This was never really about Indiana proving itself, never about reaching a specific bar or else. The Hoosiers not embarrassing themselves in a 38-15 loss at Ohio State Saturday simply provided cover for the College Football Playoff. Get used to the sound ...

The Hoosiers jumped out to an early lead when quarterback Kurtis Rouke handed the ball off to Ty Son Lawton, who scored the game's first touchdown. However, this lead was short-lived, as the Buckeyes' defense quickly took control.

Indiana's special season ran into a brick wall Saturday afternoon as the fifth-ranked Hoosiers fell 38-15 on the road against No. 2 Ohio State. All week, questions about Indiana's legitimacy as a Big Ten power and a College Football Playoff competitor swirled.