The Crimson Quarry
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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.
Hoosiers Daily News: Indiana football has a quarterback quandary
Indiana’s quarterback spot remains uncertain ahead of the Nov. 10 clash with USC. Coach Curt Cignetti refuses to confirm whether injured starter Josh Hoover, nursing an arm injury from the Ohio State game, will return, after swapping him for backup Grant Wilson in the second half of the Minnesota win. Wilson’s dual-threat performance helped secure the victory, but his numbers leave the Hoosiers still searching for a reliable answer under center. The decision will likely be revealed during pre‑game warmups, as speculation swirls around who will take the snaps instead of Bray Lynch.
Indiana men’s basketball, Darian DeVries and The Big learning curve
Indiana’s 2026‑27 men’s basketball season starts with growing pains, highlighted by a sluggish opening against Syracuse. While new guard talent like Jaeden Mustaf, Markus Burton and Darren Harris shows promise, the Hoosiers struggle to integrate their two new bigs, Samet Yigitoglu (7‑2) and Aiden Sherrell, into the offense. Coach Darian DeVries, in his ninth Division I year, faces a rare challenge: designing plays for an old‑school post player, a situation he’s seldom handled. The team’s assist numbers have dropped from 23+ last year to a max of 16 this season, signaling deeper offensive cohesion issues. With early‑season time still available, DeVries must adapt his schemes to get the bigs involved and improve guard chemistry.
3 notes from Curt Cignetti’s press conference ahead of USC
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti fielded media questions after the Hoosiers' bye week, giving key updates ahead of the USC matchup. He offered vague answers on quarterback Josh Hoover’s arm injury and confirmed cornerback AJ Harris is "day‑to‑day," leaving Indiana without a clear starter at QB and potentially thin in the secondary. Cignetti defended the special‑teams unit, acknowledging recent fair‑catch focus and past sloppy play against Minnesota, while stressing the need to improve snapping and kicking. He praised USC quarterback Jayden Maiava’s quick, accurate release and noted defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s recent improvements, especially on third‑down efficiency.
All the stats, news and analysis from Indiana’s 83-80 win over Syracuse
Indiana clinches its first high‑major victory of the 2026‑27 season, edging Syracuse 83‑80 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 9. The Hoosiers’ rebounding surge proves decisive, though analysts note the offense still needs polishing. Highlights include backcourt leader Kiyan Anthony’s clutch play and a last‑second heave that falls short for Syracuse. The article compiles five quick takeaways, three key stats, and reactions from the Indianapolis Star and Syracuse.com, offering a full recap of the nail‑biting win.
Everything Curt Cignetti said after the bye, ahead of USC
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti uses the bye week to recharge his squad before a daunting showdown with 7-2 USC. He praises USC’s balanced attack—highlighting freshman standouts Mosley and Bowman, a sensational quarterback, and a disruptive defense—but warns Indiana must tighten up after a fatigued effort against Minnesota. Cignetti leaves quarterback starts open, noting Josh Hoover’s health and AJ Harris as day‑to‑day, while emphasizing special‑teams upgrades, especially longer field goals from Paddy McAteer and improved punt returns under new coach Charlie. The coach says tape study will focus on USC’s evolving defense and fixing Indiana’s inconsistencies.
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti declines to name starting quarterback against USC
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti refuses to confirm the starting quarterback for the upcoming USC game, leaving fans in suspense. Quarterback Josh Hoover, the season-long starter, has struggled with accuracy and an arm injury sustained against Ohio State, dropping below a 50% completion rate after the Nebraska game. In his last start versus Minnesota, Hoover was pulled after completing just eight of 19 passes, with backup Grant Wilson stepping in and throwing a touchdown while adding 26 rushing yards. Cignetti says the decision hinges on Hoover’s health, hinting a change could be imminent for the USC matchup.
3 notes from Indiana women’s basketball’s 84-56 win over Bradley
Indiana women’s basketball surges to a 84-56 victory over Bradley, improving to 3-0 on the season. After trailing 18-15 early in the second quarter, the Hoosiers dominate the period 27-8, taking control of the glass. Malia Samuels goes perfect 4‑4 from the field with rebounds and an assist, while second‑year forward Maya Makalusky leads with 16 points, hitting 4‑6 from three‑point range. Team captain Lenee Beaumont exits in the second quarter with a hyper‑extended knee but remains on the bench as staff assess the injury. Coach Teri Moren highlights the win as a positive step before a marquee matchup with Mississippi State later this month.
3 key stats from Indiana men’s basketball’s win over Syracuse
Indiana hoists a tight 83-80 victory over Syracuse, improving to 3-0. Freshman point guard Ryan Moesch leads Syracuse with 19 points, 6‑13 shooting and six assists, while Indiana’s transfer Aiden Sherrell contributes only six points on two 3‑pointers and one rebound in 18 minutes. The Hoosiers win the rebounding battle 37‑28, anchored by Samet Yigitoglu’s 10 boards and Jaeden Mustaf’s seven, a factor that proves decisive in the close contest.
