Who Should Hoosier Football Fans Root For This Weekend

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers are off this week after having their game against Purdue canceled due to COVID-19 issues within both both programs. The Hoosiers New Year’s Six Bowl hopes took a hit with the cancelation and with the Big Ten changing the rules to get Ohio State into the Big Ten Title game. Indiana currently sits 12th in the College Football Playoff rankings. So who should Indiana fans root for this weekend in hopes of clearing a path the New Year’s Six? Well, here we go.

In the Big Ten

Wisconsin at No. 16 Iowa- This probably depends on who and if the Hoosiers play next week. Let’s say the Hoosiers get their arms around their situation, rooting for Iowa is a no-brainer. A higher ranked opponent is Indiana’s best shot at impressing the committee. Bottom line is IU still has to win.

If the Hoosiers don’t play next week, I think it may be more beneficial to have Wisconsin win. They could be ranked again and if they win next week as well, they it becomes an even more impressive win for IU. Either outcome could be good for IU. Wisconsin being 3-2 gives Indiana a much needed win over a plus-.500 team and an Iowa win would set up IU for a shot at another ranked win and a plus-.500 win

Illinois at No. 14 Northwestern- The Wildcats are only two spots behind the Hoosiers and will get their shot at the Buckeyes next week. A convincing win over Illinois plus Indiana being idle could propel the ‘Cats over the Hoosiers in the committee’s eyes. However, they still have to play Ohio State. Northwestern doesn’t have to lose, but it would be helpful.

Penn State at Michigan State- Take your pick, Indiana’s opponent records automatically go 1-1 here. Maybe a Penn State win helps IU a tad bit more since they will have ended the regular season on a three game winning streak.

Rutgers at Maryland- Very similar to PSU-MSU, Indiana is picking up a win and a loss on their opponents’ record. A Maryland win would put them at 3-2 however and the committee already said one of IU’s drawbacks was wins against teams with winning records.

Around the Country

No. 9 Georgia at No. 25 Missouri- It may be a long shot, but Georgia losing would likely take away their at-large bid and it would be extremely difficult to keep a three-loss team ahead of IU. So MIZ-ZOU

No. 17 North Carolina at No. 10 Miami- A North Carolina win would give Miami two losses. North Carolina would move to 8-3, but would the committee really put a three-loss ACC team over a one-loss IU squad.

LSU at No. 6 Florida- Not going to happen, but a Tigers win would be very helpful. The Gators would have two losses heading into the SEC title game against Alabama.

No. 15 USC at UCLA- The committee loves USC, must be the uniforms. USC is still behind iU in the rankings, but a win may vault them above the Hoosiers. It may not matter since the PAC-12 champion gets an auto bid to the NY6.

So, enjoy another college football Saturday!