Overview of the Defeat

Indiana’s remarkable season took an unexpected turn on Saturday as the Hoosiers suffered a significant 38-15 loss at the hands of the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This defeat has raised serious concerns about Indiana’s legitimacy as a contender not only in the Big Ten but also in the College Football Playoff race.

Offensive Struggles

Despite entering the matchup with high expectations, Indiana struggled to find any rhythm, ending the game with a mere 151 yards of total offense—the lowest allowed by Ohio State against a ranked opponent in 17 years. A sizeable portion of those yards came during 'garbage time' in a final, meaningless drive. This game also marked Ohio State's largest victory against a top-five opponent since 2000.

Season Accomplishments

However, it's important to note that this loss does not overshadow what Indiana has accomplished this season. With an impressive 6th-ranked strength of record according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), the Hoosiers boasted a résumé worthy of College Football Playoff consideration prior to the game. Their ten wins came with an average margin of victory of over 30 points—a testament to their dominance within one of college football’s toughest conferences.

Key Caveat

The glaring caveat? Indiana has yet to secure a victory against a ranked opponent or an FBS team with a winning record, a key factor in their playoff aspirations. As a result, their hopes now hinge on the favor of the selection committee following a disappointing performance.

Steps to Improve Playoff Chances

So, what steps must Indiana take to improve their chances of making the playoff? First and foremost, achieving an 11-1 record will significantly enhance their case. In the context of the Big Ten, an 11-1 team has a formidable claim to a playoff spot, regardless of the competition from other conferences.

Upcoming Games Against Rivals

To reach this milestone, Indiana must secure a win against their in-state rival Purdue, a team struggling this season with a dismal 1-10 record. Given Purdue’s recent hardships, especially in contests against ranked teams where they have been outscored 195-17, Indiana appears poised for a relatively straightforward victory.

Impact of Rivals' Performance

Despite the anticipated win against Purdue being unlikely to sway the committee's opinion, it is crucial for Indiana to surpass the 11-win threshold. From that point forward, their standing will depend heavily on how they compare with other at-large teams.

SEC Developments

Fortunately for the Hoosiers, recent developments in the SEC have played to their advantage. In Week 13, three SEC contenders for at-large playoff spots suffered surprising defeats to unranked teams, bringing their records to three losses. No. 9 Ole Miss fell to Florida, No. 7 Alabama was defeated by Oklahoma, and No. 15 Texas A&M struggled in a four-overtime loss to Auburn. If Indiana can win out, they could realistically leapfrog these squads in the playoff rankings.

ACC Landscape

Additionally, the Hoosiers must remain vigilant regarding the ACC landscape. The potential for Miami and SMU to also make a playoff push—provided they finish the season at 11-1—adds another layer of complexity to Indiana’s playoff hopes, especially if they secure spots regardless of the ACC Championship outcome.

Conclusion

With the next College Football Playoff Rankings looming, Indiana's playoff picture will hinge on the selection committee's evaluation. If rival teams stumble and Indiana maintains its winning trajectory, the Hoosiers could still find their way into the playoff conversation. As the season nears its conclusion, Indiana remains hopeful and on alert for opportunities that could reshape their postseason ambitions.