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Indiana Hoosiers: Unthinkable National Champions!
20 Jan
Summary
- Indiana became the first team to go 16-0 since 1894.
- Coach Cignetti transformed the team from 3-9 in two seasons.
- The Hoosiers beat top-ranked Ohio State for the Big Ten title.
The Indiana Hoosiers have achieved the unthinkable, securing their first College Football Playoff national championship in a historic 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. This improbable win culminates an astonishing 16-0 season, making them the first team to achieve such a record since 1894.
Just two seasons prior, the Hoosiers posted a 3-9 record. Under the leadership of Coach Curt Cignetti, the team underwent a remarkable transformation. Cignetti's aggressive coaching philosophy and strategic team-building, including transfers and overlooked players, propelled Indiana to unprecedented success.
Their path to the championship included a monumental victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State for their first outright Big Ten title since 1945. They also secured wins in the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl, setting the stage for their final showdown.
Indiana's championship victory was marked by tenacious play, including critical fourth-down conversions and a decisive interception in the final minutes. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza's aggressive play, exemplified by his touchdown run on fourth down, underscored the team's go-for-broke mentality.
Coach Cignetti dedicated the win to his late father, Hall-of-Fame coach Frank Cignetti Sr. The Hoosiers' triumph represents one of the greatest turnarounds in sports history, transforming Indiana from a perennial underdog into a national football power.
