Big Ten Football: Picking the best season for each program since 2000
By Shane Lunnen
2019. Record: 8-5. player. 813. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Indiana Hoosiers. 2
Indiana has typically been known for its men’s basketball program and football has operated within its shadow. The good seasons have been hard to come by but head coach Tom Allen has the Hoosiers moving in the right direction. Last season, they racked up eight wins in the regular season, a record not accomplished since the 1993 season.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was sensational for the Hoosiers, when healthy. On three occasions he was hurt last year, the final one ending his season in early November. Peyton Ramsey, the former starter Penix beat out in fall camp, filled in when called upon.
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The Hoosiers started the season with victories over Ball State and Eastern Illinois before Ohio State ruined their fun with a 41-point win. After an easy victory against UConn, the Hoosiers dropped their second game of the year in a close battle at Michigan State.
It was from there the Hoosiers rattled off four straight wins and found themselves ranked 24th in the country. Indiana traveled to face No. 9 Penn State and while the Hoosiers kept it close, the Nittany Lions ultimately held on. The Hoosiers would lose to Michigan the following week but beat rival Purdue for the first time in three years to conclude the season with an 8-4 record.
The Hoosiers were invited to the Gator Bowl to take on Tennessee. Leading 22-9 in the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers were poised for their first bowl win since the 1991 Copper Bowl. However, two late touchdowns by the Vols kept the Hoosiers bowl win drought alive. Despite the season ending on a sour note, Indiana has a spark of life and should build off their solid eight-win season.