HOOSIERS FINAL 3: Penn State, Wisconsin & Purdue – Can IU Secure a 2nd CFP Bid?

If Indiana gets off to a 8–1 start in the 2025 season, the Indiana Hoosiers will be firmly in the national spotlight. Under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana enters the final stretch of its regular season with not just a bowl bid in hand—but a potential second College Football Playoff (CFP) berth within reach.

In the latest episode of The Hoosier Tailgate, Coach Shannon Griffith takes fans inside the matchups that will define IU’s postseason destiny: a road trip to national title contender Penn State, a Senior Day battle with Wisconsin, and the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry game at Purdue.

Game 10: at Penn State – IU’s Biggest Test?

The Nittany Lions are a CFP favorite led by veteran QB Drew Allar, running back duo Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and a front seven anchored by Dani Dennis-Sutton. Coach Griffith points to third-down defense and red-zone execution as Indiana’s best path to an upset in hostile territory.

“This is the kind of game where one turnover can decide your postseason future,” Griffith says.

Game 11: vs Wisconsin – Emotions and Execution

Senior Day in Bloomington brings the always-physical Wisconsin Badgers to town. Now in year three under Luke Fickell, the Badgers feature a deep backfield and a developing quarterback room led by transfer Billy Edwards and freshman Danny O’Neil.

For Indiana, the key is balance—especially leaning on breakout receiver Elijah Sarratt, who posted 957 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.

“The Mendoza-to-Sarratt connection could be the spark that turns this game,” Griffith notes.

Game 12: at Purdue – Bucket, Bragging Rights, and More

Purdue enters a new era under Barry Odom, who takes over after a short and rocky tenure by Ryan Walters. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Browne offers dual-threat potential, but questions remain on defense, especially after star safety Dillon Thieneman transferred out.

Still, rivalry games can rewrite seasons—and Griffith reminds fans that execution, not emotion, will decide who takes home the Bucket.

The CFP Case for Indiana

Should the Hoosiers run the table and finish 11–1, a playoff berth is all but guaranteed. The strength of schedule—featuring Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Purdue—gives Indiana the résumé it needs. But every possession, every stop, and every moment will matter in the final three weeks.

“The door is open,” Griffith concludes. “But the Hoosiers have to walk through it.”

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What’s your prediction for the final three games? Can Indiana punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff? Drop your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter @HoosierTailgate.