WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Coming into this week, there were 33 “I” links within the 99-link chain on the Old Oaken Bucket. Thirty-three Indiana wins over Purdue in 99 years of the Old Oaken Bucket Game.
On Friday, in the 100th Old Oaken Bucket Game, link 100 was added as Indiana (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) blew out Purdue (2-10, 0-9 Big Ten) 56-3 in West Lafayette.
A 34th “I” link.
The 34th “I” is different from the other 33. It signifies the end of a perfect regular season. A 12-0 record. A share of the Big Ten regular season title. A trip to Indianapolis to play in the Big Ten Championship Game. All program firsts.
The 34th “I” is more than a win over Purdue. It is the finale to a regular season that will be cemented in Indiana history forever.
“It’s a great night for Indiana,” head coach Curt Cignetti said. “For our fanbase, our alums, our loyal supporters, everybody that cares about Indiana. This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen. It shows when you have the commitment and the plan and the right people, anything is possible.”
The night began with Indiana running out of the tunnel to a Ross-Ade Stadium crowd painted mostly red with Indiana fans. As it came to a close, fans in red were practically all who remained. From start to finish, they were treated with another signature Indiana blowout.
Prior to the run-out, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza took note of the message his center, Pat Coogan, delivered to the team.
“He was like ‘Look at us, a bunch of misfits, guys from FCS, G5, JMU coming up, a bunch of transfers, rejects from their old schools coming to Indiana. Now, we have a chance to be 12-0,’” Mendoza said of Coogan.
The message resonated team-wide.
The Hoosiers outgained the Boilermakers in yardage 548-282. The ground game stole the spotlight, as Indiana rushed for 355 yards on 37 carries and held Purdue to 44 yards on 27 carries. Roman Hemby led the way for Indiana with 152 rushing yards and a career-long 82-yard touchdown. Kaelon Black added 66 yards and two touchdowns for his first career multi-touchdown game.
Mendoza, the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, struggled, finishing 8-for-15 for 117 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also added 27 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. Omar Cooper Jr. led all receivers with 63 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Elijah Sarratt also cashed in a touchdown in his return to play after missing a month.
Defensively, Stephen Daley shined up front once again, finishing with six tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble on the night. In the secondary, Amare Ferrell added an interception and Devan Boykin recovered the fumble forced by Daley. Rolijah Hardy made 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and broke up two passes to lead the linebacker group.
As the regular season has come to an end, a whole new season is just beginning. Indiana will play in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern. The College Football Playoff bracket will be released the next day.
“We’ve gotta keep on going harder and keep training harder because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we have ahead of us,” Mendoza said.
The Hoosiers will have to wait until Saturday to learn of their opponent for the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon all have a chance to join them in Indianapolis on Dec. 6. An Ohio State win over Michigan places the Buckeyes in. A Michigan win over Ohio State and an Oregon win over Washington puts the Ducks in. A Michigan win over Ohio State and a Washington win over Oregon puts the Wolverines in.
Whichever team ends up in Indianapolis will be facing an Indiana team with confidence and belief.
“We know we have something special with this team,” Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher said. “We know we can take this thing pretty far.”
The undefeated regular season is complete. The conference championship game ticket is punched. The playoff path awaits.
The 34th “I” will stay on the Old Oaken Bucket forever. The regular season that made the 34th “I” so special will be remembered forever.
The postseason awaits.
