The Cream and Crimson affirmed that the optimal method for dismissing reservations concerning a straightforward pre-conference itinerary involves decisively overwhelming a top-tier opponent during your initial Big Ten showdown.
The No. 19 Cream and Crimson surged to a 35-7 advantage in the initial half, culminating in a 63-10 triumph against No. 9 Illinois on Saturday evening. This victory ought to solidify Indiana’s status as a formidable contender for the College Football Playoff once more, considering the Cream and Crimson’s subsequent schedule.
Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza recorded double the amount of touchdown passes compared to incomplete passes during the first half. Following a performance where he completed 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns against FCS-level Indiana State, Mendoza completed 15 of 17 passes for 220 yards during the initial two quarters, distributing four touchdown passes to four distinct receivers.
However, Indiana did not commence the scoring with a passing touchdown. D’Angelo Ponds propelled the Cream and Crimson to a 7-0 lead after retrieving his own blocked punt for a touchdown.
Illinois equalized the score on its subsequent possession, courtesy of a defensive lapse on a 59-yard pass play. From that juncture onward, the Fighting Illini encountered consistent struggles.
Indiana’s defensive unit amassed five sacks on Illinois QB Luke Altmyer during the first half. Altmyer exhibited efficiency when afforded the opportunity to throw, but he frequently faced pressure from the opposing pass rush.
The Cream and Crimson’s early playoff prospects
The Cream and Crimson emerged as the unexpected team in last season’s College Football Playoff, following an 11-1 regular season in coach Curt Cignetti’s inaugural season at the institution. Indiana commenced the season with a 10-0 record before encountering a defeat at the hands of Ohio State and a loss to Notre Dame in the opening round of the playoff.
Indiana demonstrated impressive performance throughout that 10-game winning streak. Although the Cream and Crimson did not compete against a ranked team prior to the Buckeyes, their sole victory by a margin of fewer than two scores occurred in a 20-15 triumph over Michigan.
A parallel playoff scenario could transpire once again in 2025. Following a pre-conference schedule featuring Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State, Indiana has upcoming road trips to No. 6 Oregon and No. 2 Penn State. However, no other ranked teams are present on the schedule.
Notwithstanding the lenient pre-conference slate, a 10-2 record with defeats against the Ducks and Nittany Lions ought to suffice for playoff qualification. Particularly if Indiana sustains its trend of overwhelming opponents.
Illinois’ prospects suffer a setback
Saturday’s contest may have represented a pivotal game concerning the College Football Playoff. Illinois entered the game in a virtually identical position as Indiana. Furthermore, even if the Fighting Illini were to lose solely to Ohio State for the remainder of the season, it is difficult to envision them being ranked ahead of the Cream and Crimson at season’s end.
Following a home game against No. 25 USC next Saturday, Ohio State constitutes the sole ranked team remaining on Illinois’ schedule. Illinois could potentially be en route to consecutive 10-win seasons under Bret Bielema. However, unless Indiana or the other Big Ten powerhouses falter, the Fighting Illini may find themselves as the foremost among the non-playoff contenders once more. Recovering from such a substantial defeat poses a considerable challenge.
