Indiana University (IU) football is gaining significant attention as they boast a 7-0 record and hold the No. 2 spot in both the Associated Press and US LBM Coaches Top 25 polls. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings set to be unveiled on November 4, experts have already reshaped their projections following Week 8 of the season.
IU Football’s Strong CFP Projection
Several sports analysts have weighed in on IU’s potential playoff positioning. Here’s a summary of their projections:
- ESPN – Heather Dinich: Ranks IU at No. 2 following their victory over Michigan State. The Hoosiers’ previous win against Oregon, which ended the Ducks’ 18-game home winning streak, was pivotal in boosting their playoff aspirations.
- ESPN – Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach: Both analysts also place IU at No. 2 in their CFP projections.
- CBSSports – Brad Crawford: Projects IU at No. 3, suggesting that their unbeaten status leading into the conference championship may keep them at a high ranking.
- Sports Illustrated – Bryan Fischer: Positions IU as a No. 3 seed, highlighting UCLA as a potential standout win later in the season.
- Sports Illustrated – Pat Forde: Lists IU at No. 2 in his projections.
- The Athletic – Scott Dochterman: Places IU at No. 2, with a potential matchup against Miami or Texas Tech in the postseason.
- USA Today – Matt Hayes: Ranks IU as the No. 1 team, noting their significant wins against Illinois and Oregon as key factors.
- On3 – Brett McMurphy: Previously excluding IU from playoff discussions, he now projects them at No. 3.
Key Wins and Future Challenges
The Hoosiers have demonstrated resilience, earning four consecutive victories in the Big Ten, including two impressive road wins. Their performance against top-ranked teams, such as a historic victory at Oregon and a decisive win against Illinois, has solidified their status in the CFP conversation.
As they approach the conference championship game, all eyes will be on how IU will fare against Ohio State. With significant wins under their belt, the Hoosiers remain a formidable contender for a top seed in the playoff landscape.
