Indiana's Last Victory Over Ohio State

Ah, the age-old question that sparks passionate debates among college football fans: When was the last time Indiana beat Ohio State? This is a matchup steeped in history, and for Hoosier fans, the memory of a victory over the mighty Buckeyes is a cherished one. For the Buckeyes, it's a rare blip on an otherwise dominant radar. Let's dive deep into the annals of college football to uncover that last triumphant moment for Indiana. The Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes have a long-standing rivalry, with Ohio State generally holding the upper hand. However, history is full of surprises, and the 2020 season provided just that for Indiana. On November 21, 2020, the Hoosiers achieved a remarkable upset, defeating the #3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 42-35. This was not just a win; it was a statement. The game, played at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana, was a back-and-forth thriller. Indiana's offense, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., was firing on all cylinders, while their defense managed to make crucial stops against a potent Buckeye offense. The atmosphere was electric, even with limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This victory marked the first time Indiana had defeated Ohio State since 1987, ending a long drought and sending shockwaves through the Big Ten Conference. The significance of this win cannot be overstated. It wasn't just about securing a victory; it was about proving that the Hoosiers could compete with the best, challenging the established order, and creating a memorable moment for their dedicated fanbase. The players and coaching staff were ecstatic, and the win was celebrated widely, signifying a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten East division. This 2020 win is the most recent and celebrated triumph for Indiana in this storied series.

The Context of the 2020 Upset

The 2020 college football season was unique in many ways, largely due to the ongoing global pandemic. Despite the uncertainties and the altered schedule, the Indiana Hoosiers found themselves in a position to make history against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Hoosiers, under Head Coach Tom Allen, had been steadily building their program, and by the 2020 season, they were ready to challenge the elite. They entered the game against Ohio State with a 5-1 record, ranked #10 in the AP Poll, and looking every bit the part of a top-tier team. Ohio State, coached by Ryan Day, was also undefeated and ranked #3 nationally. The Buckeyes boasted an incredible offense, led by Heisman Trophy finalist Justin Fields at quarterback. The stage was set for a monumental clash. Indiana's resilience and determination were evident from the start. They came out with an aggressive mindset, looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Buckeye defense. The game was a testament to Indiana's offensive firepower and their ability to execute under pressure. Michael Penix Jr. delivered a performance for the ages, throwing for multiple touchdowns and keeping the Hoosiers' offense moving. Simultaneously, the Indiana defense, often overlooked, stepped up with timely turnovers and crucial stops, preventing the Buckeyes from gaining momentum when it mattered most. The final score of 42-35 reflected the tightly contested nature of the game. It was a victory earned through grit, strategic brilliance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For Indiana fans, this win was more than just a statistic; it was a culmination of years of hope and a clear indication of the program's upward trajectory. The celebration that followed was immense, a testament to the emotional significance of overcoming such a formidable opponent. The impact of this win resonated beyond the immediate season, bolstering confidence and setting a new standard for what the Hoosiers could achieve.

Key Players and Moments from the 2020 Game

When discussing the last time Indiana beat Ohio State, the 2020 game, it's impossible not to highlight the key players and pivotal moments that defined that historic victory. For the Indiana Hoosiers, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was the undisputed star of the show. He delivered a career-defining performance, showcasing his arm talent and leadership. Penix threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, consistently making clutch plays that kept the Hoosiers ahead or within striking distance. His chemistry with his receivers was evident, with several long completions that demoralized the Buckeye defense. Another crucial offensive contributor was Ty Fryfogle, who had a breakout game, hauling in 11 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to gain yards after the catch and secure difficult passes was instrumental in moving the chains and putting points on the board. On the defensive side, players like Micah McFadden and Devine Deablo made critical tackles and forced turnovers that halted Ohio State's momentum. The Hoosier defense as a whole played with remarkable intensity, limiting big plays from Justin Fields and the high-powered Buckeye offense. For Ohio State, quarterback Justin Fields still managed a respectable performance despite the loss, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushing for a touchdown. However, the Buckeye offense, usually so dominant, struggled to find consistency against Indiana's determined defense. Key moments in the game included several critical third-down conversions by Indiana, allowing them to maintain possession and control the clock. Indiana's ability to score on crucial downs, particularly in the red zone, was a significant factor. The Hoosiers also capitalized on Ohio State's mistakes, including costly penalties and a couple of turnovers that proved to be too much to overcome. The sheer resilience shown by Indiana, consistently answering Ohio State's scoring drives, was a defining characteristic of the game. It was a true team effort, where every player contributed to this monumental upset, etching their names into Hoosier football history.

