The Indiana football team secured its first 8-win season since 1993 with a thrilling win over Purdue.
For the first time since 1993 the Indiana Hoosier football team has won eight games and ended the season with a winning record in conference play. The Hoosiers took down in-state rival Purdue in an overtime classic 44-41. Its the first time the Old Oaken Bucket will be back in Bloomington since 2016, and the first time in Tom Allen’s tenure as head coach.
The Hoosiers seemed to be in command of the game, leading 28-10 late into the third quarter, but a combination of sloppy offensive execution, including 3 missed field goals from Logan Justus, poor tackling and untimely penalties allowed Purdue to climb all the way back to tie the game and send it to overtime.
Peyton Ramsey was able to find Nick Westbrook wide open in the corner of the endzone in the first overtime to put the Hoosiers ahead. They forced Purdue into a fourth and goal scenario but left Brycen Hopkins wide open on a crossing route that tied the game. The defense came up with a huge stop in double overtime to make up for it, and a few plays later Peyton Ramsey took a QB sneak over the goal line to secure the win.
The entire fourth quarter felt like Indiana was on the verge of a heartbreaking collapse, but they were able to maintain their composure and come up with a memorable win to cap off an incredible season for the program.
Ramsey had another huge day through the air, passing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns to go along with his game-winning one-yard touchdown run. Much of Indiana’s success in the passing game can be attributed to Whop Philyor’s return. The standout receiver caught eight passes for 138 yards and two scores. Sampson James was injured late in the game but managed to fill in for Stevie Scott quite well, rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Hoosiers did not play their best game of the year. But, Tiawan Mullen and company came up with big plays when it mattered the most.
It was a thrilling way to end a great regular season, and now the Hoosiers wait to find out where and who they will be playing come bowl season.