Is Indiana Really an Underdog Story? Carton Doesn't Think So

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Unmasking the "Cinderella Story" of Indiana Football

Craig Carton recently delved into the unexpected success of Indiana football, comparing it initially to iconic underdog victories like the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and North Carolina State's win in college basketball. His affection for underdog narratives, akin to his love for romantic comedies with happy endings, initially had him fully invested in Indiana's story.

However, Carton expressed a shift in sentiment as he discovered that Indiana's surprising football success might not be the feel-good story it seemed. Despite his playful jabs at Indiana's high acceptance rate and general critiques of its alumni, he revealed a more critical view based on financial realities within college football.

Carton highlighted that Indiana's football program, historically lesser-known and less successful, might have changed its fortunes by significantly increasing its financial investment into the team. This approach included spending on par with powerhouse schools like Miami and maintaining an older, more experienced team.

Asserting that Indiana's rise in football was due to substantial financial outlays rather than pure sporting merit, Carton challenged the narrative of Indiana as the 'little engine that could.' He criticized the celebration of their undefeated season as misleading, suggesting that their success was bought rather than earned. With a tone of disenchantment, Carton lamented that Indiana's story was not the inspirational tale many believed, but a result of high monetary investments akin to those made by historically dominant football programs.