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Paul Finebaum begrudgingly assesses Indiana College Football Playoff chances

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax11/24/24BarkleyTruax
Indiana Ohio State
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indiana Hoosiers won’t have another opportunity to impress the College Football Playoff committee before selection day after losing to Ohio State on the road Saturday.

Indiana’s playoff hopes aren’t over, though. The Hoosiers will ultimately benefit from the turmoil that occured throughout the SEC during Week 13. Breaking down what this means for the Hoosiers, Paul Finebaum gauged what to make of a one-loss IU after a slew of playoff contenders stumbled over the weekend.

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“This game was really tight, other than a couple of special teams plays — and that’s the difference between a great team and and a good team,” Finebaum told Matt Barrie on Sunday morning. “And I had them out right at six o’clock last night — but they’re going to be in.

“It really doesn’t make any difference whether we think it’s the right call or not.”

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Finebaum suggested that the College Football Playoff impliment a sort of First Four-esque matchup between Indiana and Alabama to determine the last team in the field of 12. Alabama was shutdown 24-3 on the road at five-loss Oklahoma on Saturday night.

“I don’t know enough about either. I’ve watched both teams play all year, and they’re, they’re kind of exasperating to watch,” Finebaum continued. “But it’s okay. Let Indiana get in there. To me, then that will be a test. Good for Curt Cignetti.”

Indiana played the Buckeyes close in the first half. Ohio State took a 14-7 lead over the Hoosiers at the break, but Ohio State took advantage of two-straight three-and-outs from IU to begin the third quarter. They returned a punt for a touchdown after the opening second-half drive ended after three plays before forcing another three-and-out and scoring a long, 10-play drive to push the lead to 28-7.

They led 31-7 after that, and it was clear the game was out of reach. Both teams added another touchdown before the game finished, but after Indiana’s opening touchdown the Buckeyes looked like the more complete team from then on.

What the College Football Playoff committee does with Indiana is anybody’s guess given the shocking outcomes in the SEC. However, fans won’t have to wait long as the new rankings will be revealed on Tuesday night.

Indiana must also take care of business against Purdue to round out the regular season. However, the Hoosiers are 28-point favorites over the Boilermakers to begin game week. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.