Curt Cignetti Asked If Indiana 'Deserves' To Make Playoff After Loss To Ohio State
Yesterday at 04:18 PM
After leading Indiana to their first 10-0 start in school history, head coach Curt Cignetti saw his team fall back to earth in a blowout loss to the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. That loss could very well result in the No. 5 Hoosiers falling all the way out of College Football Playoff contention.
Naturally, reporters were curious to know if Cignetti still feels that his team belongs in the national title conversation in spite of the 38-15 loss. Cignetti made it clear that the decision isn't up to him and he just has to get the team focused on arch-rival Purdue in next week's season finale.
"I don't make those decisions. It's more important for me now that I focus on the next game. Big rival (Purdue). That needs to be everybody's focus," Cignetti said.
Curt Cignetti asked if his team deserves to make the playoffs: "I don't make those decisions. It's more important for me now that I focus on the next game. Big rival (Purdue). That needs to be everybody's focus."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 23, 2024
There's certainly a very strong case to be made that Indiana doesn't get in. Their 10 wins so far have not featured a single opponent ranked in the top 25 and that will remain the case even if they beat Purdue next week.
To not only lose to the Buckeyes - the only ranked team they face - and get blown out really doesn't do them any favors, especially this late in the year.
That said, there is still a good chance that they get in if a few results break their way over the next few hours and days. They got a little bit of help with No. 9 Ole Miss losing to Florida in a loss that likely knocks the Rebels out of contention.
And if Texas beats Texas A&M next week that will likely knock another potential bid stealer out of their way.
Ultimately, today's loss to the Buckeyes has simply taken things out of the Hoosiers' hands. They no longer control their own destiny even if they win next week.
Whether they make the 12-team College Football Playoff or not, Indiana should have their heads held high. They defied all expectations and all history this year and have a big postseason to look forward to no matter how the final week of the season shakes up.
Related: Indiana Special Teams Has Been An Utter Disaster vs. Ohio State
