Indiana University’s football team has achieved an unprecedented milestone in its history, finishing the regular season with a perfect record of 12-0. The No. 2 Hoosiers capped off this remarkable feat with a commanding 56-3 victory over their archrival, the Purdue Boilermakers, on December 1, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. This victory marks the first time in the program’s history that Indiana has completed a regular season without a loss, surpassing their previous best of 9-0-1 in 1945.
Head coach Curt Cignetti, who took the helm of the Hoosiers in 2023, expressed his astonishment at the team’s transformation. “This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen,” Cignetti stated. “It just goes to show you that when you have a commitment and a plan, and the right people in place, anything is possible.”
The Hoosiers’ journey to perfection has involved significant contributions from everyone within the program, from university leaders to the players and support staff. Cignetti emphasized the collective effort that led to this historic season, stating, “Regardless of what happens from here on out, this team will always be the first team in Indiana history to go undefeated in the regular season.”
The victory over Purdue not only secured the Old Oaken Bucket trophy but also set the stage for Indiana’s first appearance in the Big Ten Championship game on December 6, 2023. The team is now poised to compete for a national championship as they transition into the College Football Playoff.
Indiana’s success this season can be attributed to a strong sense of unity among the players. Senior center Pat Coogan delivered an inspiring speech before the game, rallying the team with a message about their diverse backgrounds. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza recalled Coogan’s words, saying, “He’s like, ‘Look at us, a bunch of misfits… and now we have a chance to be 12-0.'” This sentiment resonated deeply within the locker room, motivating the players to embrace their roles and strive for excellence.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher highlighted the team’s commitment to winning and supporting one another. “A like-minded team that just wants to win is a very dangerous team,” Fisher noted after the game. His teammate, defensive end Stephen Daley, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shift in mindset from merely hoping to compete to pursuing victory relentlessly. Daley, who transferred from Kent State after a winless season, has become a key player for Indiana, leading the Big Ten with 18 tackles for loss this season.
As Indiana prepares for its championship matchup, Cignetti acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We know we have something special with this team,” Fisher said, displaying a focused mindset as the players celebrated their historic achievement with cigars in the locker room.
The Hoosiers are not just resting on their laurels; the team understands the importance of maintaining momentum. Mendoza stated, “Everybody on the team — coaches, support staff, players — we’ve all worked our entire lives to get to this point.” This collective determination reflects the spirit that has driven Indiana to new heights this season.
With the Big Ten Championship game on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Hoosiers as they aim to continue their historic run and potentially secure a place in college football history. The excitement is palpable as Indiana embarks on the next chapter of its remarkable journey.
