BREAKING : Is Saturday’s Indiana-Ohio State Game the Biggest in IU History? These 5 Also … check below

BREAKING : Is Saturday’s Indiana-Ohio State Game the Biggest in IU History? These 5 Also … check below

The Indiana Hoosiers are preparing for a monumental matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday, and as the game draws closer, the question on the minds of many fans is: Could this game be the biggest in Indiana University’s football history? While it’s clear that the stakes are incredibly high—whether for playoff contention, a major upset, or as a statement win for the program—IU’s football history is rich with unforgettable moments that could rival even this Saturday’s clash.

To answer the question, we must consider not only the significance of Saturday’s game but also weigh it against some of the other iconic moments in Indiana football’s history. So, before we get swept up in the excitement of this weekend, let’s take a look back at five other games that have been monumental in shaping the Hoosiers’ football legacy. While none may quite match the current stakes, these moments have certainly left an indelible mark.

### 1. **Indiana vs. Ohio State – 1987 (The Hoosiers’ Big Ten Title)**

While this upcoming game between Indiana and Ohio State has a lot of implications for both teams, it’s hard to forget one of the most significant games in IU history—an actual Big Ten Championship win. The 1987 season remains one of the greatest campaigns for Indiana football, and it was capped by an unforgettable win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the final regular-season game.

That victory propelled Indiana to their first and only Big Ten Championship in the modern era, securing them a trip to the Rose Bowl—their first appearance in a major bowl game in decades. The game against Ohio State, played at Memorial Stadium, was a classic underdog story: Indiana was not expected to compete for a conference title, but they fought their way to a 14-13 win over the Buckeyes.

The impact of that victory cannot be overstated. The Hoosiers earned a trip to Pasadena, and while they were ultimately defeated by the heavily favored U.S.C. Trojans in the Rose Bowl, the 1987 season remains a pinnacle of IU football success. The win over Ohio State was the moment that proved to the world that Indiana could hang with the big boys of college football.

Could this Saturday’s game against Ohio State surpass it in terms of national significance? It’s possible, but the historical weight of the 1987 game remains tough to match. A conference title and a Rose Bowl appearance is a rarity for IU, and that kind of success was celebrated by fans for years to come. No matter how this season unfolds, the 1987 campaign is a defining chapter in the program’s history.

### 2. **Indiana vs. Michigan – 1986 (The Hoosiers Stun the Wolverines)**

In 1986, Indiana pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in the program’s history with a stunning win over the Michigan Wolverines. It wasn’t the most consequential game in terms of championship hopes or bowl appearances, but the result was so significant because of the opponent and the circumstances. Michigan was ranked #1 in the nation at the time, and Indiana had never won a game against a top-ranked opponent.

The Hoosiers pulled off a 14-10 victory at home in front of a raucous crowd at Memorial Stadium, handing Michigan its first loss of the season. It was a game that sent shockwaves through the college football world, as Indiana’s victory was seen as a David vs. Goliath battle. The win was so unexpected that it was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in college football history at the time.

The impact of this win didn’t just elevate IU’s profile nationally, it also changed the trajectory of the program. For a few brief moments, Indiana football was the talk of the nation. The Hoosiers’ victory over Michigan also helped to build their reputation as a team that could go toe-to-toe with the powerhouses of the Big Ten, something they could build upon in future seasons.

However, as far as playoff implications or national titles go, this game didn’t have the lasting impact of some of the other games on this list. Still, as far as the sheer shock value and prestige of the win, it ranks near the top.

### 3. **Indiana vs. Tennessee – 1989 (The Peach Bowl Win)**

In 1989, Indiana achieved something that many had long thought impossible: a victory in a major bowl game. The Hoosiers faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Peach Bowl, and the outcome was a 27-22 win, marking one of the highest points in the history of IU football.

This game is significant not only because Indiana won its first bowl game in over 20 years but also because of the caliber of the opponent. Tennessee, a perennial power in the SEC, was no slouch, and the Hoosiers were significant underdogs. The victory was a statement that Indiana could compete with some of the best teams in the country, and it was a springboard for future success in the years to come.

As for national impact, the Peach Bowl win didn’t have the lasting implications of, say, a Rose Bowl appearance, but it was still a major milestone. And considering that it came during the tenure of legendary coach Bill Mallory, who revitalized the Indiana program, the Peach Bowl win is a key moment in the school’s football history. The win over Tennessee solidified Mallory’s legacy as one of IU’s greatest football coaches and gave Hoosier fans hope for future success.

### 4. **Indiana vs. Penn State – 2019 (Breaking the Losing Streak)**

Fast forward a few decades, and another historic game in Indiana football history came in 2019 when the Hoosiers snapped a long-standing losing streak to the Penn State Nittany Lions. At that point, Indiana had not beaten Penn State since 1983, and the loss streak had become a symbol of their struggle to compete with the upper-tier teams of the Big Ten.

That all changed when Indiana stunned Penn State in a thrilling 34-32 victory. While the win didn’t secure a conference title or a major bowl berth, it was still a huge moment for the program. Indiana showed that it could not only compete with the Big Ten’s elite but also knock off a team that had been a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff.

The game signified the continued rise of the program under head coach Tom Allen. It was part of a broader trend where Indiana football became relevant again, competing for bowl games and even threatening to make noise in the Big Ten standings. The win over Penn State solidified Allen’s status as one of the most respected coaches in the Big Ten and proved that the Hoosiers were no longer the doormats of the conference.

While this victory was a huge step for Indiana, its national significance is still relatively limited compared to some of the games on this list. However, for Hoosier fans, it was a historic moment—a step toward further credibility and respectability on the national stage.

### 5. **Indiana vs. Nebraska – 1967 (The Big Ten Title and Rose Bowl)**

Before the 1987 Big Ten Championship, Indiana’s football program had already enjoyed success in 1967, when the Hoosiers won their first-ever Big Ten title and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl. The season was highlighted by an incredible performance from future NFL star and Heisman Trophy candidate, Harry Gonso, who led the Hoosiers to an 8-2 record and a share of the Big Ten title.

While Indiana fell to the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl, the 1967 season was a breakthrough for the program. The game against Nebraska, a late-season showdown that clinched the Big Ten title, is one of the most memorable moments in IU football history. At that time, Indiana was considered a powerhouse in the Big Ten, and the season remains a source of pride for the university.

However, the lack of a national championship or sustained success in the years that followed meant that the 1967 season was an isolated peak for Indiana football. Still, the victory over Nebraska and the subsequent Rose Bowl appearance make this one of the top moments in Hoosier history, and the 1967 season will always be remembered as one of the program’s greatest achievements.

### Conclusion: Can This Saturday’s Game Be the Biggest?

As Indiana prepares for its showdown with Ohio State this Saturday, the game undoubtedly holds significant importance. Depending on how the season plays out, this could very well be a defining moment for IU’s football program. If the Hoosiers secure a victory, they could cement their status as a contender in the Big Ten and potentially break through to the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.

However, when you look back at the program’s history, there are many other moments that have been just as, if not more, monumental. The 1987 Big Ten title, the 1986 upset over Michigan, the Peach Bowl win in 1989, and the 1967 Rose Bowl appearance all represent significant peaks in the history of Indiana football.

Ultimately, this Saturday’s game against Ohio State may not surpass these historic moments, but it certainly has the potential to join them in the annals of Indiana football lore.