The Crimson Quarry
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No. 9 Indiana football beats No. 18 USC 27-13
Indiana snaps a five‑spot drop in the CFP rankings by beating No. 18 USC 27‑13 on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium. Backup QB Grant Wilson replaces the injured Josh Hoover and sparks the offense with a 47‑yard strike to Shazz Preston and a 13‑yard TD to Brock Schott, who totals four catches. Running backs Khobie Martin (12 carries, 82 yards) and Lee Beebe Jr. (16 carries, 71 yards) carry the second‑half drive, capped by Wilson’s 42‑yard bomb to Charlie Becker. The Hoosiers’ defense, despite missing Rolijah Hardy and Kellen Wyatt, forces two interceptions and a missed USC field goal, cementing a 9‑1 record and keeping Playoff hopes alive pending wins over Washington and Purdue.
No. 9 Indiana Football beats No. 18 USC 27-13 : 3 Observations
Indiana (9-1) clinches a 27-13 victory over No. 18 USC, keeping its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Backup quarterback Grant Wilson throws for 305 yards, two TDs and one interception, while the defense forces three crucial picks, including a late seal by Jamari Sharpe. The Hoosiers finally revive their run game; Khobie Martin breaks out with a 37-yard run and Lee Beebe Jr. doubles his carries to steady the ground attack. Despite missing a starter on the offensive line, Indiana’s balanced effort and Bryant Haines’ coaching lift the team toward a third straight playoff berth.
Game Chat: Indiana Hoosiers football vs USC Trojans
Indiana (8‑1, 5‑1 Big Ten) heads into a crucial home clash against USC (7‑2, 4‑2) on Nov. 14, 2026, after the College Football Playoff poll dropped the Hoosiers from No. 4 to No. 9. Indiana is dealing with key injuries—running back Turbo Richard and guard Joe Brunner are out, linebacker Rolijah Hardy is questionable, and cornerback A.J. Harris is only probable. A loss could derail Indiana’s playoff hopes, making the matchup a high‑stakes battle at Memorial Stadium. Stay tuned for live updates, analysis, and predictions.
Indiana football fans see the Hoosiers going 3-0 in November
Indiana’s football season stalls at No. 9 in the CFP rankings, but a fan survey shows unwavering optimism: every respondent predicts the Hoosiers will win their final three games—against USC, Washington and Purdue—to finish 11‑1 and reach the Big Ten Championship. Despite a bye week and mounting injuries, the team’s odds remain strong, with FanDuel listing them at -110 to win the conference and +950 for a national title. Fans remain confident the Hoosiers will go 3‑0 in November and keep playoff hopes alive.
3 notes from Indiana women’s basketball’s 80-44 win over Samford
Indiana women’s basketball improves to 4-0 with a dominant 80-44 victory over Samford at Assembly Hall on Nov. 3, 2026. Despite missing Lenee Beaumont (knee) and Jess Petrie (family emergency), the Hoosiers thrive on freshman firepower: transfer Zania Socka‑Nguemen leads with 17 points, while Addy Nyemchek and GiGi Battle add 16 and 15 respectively. Indiana also crushes Samford on the boards, out‑rebounding them 50-27, signaling the roster’s growing size advantage. The win sets up a Sunday showdown with Milwaukee, where Petrie is expected to return.
3 bold predictions for Indiana football vs USC
Indiana faces #7 USC on Saturday in Bloomington, a must‑win to stay in the playoff race after slipping from No. 4 to No. 9 on the CFP poll. The Hoosiers will likely start QB Josh Hoover despite an arm injury that sidelined him against Ohio State, hoping his stronger arm lifts the passing game. With RB Turbo Richard and FB Joe Brunner both listed out, the backfield leans on Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. to carry the run load. Freshman linebacker Jacob Savage, already a standout, could be forced into a larger role if safety Rolijah Hardy remains questionable. A win could boost Indiana back into the top eight; a loss may end their playoff hopes.
