity to compete for the Big Ten Championship on December 6, 2023 in Indianapolis. This victory is particularly significant as the Hoosiers have never before finished the regular season with a perfect record, despite a previous undefeated season in 1945 that included a tie.
Cignetti took over as head coach in early 2023, leading what was once the all-time losingest program in college football to unprecedented heights. With this victory, Indiana’s place at the table of college football’s elite is solidified, joining the ranks of teams like Ohio State and Michigan.
The Hoosiers showcased their strength and resilience throughout the season, with senior linebacker Aiden Fisher emphasizing the team’s unity. “Everybody just wants to win. It doesn’t matter how you do it. You get your role and you kind of expand on it. A like-minded team that just wants to win is a very dangerous team,” Fisher said.
Senior center Pat Coogan inspired his teammates before the game, delivering a motivational speech that resonated deeply, calling them “a bunch of misfits” who have now come together to achieve something extraordinary. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza reflected on this sentiment, stating, “What a great opportunity with such a special group of guys.”
As the team celebrated the victory with cigars in the locker room, the excitement was palpable. Players and coaches alike are focused on what lies ahead. “We all worked our entire lives to get to this point,” Mendoza added, emphasizing the importance of pushing forward despite the historic achievement.
The Hoosiers are not resting on their laurels. Following the Big Ten Championship, they will turn their sights toward the College Football Playoff, with aspirations of a national championship. Cignetti reiterated the importance of maintaining focus, saying, “There’s no fear, no anxiety, only excitement.”
This historic 12-0 season signifies a new era for Indiana football, a narrative of hope and determination that has captivated fans and players alike. As the Hoosiers prepare for their championship game, their journey has just begun, and the world will be watching.
With their eyes set on further glory, Indiana has proven that anything is possible when a team comes together with a shared vision and relentless drive.