Rebounding saves Indiana against Syracuse, but the offense could use some work
Indiana survived a gritty 83-80 win over Syracuse on Nov. 9, 2026, thanks to its dominant rebounding. The Hoosiers out‑rebounded the Orange 37‑28, converting 14 offensive boards into 12 second‑chance points. Syracuse shot efficiently (50.9% overall, 42.1% from three), while Indiana struggled early, hitting just 37.1% and 3‑of‑14 from deep. A second‑half surge, highlighted by Darren Harris’s 20 points and a 6‑of‑11 three‑point night, secured the victory. Coach Darian DeVries’ rebounding‑centric philosophy proved vital, but Indiana must improve offensive efficiency to avoid narrow wins.
5 quick thoughts from Indiana men’s basketball’s 83-80 win over Syracuse
Indiana hooped past Syracuse 83-80 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 9, 2026, but the win exposed concerns. The Hoosiers struggled with half‑court offense, relying on individual play rather than cohesive shot selection. Rebounding proved a strength, with a 37-28 edge and 14 offensive boards that yielded 12 second‑chance points. Frontcourt issues were evident as Aiden Sherrell saw limited impact due to foul trouble, while Samet Yigitoglu led with 10 rebounds but missed key opportunities. Jaiden Mustaf shone, delivering 18 points, seven rebounds and clutch defense, earning the game's MVP status.
Indiana men’s basketball beats Syracuse 83-80
Indiana Hoosiers preserve a perfect start with an 83-80 thriller over Syracuse in Indianapolis on Nov. 5, 2026. After a slow offensive start, guards Jaeden Mustaf and Markus Burton each drop 20 points, while Harris perfects his free throws at 10‑10. The Hoosiers dominate the boards, out‑rebounding Syracuse 37-28, led by seven‑footer Samet Yigitoglu’s ten rebounds. The win marks the program’s first victory over Syracuse since 1987, highlighting the impact of offseason additions by coach Darian DeVries.
Game Chat: Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball vs Syracuse
Indiana Hoosiers (1‑0) face Syracuse (2‑0) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 9, 2026, marking both teams' first high‑major test of the season. The Hoosiers, coached by second‑year Darian DeVries, come off wins over Eastern Illinois and Bellarmine, while Gerry McNamara's first‑year Orange beat New Haven and Central Connecticut. The matchup pits two fresh coaching eras against each other in a pivotal early‑season Big Ten‑ACC showdown, with live in‑arena updates and analysis promised throughout the game.
Survey: How many games will Indiana football win in November?
SB Nation Reacts surveys NCAA fans on Indiana football’s November outlook. The Hoosiers sit 8‑1 and need three more wins to lock a Big Ten Championship or College Football Playoff spot. Upcoming games: home vs. USC Saturday, a road clash at Washington, and the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry against Purdue. Questions linger about the offense—quarterback selection and the running game after a bye week. The poll asks readers to predict how many of these three games Indiana will win.
Indiana fans overwhelmingly believe the men’s basketball program will reach the NCAA Tournament
A recent survey shows 95% of Indiana Hoosiers fans believe the men’s basketball team will earn an NCAA Tournament spot this season, despite missing the dance since 2023. Coach Darian DeVries, hired to reverse the program’s slump, still seeks his first tournament appearance after a disappointing first year. The optimism is fueled by a sizeable budget for roster upgrades and surprisingly favorable odds – +6500 to win the championship, according to FanDuel, placing Indiana alongside LSU, Miami, Gonzaga, Louisville and UCLA. The poll highlights strong fan confidence as DeVries aims to deliver on high expectations.
SEC bias is real on ESPN, but that’s not the whole picture
College football analysts Curt Cignetti and Kirk Ferentz warn that ESPN’s contract to broadcast SEC games creates a built‑in bias toward the SEC in playoff rankings. The article cites the October 31, 2026 SEC Nation broadcast and recent CFP rankings, noting that two 6‑2 SEC teams received wildly different playoff probabilities (Missouri 27% vs. Texas 78%) and that 6‑2 Alabama sits at No. 5 while 6‑2 Tennessee, despite a head‑to‑head win, is ranked No. 13. While ESPN can’t affect game outcomes, its coverage favors profitable teams, prompting calls to break ESPN’s monopoly or secure a Big Ten‑ABC deal.
3 bold predictions for Indiana men’s basketball vs Syracuse
Indiana’s Hoosiers face Syracuse at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 5, 2026 in their first high‑major test of the 2026‑27 season. Coach Darian DeVries, now in his second year, relies on a rebounding‑focused roster anchored by 7‑footers Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu to dominate the glass against the undersized Orange frontcourt. Transfer guard Markus Burton is expected to run the point, mixing scoring with his 4.5‑assist average to exploit Syracuse’s defensive lapses. The preview predicts Sherrell will have a breakout night, forcing Syracuse coach Gerry McNamara to adjust early.
