Scores From Around the Nation: Indiana’s Week 9 Opponent Recap

It’s November and that means it’s time to lock in on the College Football Playoff rankings. Indiana was ranked fourth in the initial poll and their 5-1 record against teams with a .500 or better record was cited. However, IU’s bye week did not go well for that metric.

Overall Opponent Record Remaining Schedule: 15-12 (.556)

No. 20 USC Trojans (7-2, 4-2): Last Week IDLE

The Trojans may be the last opportunity for the Hoosiers to get a “quality” win. USC was ranked 20th in the initial rankings. USC is coming off a win over Ohio State and their second bye week.
Up Next: at No.4 Indiana Nov. 14

Washington Huskies (5-4, 2-4): Last Week Loss 28-25 vs. Penn State

It’s been a disappointing season for the Huskies and their comeback attempt fell short despite winning the second half 19-0.
Up Next: vs. at Michigan State 11/14

Purdue Boilermakers (3-6, 2-4): Last Week Loss 34-29 vs. Maryland

Purdue lost a home shoot out to Maryland who had an interim coach. This week they head to Kinnick needing to win out to be bowl eligible.
Up Next: at No. 19 Iowa 11/14

Previous Opponents: 43-39 (.524)

North Texas Mean Green (7-2): Last Week Win 52-23 vs. Rice

The Mean Green continue to be a positive data point for the Hoosiers. They moved to 7-2 with a blowout win over the Rice Owls. The sit in first place in the American.

Up Next: at UTSA 11/14

Howard Bison (4-6): Last Week Loss 35-28 vs. South Carolina State

The Bison have four wins this season, so they could be worse. However, this will be held against IU in Playoff resume talks.
Up Next: vs. Delaware State 11/14

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-6): Last Week Loss 52-41 at MTSU

The Hilltoppers have struggled all season, which is uncharacteristic of that program.
Up Next: vs. Jax State 11/14

Northwestern Wildcats (6-3, 3-3): Last Week Loss 24-10 vs. No. 19 Iowa

Northwestern struggled on offense without Aiden Chiles. The committee did give Alabama’s win over Mississippi State more value because Kamario Taylor was still playing. We’ll see if they give IU the same grace.
Up Next: at No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes 11/14

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-7, 1-5): Last Week Loss 31-10 at Wisconsin
Rutgers lost again and may be without KJ Duff the rest of the way. Them picking up another win may be out of the picture.
Up Next: vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers 11/14

Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-4, 2-4): Last Week Loss 24-13 at Illinois
The Huskers were 5-0 and riding high when the Hoosiers faced them in October. Now, Nebraska has lost four in a row and have fired their OC. The good news is that they get Rutgers this week.
Up Next: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights 11/14

No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-3, 4-2): Last Week Loss 41-28 vs. No. 23 Oregon

Indiana’s loss to Ohio State may come back to haunt them unless the committee takes Sayin’s injury into account. The Buckeyes have dropped two in a row. While that does put the Hoosiers ahead of the Buckeyes in the Big Ten standings, it is a resume hit.
Up Next: vs. Northwestern Wildcats 11/14

Michigan Wolverines (5-4, 2-4): Last Week Loss 15-6 vs. Michigan State
The vibes in Ann Arbor are flat-out bad. Coach Wittingham chummed the waters with his comments about the Michigan State rivalry meaning more to the Spartans and then went out and lost to a terribly banged up MSU team.
Up Next: at No. 23 Oregon 11/14

Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-4, 3-3): Last Week Loss 34-20 vs. No. 8 UCLA

The Gophers have lost three of their last four games and did not do IU any favors as UCLA beat them in Minneapolis by two scores. Can they get back on track in the Governor’s Bell Game against Penn State.

Up Next: at Penn State 11/14