No. 6 Indiana keeps finding new ways to overcome obstacles as it continues to produce wins

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Coach Curt Cignetti still sees the traits of a champion in his Indiana Hoosiers — the toughness to overcome any obstacle, the willingness to adapt to ...

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Coach Curt Cignetti still sees the traits of a champion in his Indiana Hoosiers — the toughness to overcome any obstacle, the willingness to adapt to any situation and, yes, the uncanny ability to win any way necessary.

After a series of miscues led to another sluggish offensive start Saturday, backup quarterback Grant Wilson threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns and two late interceptions helped the injury-depleted, sixth-ranked Hoosiers beat No. 15 USC 27-13 for their first win over a ranked opponent all season.

“I think it’s the mark of a team that’s got a lot of grit, competitive excellence, and can play when the game is on the line,” Cignetti said Saturday. “That’s what this team has, competitive character. We had a lot of blowout wins around here in ’24 and ’25. We’ve had a lot of close games this year, but we always find a way (to win).”

In some ways, that makes what the Hoosiers have done even more impressive — even if the playoff selection committee seemingly disagrees. It dropped Indiana (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 9 CFP) five spots in last week’s playoff rankings despite the Hoosiers having a bye.

But even without the glitzy, glamorous routs, Indiana’s resume still looks pretty strong. The defending Big Ten and national champions have won 26 of their last 27 games, and the defense has limited eight of nine opponents to fewer than 20 points.

— The Hoosiers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns at then-unbeaten Nebraska to rally for a 20-17 victory in front of a raucous crowd.

— At Michigan, injured quarterback Josh Hoover completed a 21-yard pass on the first play of overtime and scored on a 4-yard run to give Indiana its first win in Ann Arbor since 1967.

— Against Minnesota, Wilson relieved Hoover at halftime and delivered a perfect 33-yard pass to Becker to set up a game-tying 60-yard field goal at the end of regulation then found Becker for a 25-yard TD strike on the first play of overtime for another win.

— On Saturday, Khobie Martin had…

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