The Ohio State-Indiana Rivalry: A Deep Dive into the College Football Classic

A Storied History

The Ohio State-Indiana football rivalry dates back to 1890, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The two teams have met 102 times, with Ohio State holding a 73-26-3 record. The rivalry has been played in a variety of locations, including Bloomington, Columbus, and Indianapolis.

Key Moments

One of the most memorable games in the rivalry came in 1988, when Indiana upset No. 1 Ohio State 41-35 in Bloomington. The Hoosiers held a 35-7 lead at halftime and went on to win their first game against the Buckeyes since 1967. Another memorable game came in 2007, when Ohio State rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 24-17 in double overtime. The Buckeyes scored a touchdown with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.

Recent History

In recent years, Ohio State has dominated the rivalry, winning the last nine meetings. The Buckeyes have outscored the Hoosiers 387-126 during that stretch.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the Ohio State-Indiana rivalry include: * Archie Griffin (Ohio State) * Anthony Thompson (Indiana) * Eddie George (Ohio State) * Antwaan Randle El (Indiana) * Troy Smith (Ohio State)

Traditions

One of the traditions of the Ohio State-Indiana rivalry is the Skull Session, a pep rally held on the eve of the game. The Skull Session is typically held on the campus of the home team and features speeches from coaches and players, as well as music and skits. Another tradition of the rivalry is the Victory Bell, a trophy that is awarded to the winner of the game. The Victory Bell was first awarded in 1925 and has been won by Ohio State 61 times.

The Future

The Ohio State-Indiana rivalry is one of the most storied in college football. The two teams have played many memorable games over the years, and the rivalry is sure to continue to be competitive in the years to come.