Forty names, games, teams and minutiae making news in college football (family reunions sold separately in Missoula, where Montana Grizzlies linebacker Cooper Barnum celebrated Senior Day by beating his father, Bruce, who is the head coach of the Portland State Vikings). First Quarter: Paths to the Playoff. Second Quarter: Winning the Staffing Battle. Third Quarter: Conference Coaches of the Year.
These are the best of times, ever, for the Indiana Hoosiers (31). The eternal Big Ten doormat is 10–0 for the first time ever, playing November games of unprecedented wattage, trying to go where no IU team has ever gone before—to the College Football Playoff. They have a 63-year-old coach who just this year has gotten his first shot at a high-major job, and has crushed it. This is the feel-good story of the 2024 season.
Unless, of course, that story is the Army Black Knights (32). They’re 9–0 and ranked No. 16 in the AP poll, their highest ranking since 1962. The absolute antithesis of all things modern college football—the transfer portal, NIL deals, spread-and-throw offense—they are succeeding anyway. There is no conventional reason why they should be able to compete in 2024, yet here they are. They are the ultimate counterprogramming: an old-school option coach is leading a collection of lightly recruited players who are destined to go pro in military service after graduation.
These two unbelievable seasons are on parallel tracks. Nobody saw it coming, but nobody can objectively deny their week-to-week dominance. Indiana has trailed just twice all season, both in the first half, while winning every game but one by at least two touchdowns. Army has trailed just once all season, briefly in the first half, and has won every game by double digits. Yet both have been doubted and dismissed for allegedly not having played anybody.
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Well, here come the somebodies. Two Goliath programs now stand in David’s path. For these dream seasons to maintain course, they must defeat dream killers Saturday.
The No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (33) and their $20 million roster loom in front of Indiana, with more than 100,000 fans arrayed in their Death Star stadium to inflict discomfort upon the Hoosiers. The two Big Ten programs have played 97 times and Indiana has won just 12, the last coming in 1988. Since then the series is a one-way, scarlet-and-gray speedway: 30–0–1 in favor of the Buckeyes, most of them blowouts. Ohio State is favored by 13 this time, per DraftKings.
Meanwhile, the No. 6-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (34) threaten to do the most un-patriotic thing by derailing Army’s perfect season. They already bounced Navy from the unbeaten ranks last month, and now take aim at another service academy. The Irish are history’s most glam program, with a worldwide following and their own network and Most Favored Nation in a power conference they don’t even have to join as a football member. And while they haven’t played Army often in recent years, they have dominated the series (39–8–4 all-time). The Irish haven’t lost to the Black Knights since 1958, winning 15 in a row, just one of those by less than two touchdowns. Notre Dame is favored by 14, per DraftKings.
You could hardly assign two bigger overdogs the job of ruining good underdog stories.
The Notre Dame-Army game is also freighted with incredible locational history. The game is being played in New York, where lore and legend were spawned when the two teams have met.
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This is the 100th anniversary of the “Four Horsemen” game, played Oct. 18, 1924, at the Polo Grounds. Notre Dame defeated Army 13–7, an outcome that moved famed sports writer Grantland Rice to author the most famous lede in the history of his college football chronicling:
“Outlined against a blue-gray October sky the Four Horsemen (35) rode again. In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are: Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds this afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the green plain below.”
Never a place to miss a publicity opportunity, Notre Dame got the four players memorialized by Rice—Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley and Elmer Layden—on horseback for a soon-to-be iconic photo. Coached by Knute Rockne, the Irish were becoming a national sensation in the 1920s. That game helped finish the job—the Irish went 10–0 and won the Rose Bowl, their first-ever bowl game, and later were awarded several retroactive national championships.
Four years later, trailing favored Army at halftime in Yankee Stadium, Rockne delivered his famed “Win one for The Gipper (36)” halftime speech. Rockne urged his team to honor the memory of the late Irish star George Gipp—invoking a possibly apocryphal story from Gipp’s death bed. Notre Dame won the game 12–6, and the scene was memorialized by Hollywood in the movie Knute Rockne, All-American.
Notre Dame was the marquee college football program through 1930, when Rockne died in a plane crash. Layden, one of the Horsemen, restored the luster when he took over as head coach in ’34, and then Frank Leahy took the program back to the apex in the ’40s.
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In five straight meetings from 1943 to ’47, either Notre Dame or Army was ranked No. 1 when they played—and every meeting was in Yankee Stadium, as this one will be.
The No. 1 Irish beat the No. 3 Black Knights 26–7 in 1943, on the way to their first AP national title. Army destroyed Notre Dame the next two seasons by a combined score of 107–0, with loaded World War II-era teams led by Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside (37), Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Glenn Davis. Army won the AP national title both of those seasons, with Blanchard winning the Heisman Trophy in ’45 and Davis in ’46.
The 1946 game was the original “Game of the Century,” a breathlessly anticipated matchup of No. 1 Army and No. 2 Notre Dame that ended in a scoreless tie. It was the only blemish for either team, and the Irish wound up winning the title. Notre Dame repeated the following year, beating Army 27–7.