The Historical Context and Significance

To truly appreciate the last time Indiana beat Ohio State, we must delve into the historical context and significance of this rivalry. The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference and in college football nationally. Their dominance over the Indiana Hoosiers has been pronounced for decades. Before the 2020 victory, Indiana's last win against Ohio State dated back to 1987. That's a gap of 33 years, a testament to the sustained superiority of the Buckeyes during that period. In that 1987 game, Indiana secured a 31-10 victory, a rare highlight in a series that has often seen Ohio State secure comfortable wins. The significance of the 2020 upset, therefore, cannot be understated. It wasn't just a single win; it was the end of a long and often frustrating drought for Indiana fans. It represented a moment where the Hoosiers not only defeated a rival but defeated a team that was considered one of the best in the nation at that time. This victory provided a massive boost to the Indiana football program, validating the progress made under Tom Allen and showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level within the Big Ten. For the players, it was a chance to achieve something historic, to be remembered for a moment that would be discussed for years to come. For the alumni and fans, it was a reason to celebrate a long-awaited triumph and to believe in the future of their team. The win signaled that Indiana was no longer just a team that could occasionally challenge the top programs but a legitimate contender capable of knocking off giants. It injected a new level of excitement and anticipation into the rivalry, making future matchups even more compelling. The 2020 victory stands as a landmark achievement in Indiana football history.

What Happened After the 2020 Game?

The 2020 victory over Ohio State was a watershed moment for the Indiana Hoosiers, and understanding what happened after the 2020 game provides further insight into its impact. Immediately following the upset, the Hoosiers were riding a wave of euphoria. The win propelled them to a #10 ranking in the AP Poll, their highest ranking in decades. Their remarkable season continued, as they finished with a 6-2 record, earning them a spot in the Outback Bowl against Ole Miss. While they ultimately lost that bowl game, the overall season was a resounding success, exceeding most expectations and solidifying Indiana's place as a top team in the Big Ten Conference. The victory also had a significant impact on recruiting. The national attention generated by defeating a powerhouse like Ohio State made Indiana a more attractive destination for high school prospects. The program's visibility increased, and the Hoosiers were able to attract talented players who might have otherwise looked elsewhere. Coach Tom Allen was recognized for his leadership and was awarded a contract extension, further cementing his commitment to the program. However, the post-2020 era has also presented challenges. The following season, 2021, saw Indiana struggle with injuries and overall performance, finishing with a disappointing 2-10 record. The high standards set in 2020 proved difficult to maintain consistently. The 2022 and 2023 seasons showed incremental improvements, but the Hoosiers have yet to replicate the consistent success of 2020 or the historic upset over the Buckeyes. The 2020 win remains a benchmark, a reminder of what the program is capable of achieving. It serves as motivation for current players and a source of pride for the fanbase. While the path forward involves rebuilding and consistent performance, the memory of that day in November 2020 continues to inspire the Indiana football program.

Looking Ahead: Future Matchups

As we reflect on the last time Indiana beat Ohio State, it's natural to wonder about the future matchups between these two storied programs. The Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes will continue to meet annually as part of the Big Ten Conference schedule. The 2020 victory undoubtedly injected a renewed sense of optimism and belief within the Indiana program and its fanbase. It proved that the Hoosiers are capable of competing with and defeating the best teams in the conference, even a perennial powerhouse like Ohio State. For Indiana, the goal will be to build upon that success, to recruit talented players, and to develop a program that can consistently challenge for the top spot in the Big Ten East. This means closing the gap in terms of overall talent and depth, and ensuring that the team is prepared to play at a high level week in and week out. For Ohio State, the loss in 2020 served as a wake-up call. While they have remained a dominant force, that defeat likely fuels their determination to avoid similar upsets in the future. They will continue to recruit at an elite level and prepare meticulously for every conference opponent. Future games between Indiana and Ohio State will be keenly watched. Fans will be looking to see if Indiana can recapture that magic and pull off another upset. Will the Hoosiers establish themselves as a consistent threat to the Buckeyes, or will Ohio State reassert its historical dominance? The competitive landscape of the Big Ten is always evolving, and these matchups are always circled on the calendar. The possibility of another Indiana upset adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to the rivalry. For those interested in the broader context of college football rivalries and historical upsets, you can explore more on ESPN's college football section or the official NCAA website.