Getting some extra rest to prepare for Michigan State football on Friday night, the No. 3 Indiana Hoosiers probably settled into bed to watch the No. 2 team in the nation play Louisville at home.
Miami had been considered one of the best teams in the country so far this season, and they faced a tough battle with a solid 4-1 Louisville team on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Mario Cristobal did what he does best, and choked away a winnable game. The Hurricanes found themselves down 24-13, but a turnover gave them new life.
After turning Louisville over, scoring a touchdown, and converting a trick play on a two-point conversion, the Hurricanes were within three with time ticking away.
Getting the ball back with under two minutes left, Miami worked its way into Louisville territory, setting up a tying field goal try, but Carson Beck threw a pick with about 30 seconds left, ending the comeback effort. Louisville toppled the No. 2 team in the nation to kick off Week 8.
Now, Indiana has a chance to move up to No. 2 after Saturday as long as it doesn’t struggle like Miami did at home on Friday night. A win over the Spartans will likely move the Hoosiers up a spot in the AP Top 25, just before the first College Football Playoff rankings come out.
Jumping up to No. 2 and being within legitimate striking distance of the No. 1 spot in the nation has to give Indiana some extra motivation, especially when you consider it could set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 Big Ten title matchup with Ohio State.
It may not mean much to the casual observer, but moving up to No. 2 would be huge for the Hoosiers and that historically-mediocre program. It would become the highest ranking in program history.