Indiana Clinches First Outright Big Ten Football Title Since 1945 After Ohio State Misses Crucial Field Goal
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In a dramatic showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, the Indiana Hoosiers secured their first outright Big Ten football championship since 1945, edging out the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10. The victory was sealed when Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding missed a critical 27-yard field goal attempt in the closing moments, a rare misstep that handed Indiana a historic win.
Entering the game as four-point underdogs against the defending national champions, Indiana’s flawless 13-0 season was on the line along with the coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers’ triumph not only marks their first outright conference title in 80 years but also positions them as serious contenders for their first national championship.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who passed for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception, was effusive in his postgame remarks, attributing the team’s success to faith and teamwork. “I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position, but by the glory of God, the great coaches, the great teammates, everybody around us, we were able to pull this off,” Mendoza told Fox Sports.
Wide receiver Charlie Becker, who hauled in six receptions for 126 yards, echoed Mendoza’s sentiment, declaring, “The Hoosiers are real, and we’re here.” Indiana’s defense also played a pivotal role, with linebacker Rolijah Hardy making key stops against Ohio State’s running back Bo Jackson throughout the game.
The missed field goal by Fielding, a 27-yard attempt that would have tied the game, was a stunning moment in a tightly contested battle. Ohio State, despite the loss, is still expected to receive a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, underscoring the strength of their season.
Indiana’s remarkable season and championship victory are being hailed as one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history. The Hoosiers will now prepare to face the nation’s top teams in the playoff, carrying the momentum of their Big Ten title.
For more on the College Football Playoff and Big Ten updates, visit the NCAA official site and the Big Ten Conference homepage. Fans can also follow the latest news and analysis at the ESPN College Football section and track playoff seedings through the College Football Playoff official website.
As Indiana celebrates a landmark achievement, the college football world watches closely to see if the Hoosiers can cap off this historic season with a national championship, rewriting the narrative of Big Ten football.
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