Rob Gronkowski blasts Indiana’s inclusion in the CFP during the loss to Notre Dame

On By Littum

An Indiana Hoosiers football team that dominated Big Ten competition for the majority of the season came crashing back to earth as they fell 27-17 to Notre Dame in the first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff. The loss was not nearly as close as the score indicates. The Fighting Irish held a 27-3 lead over the Hoosiers until the final two minutes of the game, when Indiana scored two touchdowns and converted an onside kick.

As the game’s fourth quarter concluded, criticism grew surrounding Indiana’s inclusion in the CFP, especially Indiana making the new 12-team format over teams like Alabama, Ole Miss and Miami.

Former Super Bowl-winning tight end Rob Gronkowski was among those who believe Indiana should not have participated in the CFP, citing their easy schedule.

“Indiana should never have been in the playoffs,” Gronkowski wrote at X. “The SOS is terrible. I can see why it plays a big role, especially when you involve an SEC team. I understand it’s a tough call. The funny thing about this game, Notre Dame is just a better Indiana.”

A team that finished the regular season second in the FBS in scoring and second in yards allowed per game. game, looked miserable against Notre Dame. After Kurtis Rourke threw an interception in the red zone on their first drive of the game and Notre Dame capitalized on a 98-yard rushing touchdown, Indiana’s offense couldn’t muster anything for most of the game. The team, which defeated 10 of its 12 regular-season opponents by at least two scores, didn’t manage two scores until the final few minutes of the game. The program, with Curt Cignetti making bold statements before the game, saw their coach turn to conservative play as the game grew more and more out of hand.

Indiana finished the regular season 11–1 and looked dominant behind a confident Cignetti, but they did not beat a single team ranked in the AP Top 25 at the end of the season. Their only game against a ranked opponent came against Ohio State, who defeated them 38–15. When Indiana had to go up against a top team this season, they ended up being a shell of themselves.