The two programs stopped playing every year after 1958, Army’s last victory in the series. But they’d stored up enough history to make this resumption in Yankee Stadium special … and that was before Army decided to have its best season in decades.
Can either the Black Knights or Hoosiers keep their dream runs going? The oddsmakers don’t think so. But both have had an extra week advantage in preparation over Notre Dame and Ohio State, and at this point, they might have forgotten what losing even feels like. Dismiss them at your peril.
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Fran Brown (38), Syracuse Orange. The rookie head coach improved to 7–3 with an upset win at California, presumably earning the right to take a shower. Brown made headlines last week when he said he is so despondent after losses that he does not take showers, because he hasn’t earned it. “Winners get washed,” he memorably declared. Hopefully Brown got his washing after this win.
Jeff Brohm (39), Louisville Cardinals. Five times as the head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers and at Louisville, Brohm has upset a ranked team. And five times, his team has lost its next game. The hangover from dominating Clemson on the road Nov. 2 was big enough to last two weeks, through an open date—Louisville gave up 17 points in the final seven minutes to lose to 2–7 Stanford on Saturday, 38–35. That bare fact is bad enough, but the way the Cardinals gave up the winning field goal was especially bleak—a Hail Mary pass from near midfield fell incomplete with time on the clock, allowing Stanford to take over with good field position with four seconds left. Then Louisville committed two penalties—the first a personal foul that allowed Stanford to set up for a 57-yard field goal, then an offsides that moved it to 52 yards. Kicker Emmet Kenney drilled it for the win, and the worst loss of Brohm’s largely successful 24-game tenure at his alma mater.
When thirsty in the football mecca of Atlanta, The Dash recommends a couple of beers from Monday Night Brewing, which has outlets around the South. Try an aggressively named Death Raptor IPA (40) or a Drafty Kilt scotch ale and thank The Dash later.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
These are the top stories on Fox 32’s Week in Review.
CHICAGO – The body of a missing woman was found in a Northwest Indiana field; an Illinois State Trooper was hit and killed on a highway in Will County on Christmas Eve; and there were plenty of big lottery jackpot prizes up for grabs.
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These are the top stories on Fox 32’s Week in Review.
Jamie Vlamos-Jones: Missing woman’s body found in NW Indiana field, cause of death revealed
The cause of death for a Porter County woman found dead in a wooded area near the Little Calumet River has been revealed.
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An independent search team discovered 45-year-old Jamie Vlamos-Jones of Valparaiso around 10:30 a.m. Thursday near the 2100 block of Clay Street in Lake Station.
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Jamie Vlamos-Jones: Missing woman’s body found in NW Indiana field, cause of death revealed
The cause of death for a Porter County woman found dead in a wooded area near the Little Calumet River has been revealed.
Cook County jury awards $66M to family of woman who died after tummy tuck, liposuction
A Cook County jury awarded more than $66 million to the family of a woman who died in 2019 after undergoing surgery for a tummy tuck and liposuction.
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The family’s attorney called it a “shameful case of medical malpractice.”
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Cook County jury awards $66M to family of woman who died after tummy tuck, liposuction
A Cook County jury awarded more than $66 million to the family of a woman who died in 2019 after undergoing surgery for a tummy tuck and liposuction.
Who will receive the $1,400 stimulus checks? Here’s how to check.
Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The funds will be directly deposited into eligible individuals’ bank accounts or sent via paper check.
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Cook County women and teens accused of Oak Brook Sephora theft; employee assaulted and officer threatened
Two Cook County women and two teenage boys are facing serious charges after allegedly stealing from a Sephora store at Oak Brook Mall Sunday evening.
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Marisol Ocampo, 35, of Chicago, is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, two counts of burglary, and one count of retail theft. Deysi Villalobos, 32, of Melrose Park, faces similar charges, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, three counts of burglary and three counts of retail theft.
FULL STORY
Illinois State Police trooper hit, killed by car on I-55 in Will County
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An Illinois State Trooper was killed Monday night in Will County when he was struck by a car while removing debris from an expressway.
It happened on the very same day designated as “Scott’s Law Day” in Illinois, a day to remind drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles.
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Illinois state trooper killed by passing vehicle just before Christmas
An Illinois State Trooper was killed Monday night in Will County when he was struck by a car while removing debris from an expressway.
1 dead, 4 seriously injured, including 3 children, after crash on Chicago’s West Side
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A woman died, and four people, including three children, were in serious condition after a crash last Sunday afternoon on the West Side.
The crash occurred just before 1:30 p.m. in the 4300 block of West Lake Street.
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Illinois Lottery player wins $1M after purchasing Powerball ticket at Jewel-Osco in Cook County
An Illinois Lottery player won $1 million after purchasing a Powerball ticket at a Jewel-Osco grocery store in Cook County.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Melrose Park store located at 800 North Ave.
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$1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot claimed by NJ resident: Will they stay anonymous?
The lucky winner has finally come forward to claim a huge lottery prize, ending a nearly nine-month-long mystery.
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So, who won the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot?
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$1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot sparks excitement across Chicago
With no winners on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $1.22 billion on Friday.