Candystripe Catchup: Basketball signing day, football preps for USC
Indiana Athletics sprint through a busy week: both the men’s and women’s basketball coaches announced their 2027 recruiting classes, highlighted by 2027 center Darius Wabbington and guard Chase Branham for the men’s side and a trio of prospects for the women’s team. On the football front, Coach Curt Cignetti keeps the starting quarterback under wraps as the Hoosiers gear up for a pivotal showdown with USC that could decide their playoff fate, with chilly Saturday temperatures expected. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer squad advances to the Big Ten championship, and the volleyball team falls to Minnesota in its final road game.
Indiana men’s basketball Tennessee Tech 90-66: 3 Observations
Indiana men’s basketball defeats Tennessee Tech 90-66 on Nov. 12, showcasing a 24‑point win that may be the season’s most impressive performance. Coach Darian DeVries exploits a size advantage early, feeding big man Samet Yigitoglu, while the backcourt eventually finds rhythm and the bench shines. Freshmen Trevor Manhertz bursts with a dunk and four‑point play, nearing his 6.7 ppg average, and Bryce Lindsay contributes 11 points off the bench. Despite a shaky first half, the Hoosiers’ depth and emerging roles suggest growth before marquee games against Arkansas and Kentucky. The article highlights three observations: the team’s developmental stage, bench impact, and Manhertz’s rising role.
Indiana men’s basketball beats Tennessee Tech 90-66
Indiana hoisted a 90-66 victory over Tennessee Tech on Nov. 12, 2026, despite a chaotic first half that saw Samet Yigitoglu knocked out by an errant shot to the face and the Hoosiers trailing at halftime. After a 6-0 start, the Hoosiers fell into a three‑minute scoring drought as Tech seized the lead twice. The tide turned in the second half when Markus Burton and Darren Harris combined for 16 points and nine assists, while Indiana’s defense tightened, allowing only 29 points after a 37‑point first half. Six players finished in double figures, sealing the win at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
2027 center commit Darius Wabbington signs with Indiana men’s basketball
Indiana men’s basketball lands its first high‑school center since 2020 as 5‑star recruit Darius Wabbington signs his National Letter of Intent. The 21‑year‑old, rated the No. 2 center and No. 13 overall prospect in the 2027 class by 247Sports, chose Indiana over Illinois and Arizona. Coach Darian DeVries praises Wabbington’s size, mobility, shooting range and basketball IQ, calling him a “connector” on the floor. The Arizona native from Sunnyslope High School joins a frontcourt that previously relied on transfers and international signings, marking a key milestone in Indiana’s recruiting push.
Hoosier Hunch: Predicting Indiana football vs USC
Indiana, now 8-1 and ranked No. 9 in the CFP, prepares to host USC at Memorial Stadium on Saturday—its first clash since USC joined the Big Ten. The Hoosiers face a quarterback dilemma as Josh Hoover battles a lingering injury, with Grant Wilson having stepped in during recent wins. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defense, anchored by Broyles Award‑winner Bryant Haines, aims to limit the Lincoln Riley‑led Trojans to under 19 points, matching the Hoosiers’ own scoring average. The key will be reviving a struggling run game without turbo‑charged back Turbo Richard, who remains sidelined.
Indiana women’s basketball signs talented trio of 2027 prospects
Indiana women’s basketball announces a 2027 signing class that ranks seventh nationally and second in the Big Ten, adding three 5‑star recruits. Point guard Brookeslee Colvin (Coeur d’Alene, ID) averages 30.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 4.7 assists, ranking 5th among point guards and 32nd overall. Forward Azy Jackson (Bonney Lake, WA) becomes the program’s highest‑rated signee, a top‑20 ESPN prospect, with 14.6 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, though she missed the 2026‑27 high‑school season due to a knee injury and will enroll early in January. Power forward Finley Parker (River Ridge, GA) posts 19.6 points and 9.5 rebounds, ranking 9th among power forwards and 39th overall. The recruiting boost follows head coach Teri Moren’s recent staff additions, signaling continued growth for the Hoosiers.
