Ohio State vs Indiana Football Game: Historic Big Ten Championship Upset

Never Miss a Big Game Moment

Game Overview: Defense Dominates in Low-Scoring Affair

The highly anticipated matchup between undefeated Indiana (12-0) and top-ranked Ohio State (12-0) lived up to its billing as a defensive showcase. The Hoosiers overcame a 10-6 halftime deficit to claim the victory with a third-quarter touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Elijah Sarratt that proved to be the game-winner.

The game’s decisive moment came with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter when Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 27-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game. The Buckeyes had one final opportunity in the closing seconds, but time expired after a 45-yard completion to Jeremiah Smith reached only the Indiana 39-yard line.

Key Players: Quarterbacks Duel in Championship Spotlight

Julian Sayin (Ohio State)

The highly-touted Ohio State quarterback completed 21-of-29 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Despite the solid statistical performance, Sayin was under constant pressure from Indiana’s defense, taking five sacks for a loss of 29 yards. His connection with star receiver Jeremiah Smith (8 catches, 144 yards) kept the Buckeyes in the game, but they ultimately couldn’t find the end zone in the second half.

Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)

Indiana’s quarterback and Heisman Trophy frontrunner delivered when it mattered most, completing 15-of-23 passes for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Mendoza briefly left the game after taking a hard hit on the opening drive but returned to lead the Hoosiers to victory. His 51-yard completion to Charlie Becker in the third quarter set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt.

Other Standout Performers

Charlie Becker (Indiana)

6 receptions, 126 yards

Made crucial 33-yard catch to seal the game

Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)

8 receptions, 144 yards

Dominant despite the loss

Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)

3 receptions, 41 yards, 1 TD

Scored the game-winning touchdown

Coaching Analysis: Cignetti’s Masterclass vs. Day’s Tough Loss

Curt Cignetti (Indiana)

In just his first season at Indiana, Coach Curt Cignetti has orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history. Taking over a program that went 3-9 last season, Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and their first Big Ten title since 1967.

Cignetti’s aggressive play-calling was evident in the game’s critical moments, particularly when he called for a deep pass on third down late in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 33-yard completion to Charlie Becker and effectively sealing the victory.

“We are Big Ten Champions! You want to talk about changing the way people think? I got three and a half weeks to get this team humble and hungry for the playoffs.”

– Curt Cignetti, Indiana Head Coach

Ryan Day (Ohio State)

Ohio State coach Ryan Day now faces questions after his team’s first loss of the season came at the most inopportune time. Day’s decision-making will be scrutinized, particularly the choice to attempt a field goal rather than go for it on fourth-and-1 at the Indiana 9-yard line with under three minutes remaining.

Despite the loss, Day remained optimistic about his team’s playoff chances, noting that last year’s team rebounded from a similar late-season setback to make a championship run.

“Season’s not over. We’ve been here before. This team has shown incredible resilience all year, and I expect nothing less from them now.”

– Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach

College Football Playoff Implications

With the expanded 12-team playoff format, both teams are virtually guaranteed spots in the field, but their seeding and paths will be dramatically different following this result.

Indiana’s Path

• Secured the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff
• Will receive a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds
• Will play their quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl
• First Big Ten championship since 1967 and first outright title since 1945
• Fernando Mendoza likely secured the Heisman Trophy with his performance

Ohio State’s Outlook

• Expected to receive the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the playoffs
• Will still receive a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds
• First loss of the season drops them from the No. 1 position
• Could potentially face Indiana again in the playoff semifinals or final
• Must address offensive line issues that led to five sacks allowed

Projected College Football Playoff Field

Historical Context: Indiana’s Long Road to Glory

Indiana’s victory over Ohio State is historic in multiple ways, breaking several long-standing streaks and setting new program milestones.

Game Statistics: By the Numbers

Key Individual Statistics

Venue Information: Lucas Oil Stadium

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Both Programs

Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers enter the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed with momentum and confidence. Coach Curt Cignetti has already begun preparing his team for their quarterfinal matchup, emphasizing the need to stay “humble and hungry.”

Looking beyond this season, Indiana has established itself as a legitimate Big Ten power. The challenge will be sustaining this success, especially with Fernando Mendoza likely headed to the NFL after this season. However, Cignetti’s proven ability to develop talent and utilize the transfer portal suggests the Hoosiers won’t be disappearing from the national stage anytime soon.

Rising Program

Ohio State Buckeyes

Despite the disappointing loss, Ohio State remains one of college football’s elite programs. The Buckeyes will enter the playoff as a dangerous team with championship experience and talent at every position. Coach Ryan Day emphasized that the “season isn’t over,” drawing parallels to last year’s team that rebounded from a late-season loss to make a championship run.

The immediate focus will be on addressing the offensive line issues that led to five sacks in the championship game. Long-term, Ohio State continues to recruit at an elite level, with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith both expected to return next season to lead another championship push.

Perennial Contender

Broadcast Information for Future Games

For fans looking to follow these teams through the College Football Playoff and beyond, here’s where you can watch their upcoming games:

Ohio State vs Indiana Football Game: Final Thoughts: A Game for the History Books

The 2025 Big Ten Championship Game between Ohio State and Indiana will be remembered as one of the most significant upsets in conference history. Coach Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers defied all expectations, completing a perfect 13-0 season and securing the program’s first conference title in 58 years.

For Ohio State, the loss is painful but not devastating to their championship hopes. The Buckeyes remain one of college football’s elite programs and will enter the playoff with something to prove. The missed field goal by Jayden Fielding will be a footnote in what could still be a championship season if Ryan Day’s team can regroup.

As both teams prepare for the College Football Playoff, this game serves as a reminder of what makes college football special—the unpredictability, the passion, and the ability for a program like Indiana to rise from decades of mediocrity to the very pinnacle of the sport in just one remarkable season.