I really really wish people would stop comparing last night to the TCUN 2024 game. It's a VERY lazy take that doesn't come close to the actual reality.
For starters, Indiana this year is far superior to that TCUN team. Ohio State found ways to lose both games, but last night was a lot more about Indiana making plays when it needed to, and 2024 against the cheaters was about Ohio State trying to be something they weren't that year. Also, while the offensive game plan last night was less than optimal, it was NOT beating its head into the wall repeatedly like in 2024. Further, while there were some struggles in the first half, it was VERY clear the offense transformed into something else in the 2nd half, and I attribute a lot of that to Sayin settling down and seeing the game more as his speed. The running game did find some room to operate (remember sacks come out of the rushing totals) and was effective in the 2nd half.
If I wanted to pick an analogue to a previous loss, I'd say it's a lot more like Oregon from 2024 or maybe Sparty from 2013. The struggles on 3rd down really stick with me, a lot of them were short and weren't converted - oddly enough the longest 3rd down they converted was the last play of the game.
Anyway, last night was nothing like TCUN 2024 in basically every aspect except the final score.