Temperatures set to plummet for USC-Indiana on Saturday
The USC Trojans face the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET expected to occur near a high of 46‑48°F and a low of 27°F. A brisk wind will make it feel even colder, likely prompting Indiana to lean away from the passing game. USC arrives from a warm Los Angeles climate, so fans should prepare for significant temperature changes, bundle up, and consider hot foods for tailgating.
Curt Cignetti set to face Big Ten meetings buddy Lincoln Riley, USC
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who turned the Hoosiers from the nation’s losingest program into national champions in two years, is set to meet USC’s Lincoln Riley at Indiana’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Riley, fresh from USC’s October 31 clash with Ohio State, praised Cignetti’s charisma and coaching pedigree, noting their frequent side‑by‑side seating at Big Ten meetings and Cignetti’s prior stints at Davidson, Elon and East Carolina. The article highlights Cignetti’s bold recruiting promises, his media‑savvy personality, and the growing respect between the two rising coaches ahead of the matchup.
3 things to watch for Indiana men’s basketball vs Tennessee Tech
Indiana opens its fourth 2026-27 season game at Assembly Hall against Tennessee Tech, and three storylines loom large. First, the Hoosiers hope their 7‑foot duo—Samet Yigitoglu and Aiden Sherrell—will be more offensively involved after a combined 14 points in a tight 83‑80 loss to Syracuse. Second, veteran coach Tobin Anderson, famous for Fairleigh Dickinson’s upset of Purdue, now leads the Golden Eagles and will test his tactical acumen. Finally, Indiana’s defense, exposed by Syracuse, must tighten up as Tennessee Tech’s high‑scoring unit posted 97‑94 and 88‑point road performances. These factors will shape a pivotal early‑season matchup.
Indiana football’s path to the playoff just got a lot clearer, narrower
Indiana’s drop from No. 4 to No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings narrows its path to a third straight playoff appearance. After overtime losses to Michigan and Minnesota, the Hoids must finish the regular season 12‑1 or 11‑2 and win—or at least not lose—the Big Ten Championship to stay in contention. A loss to USC, Ohio State, Washington or Purdue would likely end their hopes, echoing Notre Dame’s 2025 exit after two losses to fringe teams. In short, Indiana needs a flawless finish to keep the playoff dream alive.
2027 CG commit Chase Branham signs with Indiana men’s basketball
Chase Branham, a 4‑star combo guard from Logan‑Rogersville (MO) and La Lumiere (IN), officially signs his National Letter of Intent with Indiana men’s basketball. Ranked the 5th‑best combo guard and 27th overall in the 2027 class, Branham chose IU over offers from Iowa, Purdue, Creighton, Missouri and Tennessee. He averaged 21.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.2 steals as a junior, shooting 41.1% from deep. Coach Darian DeVries calls him a dynamic, multi‑dimensional playmaker, joining fellow 2027 signees Felix Kiehlneker and Darius Wabbington.
The enshittification of college basketball was on display at Indiana-Syracuse in Indianapolis
Indiana edged Syracuse 83-80 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 9, but the game sparked criticism of college basketball’s drift toward pricey neutral‑site matchups. Writer Zach Horwitz decries the 6:30 p.m. Monday start and $100‑plus upper‑deck tickets that kept fans home, noting only 5,047 attendees versus higher past turnouts. He also points out the lack of a live band, generic graphics and a hollow fight‑song, arguing these choices turn a regional tradition into a costly commodity rather than a fan‑friendly event.
