One of the criticisms regarding the initial College Football Playoff rankings was the perceived undervaluation of Indiana.
Currently, the Hoosiers stand at No. 8, mirroring their spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
They rank fourth among Big Ten teams, trailing behind No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 6 Penn State.
If the postseason commenced today, Indiana would secure the No. 9 seed in the upcoming 12-team playoff bracket, though many supporters believe they deserve a better position.
The Hoosiers boast an unbeaten record, while both Ohio State and Penn State have incurred one loss each.
Impressively, Indiana has won all nine of their contests by a margin of at least 14 points, outscoring their adversaries by a staggering 419 to 123.
However, detractors point to the schedule as a weakness, noting it ranks as the 103rd strongest according to ESPN.
Indiana has not faced any teams currently in the AP Top 25, and of their nine opponents, six entered this week with losing records, while one boasted a 4-4 record and two were 5-4.
Curt Cignetti, in his first year as head coach, seemed to take a measured approach regarding the rankings ahead of their release.
This Saturday, the Hoosiers are slated to face Michigan, one of the 5-4 teams.
Following a bye week, they will travel to Ohio State, which could become one of the season’s marquee matchups should they overcome the Wolverines.
“Each week brings its own challenges, and there’s a lot happening this week,” Cignetti expressed concerning the surrounding noise of his program.
“Being overly focused on that could cost us dearly.”
The game selections, alongside Associated Press rankings and figures from BetMGM Sportsbook, include the following matchups:
Maryland at No. 1 Oregon (minus 25 1/2).
No team aside from Ohio State has come within three touchdowns of the Ducks since September.
This marks Maryland’s first regular-season game on the West Coast in 15 years.
Prediction: Oregon wins 48-20.
No. 2 Georgia at No. 16 Mississippi (plus 2 1/2).
With QB Jaxson Dart in form and LB Suntarine Perkins leading the Ole Miss pass rush, the Bulldogs’ Carson Beck has thrown the most interceptions in the FBS since Week 5.
Prediction: Mississippi wins 31-28.
Purdue at No. 3 Ohio State (minus 37 1/2).
The Buckeyes have had low-scoring performances recently but are expected to break out against Purdue, whom they have historically defeated.
Prediction: Ohio State wins 49-10.
No. 4 Miami (minus 11 1/2) at Georgia Tech.
The Hurricanes have struggled against the Yellow Jackets but aim to improve this season.
Prediction: Miami wins 33-21.
Florida (plus 21 1/2) at No. 5 Texas.
Florida’s QB DJ Lagway is uncertain after leaving last week’s game with an injury, while Texas is well-rested.
Prediction: Texas wins 35-17.
Washington at No. 6 Penn State (minus 13 1/2).
After a recent loss to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions seek to refocus against a weary Washington team.
Prediction: Penn State wins 42-24.
Mississippi State at No. 7 Tennessee (minus 23 1/2).
Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava is primed to excel against a weak defense.
Prediction: Tennessee wins 38-10.
Michigan (plus 14 1/2) at No. 8 Indiana.
The Hoosiers’ QB Kurtis Rourke looks to capitalize on the Wolverines’ offensive struggles.
Prediction: Indiana wins 30-20.
No. 9 BYU (minus 4) at Utah.
BYU broke a nine-game losing streak in this rivalry last year but seeks their first win in Salt Lake City since 2006.
Prediction: BYU wins 27-16.
Florida State at No. 10 Notre Dame (minus 25 1/2).
The last encounter was intense, but expectations for a close showdown this time appear low.
Prediction: Notre Dame wins 37-10.
No. 11 Alabama at No. 14 LSU (plus 3).
These teams are vying for playoff positions and both are coming off bye weeks.
Prediction: LSU wins 28-27.
Nevada at No. 12 Boise State (minus 24 1/2).
Boise’s leading rusher looks to revive his performance; a great opportunity for a significant win.
Prediction: Boise State wins 49-21.
No. 17 Iowa State (minus 3) vs. Kansas.
After slow starts causing previous losses, Iowa State is determined to maintain their momentum.
Prediction: Iowa State wins 31-24.
No. 18 Army (minus 5 1/2) at North Texas.
Army’s QB may return after his injury, while North Texas presents a tough challenge with its high-scoring average.
Prediction: Army wins 42-27.
No. 19 Clemson at Virginia Tech (plus 6 1/2).
After a loss last week, the Tigers hope to maintain their strong record against Virginia Tech.
Prediction: Clemson wins 28-24.
Utah State at No. 20 Washington State (minus 20 1/2).
The Cougars are on a winning streak, and Utah State struggles defensively.
Prediction: Washington State wins 45-21.
No. 21 Colorado at Texas Tech (plus 3 1/2).
Colorado is poised as a bowl contender while Texas Tech is looking to rebound from a tough game.
Prediction: Colorado wins 35-34.
Virginia at No. 23 Pittsburgh (minus 7 1/2).
Pittsburgh seeks to recover from their last match, facing a struggling Virginia team.
Prediction: Pittsburgh wins 34-24.
South Carolina (minus 3 1/2) at No. 24 Vanderbilt.
South Carolina aims to utilize their recent momentum against Vanderbilt, who plays competitively.
Prediction: South Carolina wins 27-21.
Last week’s performance saw a record of 12 wins and 3 losses straight-up, with an 8-7 spread.
Over the season, the tally stands at 151-39 straight-up and 98-91 against the spread.