3 things to watch for Indiana men’s basketball vs Syracuse
Indiana heads into its first major test of the 2026-27 season against Syracuse at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a matchup KenPom calls a “semi‑home” game. Syracuse hasn’t lost to Indiana since Keith Smart’s 1987 championship jumper, winning six straight, but both programs are in transition after coaching changes. The article highlights three watch points: assistant‑turned‑head coach Gerry McNamara’s limited experience despite deep roots at Syracuse; bench‑player Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony, who leads Indiana’s usage rate with 15.5 ppg and 30% three‑point shooting; and Indiana’s evolving rotation, especially the versatile Trevor Manhertz who could create mismatches at forward. The game should reveal how coach Mike DeVries plans his front‑court lineups.
3 observations from Indiana women’s basketball’s 96-55 win over Southern Illinois
Indiana women’s basketball opens the season 2-0 after a dominant 96-55 victory over Southern Illinois on Nov. 3 at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers showcase stifling defense, holding the Salukis to 33.8% shooting and out-rebounding them 51-27, while limiting the opponent’s fourth‑quarter scoring. Freshmen Addy Nyemchek, Ashlinn James and Gigi Battle, plus transfer Jess Petrie, provide a surprisingly deep bench, contributing 41 points. Six Hoosiers reach double figures, signaling balanced scoring rather than a single go‑to star. Coach Teri Moren’s early‑season chemistry hints at a versatile, deep roster for upcoming challenges.
Indiana football reportedly seeking to schedule a 2027 Power Four non-conference matchup
Indiana football is reportedly pursuing a Power Five opponent for its 2027 non‑conference slate, anticipating the upcoming 24‑team College Football Playoff expansion. Athletic director Scott Dolson told The Athletic that talks are under way, even though Indiana’s current 2027 lineup includes Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State and Indiana State. The move follows a strategic shift that began under former coach Tom Allen, when the Hoosiers dropped a Louisville series to improve bowl odds. The Big Ten doesn’t mandate a Power Five game, unlike the SEC and ACC, so Indiana hopes to secure a marquee matchup before the playoff changes become official.
Indiana women’s basketball vs Southern Illinois: How to watch
Indiana women's basketball opens its 2026-27 season with a 79-50 win over Florida Gulf Coast and now faces Southern Illinois on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. ET in Assembly Hall. The Hoosers (1‑0, 0‑0 Big Ten) will be coached by Teri Moren, who rotated deep into her bench last game, while the Salukis (0‑2, 0‑0 Missouri Valley) look to rebound after a 75-70 loss to Illinois‑Springfield, led by senior guard Kynnedi Davis’s 14 points. The game streams on B1G+, with radio on WHCC 105.1 FM and WIUX 99.1 FM.
All the stats, news, analysis from Indiana men’s basketball’s win over Bellarmine
Indiana men’s basketball opens the 2026‑27 season with a dominant 92‑69 victory over Bellarmine at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, improving to 2‑0. Guard Bryce Lindsay and Jaeden Mustaf lead the Hoosiers, who posted four double‑figure scorers and showcased both potential and rawness. The win fuels discussion across outlets—The Daily Hoosier, Indiana Daily Student, and the Indianapolis Star—all highlighting key takeaways, defensive concerns, and standout stats. Fans can dive into highlights, analysis, and player reactions to gauge the team’s early trajectory.
Candystripe Catchup: Indiana football enters the bye, basketball tips off
Indiana athletics enjoy a banner week as football coach Curt Cignetti celebrates an overtime 23-16 homecoming win over Minnesota, sending the Hoosiers into a bye week to regroup. Meanwhile, Darian DeVries' men’s basketball sparks the 2026‑27 campaign with a 91-57 victory at Assembly Hall, sitting 2‑0 before facing Syracuse, and Teri Moren's women’s team opens 1‑0 with a 79-50 rout of Florida Gulf Coast ahead of a home clash versus Southern Illinois. Updates also note guard Prince‑Alexander Moody’s knee setback and quarterback Josh Hoover’s call for patience.
Which results around college football could matter for Indiana this weekend?
Indiana, now No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, heads into a bye week with its fate hinging on several key games. A UCLA loss to Minnesota could clear a path for the Hoosiers, while an upset by Oregon at Ohio State would widen the gap with the Buckeyes. BYU beating No. 3 Utah would help Indiana overtake the Utes in the rankings, and a Miami loss to Notre Dame would keep the Irish in play as a potential playoff opponent. The outcomes of these matchups this weekend could significantly shape Indiana’s postseason chances.
3 Key stats from Indiana men’s basketball’s 92-69 win over Bellarmine
Indiana men’s basketball lifts to 2‑0 with a 92‑69 victory over Bellarmine, highlighted by Darren Harris’ career‑high 23 points. The Hoosiers knocked down 8 of 20 three‑point attempts, with Harris and bench‑player Bryce Lindsey combining for the shots. Freshman Trevor Manhertz logged a notable 19 minutes – the most of any reserve – while Sam Alexis contributed a team‑high 27 bench minutes. In total, 13 players saw action and 11 scored, showcasing depth and versatile playmaking from both point guards, Lindsey and Markus Burton, who each added four assists. The performance sets Indiana up for a neutral‑site clash with Syracuse.
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