It has been decades since Indiana won a Big Ten Championship. The last time the Hoosiers had that trophy was in 1967. The last time Indiana beat Ohio State was in 1988, so the Hoosiers are hoping to break a couple of long-standing streaks today.
Head coach Curt Cignetti has come in and completely turned the Indiana football program around in just two years, even making the Hoosiers a football school, something no one thought could happen. Indiana has always been known for its dominant basketball teams, so for the Hoosiers to have success on the football field is certainly something new.
After its first perfect regular season ever, Indiana has a chance to get probably its biggest win in program history if it can take down the Ohio State Buckeyes, who have been ranked the No. 1 team in the country after their Week 1 win against Texas.
It won't be easy, but this team is different from the one that played the Buckeyes last season and has its best shot yet to take down Goliath.
No. 2 Indiana vs. No. 1 Ohio State finals odds, spread, and total in the Big Ten Championship
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Ohio State: -4.5 (-105)
- Indiana: +4.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- Ohio State: -188
- Indiana: +158
Total
- O/U: 47.5 (-110/-110)
No. 2 Indiana vs. No. 1 Ohio State final prediction
This is going to be a game that is going to be won up front. Last season, Indiana was just pushed back on the offensive line by Ohio State's defense, but this season, the Hoosiers have gotten bigger and stronger up front. Indiana's defense has also gotten a lot stronger this season and will probably be the best defense the Buckeyes have faced all season long.
It wouldn't be surprising if this game came down to which quarterback can make more plays. Both Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin are up for the Heisman Trophy, and this could be the game that wins it for either player.
This is most likely going to be a close matchup that is going to decide where these teams rank in the College Football Playoff, but Indiana is coming in with a big chip on its shoulder, and that could very much give them the edge they need to take down the defending National Champions.