Cook County judge orders release of Chicago man convicted of murder following unconstitutional trial ruling
Just two days before Christmas, Hilton Keller, a Chicago man who has served more than three decades behind bars is being released after a wrongful conviction ruling.
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On Monday, a Cook County Circuit Court judge vacated his murder conviction after determining that Keller was not given a fair trial in the 1990s.
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Judge vacates Chicago man’s murder conviction
Hilton Keller was convicted at 18 for the May 1991 armed robbery and murder of Ollie Jones but has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that critical evidence was withheld and a gang leader may have framed him.
Chicago fugitive on the run after removing electronic monitor, sheriff’s office says
A Chicago man charged with burglary is on the run after allegedly removing his electronic monitoring device, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said.
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Jermail Conley, 41, was placed on electronic monitoring on Oct. 3 after being charged with burglary, the sheriff’s office said.
The Indiana Hoosiers (9-3) will host the Winthrop Eagles (10-4) after victories in four straight home games. It starts at 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
Indiana defeated Chattanooga 74-65 at home last time out, and were led by Malik Reneau (14 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 58.33 FG%) and Mackenzie Mgbako (14 PTS, 71.43 FG%, 3-4 from 3PT).
In its previous game, Winthrop were winners at home over Mercer, 102-97. Its top performers were Nick Johnson (22 PTS, 2 STL, 63.64 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Kasen Harrison (20 PTS, 63.64 FG%).
Before this college hoops showdown, here is what you need to get ready for Sunday’s action.
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Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Winthrop Eagles
Game day: Sunday, December 29, 2024
Game time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Live stream: Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
NCAA Basketball Odds and Betting Lines
Spread: Indiana -15.5
Total: 162.5
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 12:59 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
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BLOOMINGTON — The Indiana women’s basketball team is heading into 2025 on a six-game win streak after beating Wisconsin 83-52 on Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall.
The Hoosiers (10-3; 2-0 Big Ten) were in control after an 18-2 run in the first quarter. The Badgers (10-3; 1-1 Big Ten) scored a season-low 52 points — it was only the third time this season they scored less than 60 — as their five-game win streak came to an end.
Indiana forward Lilly Meister matched her season-high with 20 points (9 of 13) to lead all scorers. Shay Ciezki (14 points), Sydney Parrish (13 points) and Yarden Garzon (13 points) also scored in double-digits.
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“Our kids executed the game plan as good as we wanted them to,” Indiana women’s basketball coach Teri Moren said. “Really happy with the way we played this afternoon.”
The Hoosiers starters were done for the day with 2:46 to go in the game.
Portal tracker: Indiana football transfer portal tracker: Who’s in, who’s out for the Hoosiers
Indiana’s front court faces off against Wisconsin’s leading scorer Serah Williams
Indiana forwards Lilly Meister and Karoline Striplin held their ground against Wisconsin’s Serah Williams on Saturday afternoon.
The 6-foot-4 forward came into the game averaging 20.0 points per game on 54.1% shooting and 12.3 rebounds. She’s one of only four players in the conference averaging 20 or more points and recently set a career-high with 36 points in a win over Butler.
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Indiana occasionally doubled Williams, but much of the Hoosiers success came from Meister and Striplin matching her physicality in the low post and contesting every one of her shot attempts while avoiding contact.
Williams, who averaged 9.3 free-throw attempts in her team’s last three games, only made one trip to the free-throw line on Saturday.
She closed out the first quarter with just two points on 1 of 6 shooting and finished the first half with as many turnovers (three) as field goals. She finished the game with 13 points on 6 of 13 shooting, it was only the second time all season she shot under 50%.
“We kept Serah uncomfortable for most of the game,” Moren said. “I thought our pace was not something she was incredibly excited about in terms of getting up and down the floor. We wore her out, that was our goal to make her tired.”
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The best stretch of the game for Wisconsin came when it hit three straight 3-pointers during an 11-0 run late in the first quarter, but that scoring outburst was an anomaly. That was the only time the Badgers scored on three straight possessions and they made only one other 3-pointer the rest of the game.
They didn’t have any field goals the final 4:31 of the game.
Indiana women’s basketball has found its footing on offense
Indiana’s early-season shooting woes are long gone.
The Hoosiers shot better than 50% for a fourth straight game and fifth time in six games and also tied a season-high going 50% from 3-point range (9 of 18). They have also scored more than 80 points in three straight games for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
It was a team effort as IU players continue to share the basketball — it had 25 assists on 32 field goals — and for the first time this season really pushed the tempo. The Hoosiers had 22 fast break points with Chloe Moore-McNeil, who had a game-high seven assists, and Ciezki really pushing the pace off Wisconsin’s miscues.
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The Badgers tied a season-high with 18 turnovers while IU had a season-low eight turnovers.
“We talk about how much better of a basketball team we are when we’re playing in space, when we are playing with pace and get the ball out of our hands,” Moren said. “You’ve heard me say it a lot of times, there’s moments when the ball sticks and we hold onto it. We’ve really talked about our ball movement and getting it out of our hands quicker.”
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
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