USC’s Lincoln Riley on Indiana’s defense: ‘They’ve done an outstanding job’
USC coach Lincoln Riley praised Indiana’s defense as “outstanding,” highlighting its depth and cohesion ahead of their matchup on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers rank fourth nationally in scoring defense (12.44 points per game) and fifth in total defense (259.2 yards per game) under coaches Curt Cignetti and Bryant Haines. Riley noted the unit’s two‑deep front, versatile linebackers, and smart coverage mixes that make opponents earn every play. Indiana, coming off a strong defensive showing despite a stagnant offense, will face Riley’s 7‑2 Trojans, who sit No. 18 in the CFP rankings after a 30‑18 win over Ohio State.
Hoosiers Daily News: USC looms even larger after CFP rankings drop
Indiana’s 2026 football season now hinges on Saturday’s home game against No. ? USC, as the Hoosiers tumble from a CFP No. 4 ranking to No. 9. An 11‑1 or 11‑2 finish could still earn a Big Ten championship slot, but a 10‑2 record may end playoff hopes. The Trojans are the only remaining ranked opponent, so a win could boost Indiana’s ranking before the final matchups with Washington and Purdue. The article also links to related CFP debates and Indiana sports coverage.
Do the College Football Playoff rankings deserve to be taken seriously? Probably not
The author argues that ESPN's weekly College Football Playoff rankings are more spectacle than serious sport analysis. Citing the latest release—where Indiana fell five spots after a bye week despite being listed as having the fifth-best playoff odds—the piece criticizes the rankings’ TV‑driven presentation, alleged network bias, and its role in creating debate for ad revenue. While acknowledging the rankings still determine playoff spots, the column urges fans to focus on on‑field performance rather than the media‑manufactured hype.
5 teams Indiana football should schedule as future non-conference opponents
Starting in 2027, Indiana football must schedule at least one Power Five opponent due to a new Big Ten‑SEC agreement tied to the expanded 24‑team playoff. The Hoosiers, whose non‑conference slate runs through 2030 with no Power Five teams, are already scouting options. The article lists five likely targets: Kentucky (historic rivalry and a fan‑favorite), Tennessee (recent Gator Bowl drama and a chance to play in Knoxville), Kansas (both schools’ recent football investments), Oklahoma (color‑coordinated match‑up and a solid Sooners program), and Louisville (geographic proximity and a recent series). Each pick balances history, competitive appeal, and logistical considerations.
College Football Playoff rankings: Indiana plummets to No. 9 in latest poll
Indiana drops from No. 4 to No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings despite not playing this week, as its résumé is devalued by Ohio State’s slide after a 41‑28 loss to unranked Oregon. The Hoosiers’ sole loss was to Ohio State, and none of their eight wins came against ranked opponents. Their national‑championship odds fall to +1000, the sixth‑best. Indiana still controls its fate with a home game against No. 18 USC, followed by road trips to Washington and the Old Oaken Bucket clash with Purdue.
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to start for Las Vegas Raiders
Former Indiana quarterback and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is set to start for the Las Vegas Raiders after the team trades starter Kirk Cousins to the Vikings at the NFL trade deadline. Drafted #1 overall this spring, Mendoza has only appeared in relief, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards against the Patriots. The Raiders, now 3‑5 after a 3‑0 start, will give Mendoza his first start against the Seattle Seahawks' top defense Sunday, followed by a matchup with Denver’s strong unit.
Brace yourself, Indiana’s probably gonna fall in the CFP rankings
The Indiana Hoosiers sit at 8-1 and were ranked No. 4 in the latest College Football Playoff poll, but upcoming rankings could drop them after Ohio State’s recent losses devalue Indiana’s resume. All of Indiana’s key wins — over Northwestern, Nebraska, Michigan and Minnesota — were eclipsed by those opponents’ defeats on Saturday, while their lone loss to Ohio State now looms larger. Though the Hoosiers should remain in the top ten, a slip from No. 4 is likely. They still have three regular‑season games, including a potential marquee win against USC, to improve their standing before the Big Ten championship.
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