The clock just struck midnight on a CFB Cinderella story. The Indiana Hoosiers (10-1) unbeaten run came to a crashing halt at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1). The result was largely expected and one Indy would’ve lived with. However, the margin of deficit in the 15-38 loss was resounding. Was their lofty position in the standings a mirage? You’d be forgiven for thinking so if you look at their way out of this predicament.

Curt Cignetti’s team began the game with pomp. An 11-play drive in the first quarter culminated in a touchdown and an unlikely lead for the Hoosiers in Columbus. From there on, things fizzled out quicker than the fans could fathom. Punt return TDs, special team turnovers. You name it. The usual ingredients for a CFB capitulation. Even the Big 10 themselves are seemingly in on throwing some subtle shade Indiana’s way.

The official handle of the B1G on Instagram posted a set of circumstances that will have to ensue in order for Indiana to make the conference championship game. The road is so narrow it may as well be called an alleyway. The Hoosiers do not control their destiny to make the short trip from Bloomington to Indianapolis.

Indiana will need both Ohio State and Penn State to lose their respective games. For those in the back- not either, but both. All 3 schools are tied at 7-1 in conference play. Albeit, the latter two hold the tiebreakers over Indy. One can safely assume Indiana is all but eliminated from contention. Miracles can happen in the CFB realm, and Indiana has been at the epicenter of a few this season. However, this seems like a stretch too far for Curt Cignetti and Co.

Meanwhile, Dan Lanning and his Oregon Ducks (11-0, 8-0 in the B1G) have officially secured a spot in the championship game. After Indiana’s peril on the weekend, the Ducks are now the only unbeaten team left in the country. If Ohio State takes care of Michigan in Columbus next weekend, they will line up against them for B1G supremacy.

Cignetti and Indiana aided by the shortcomings of those around them

While their conference championship fate is pretty much sealed, Indiana is still alive this season. Yes, the loss was damaging to their standing within the committee. However, it would appear the Hoosiers will just about sneak into the playoffs despite some dialogue claiming otherwise.

Entering the weekend, the theme of the discourse was a potential SEC teams’ exclusion in favor of Indiana. People were concerned that a 10-2 team would be left out despite their more challenging traversal schedule-wise. That hypothetical has been nipped in the bud. The untimely losses of Ole Miss and Alabama are a blessing for Cignetti. 

As it stands, ESPN gives Indiana a 98% chance to make it to the CFP. It would appear they would also be required to win their final game at home against Purdue (1-10). No prizes for guessing that Indiana is a massive favorite heading in. So, while the conference crown is not up for grabs, there is still a pulse to the Indiana Hoosiers’ season.