In our weekly ranking of all 134 FBS college football teams, we’ve arrived at a pivotal point in the season, especially for the Indiana Football Hoosiers. Next week could bring monumental changes to the landscape of college football, particularly if the Hoosiers emerge victorious in their matchup against Ohio State.

Imagine this: if Indiana beats the Buckeyes, they could become one of the only three undefeated teams in the nation, a feat eerily similar to their last appearance in the spotlight. Their current standing is at No. 5, but that could spike to No. 1. Yet there’s a significant hurdle—Indiana has not defeated Ohio State since 1988 and is entering the game as 11.5-point underdogs. Should they falter, questions will arise regarding their playoff viability with an 11-1 record lacking substantial victories.

The context of Indiana's performance reveals a tough but fair assessment. Having bested their conference schedule effectively, their season could end capably, yet without a marquee win, they risk being overshadowed by SEC teams with tougher competition. A narrow loss might secure them a respectable image akin to that of Penn State, but a significant defeat could lead to clamorous calls from SEC enthusiasts to exclude Indiana from the playoff discussion.

This inaugural season of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) has presented a conundrum for the selection committee. With powerhouse teams like Alabama and Georgia not dominating as expected and uneven conference schedules creating turmoil, the picture grows more complex weekly.

As I tackle the Challenge of the Athletic 134 rankings—something I’ve passionately engaged in since 2017—the difficulty of ranking teams, especially those in the top 15, escalates. Notably, Tennessee has dropped to No. 10 following their loss to Georgia, while BYU has slipped out of the top 10 after their defeat to Kansas. The competition remains fierce, with Georgia still trailing Alabama and Ole Miss due to head-to-head performances.

Notre Dame fans need not fret; a victory against Army could significantly boost their ranking, potentially placing them among the top contenders for home-field advantage in the playoff bracket. Their mixed record—a marquee win contrasted by a disheartening loss to Northern Illinois—illustrates the inconsistency that plagues several teams in this year’s race.

The bottom of our rankings is equally captivating. LSU struggles to find a coherent narrative amongst their wins and losses, and the shifting dynamics of programs like Baylor and Colorado State reflect broader trends in collegiate football. The MAC’s top teams are demonstrating newfound strength, with several mid-week winners solidifying their standings.

As we head into Week 12, the stakes soar, and the any outcome could dramatically reshape the playoff picture. With the Hoosiers' destiny hanging in the balance, college football fans should brace themselves for what could be a jaw-dropping week of action. So, whether you're rooting for Indiana to topple Ohio State or simply eager to see how the playoff picture unfolds, stay tuned—this season promises to deliver the unexpected.