RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCollege football analyst pinpoints possible Indiana loss to ruin undefeated streak in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Indiana Hoosiers were one of the biggest turnaround teams in recent sports history, posting a 16-0 season that culminated in a national title win over the Miami Hurricanes , catapulting Curt Cignetti into potential legendary coaching status in Bloomington.
Based on the Hoosiers' schedule, a third consecutive College Football Playoff berth is a likely outcome. But one college football analyst would find it unsurprising if the Hoosiers hit a snag as the regular season moves along.
According to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, the Hoosiers could be looking past one Big Ten team that may have a lot to play for regarding its bowl eligibility or playoff hopes by the time the game transpires: a Halloween tilt with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
As Crawford notes, the Golden Gophers face the daunting task of games against CFP hopefuls i n Ohio State and Michigan before their matchup with the Hoosiers in Bloomington. Crawford admits that if coach P.J. Fleck's team comes ready to play, it could be a seesaw battle instead of a supposed rout in favor of the defending national champions.
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"P.J. Fleck's teams are typically disciplined, physical and comfortable dragging opponents into low-possession games decided late," Crawford wrote. "Indiana will have the talent advantage, but recovering from consecutive season-defining games won't be easy. This is where the Hoosiers' Big Ten title pursuit could unexpectedly unravel if they show up flat."
Should Indiana beat Minnesota, it will already have the Buckeyes behind it and back-to-back trips against Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans and Jedd Fisch's Washington Huskies awaiting Indiana. All in all, October could be a major decider as to whether the Hoosiers can sustain their excellence.
As is routine in college football, though, upsets are bound to occur. Maybe it will happen in the midst of the spookiest holiday (quite literally) in the nation.
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In a few short months, we'll find out.
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