Indiana
Indiana players: This was the ‘difference-maker’ in dominant Alabama win
With the Rose Bowl already well in-hand for Indiana on Jan. 1, the stadium DJ played a crowd favorite. The Hoosiers were going to beat Alabama football, and nearly entire crowd sang along to John Mellencamp’s “Hurt So Good.”
The Indiana fan advantage was extremely obvious all game. Most of the Hoosier faithful stuck around the entire time too, not letting the non-competitive nature of the contest dim their happiness.
Ahead of their appearance in the national championship game, scheduled for Monday against Miami, IU players expressed appreciation for
“The Alabama game in specific, we knew we were going against one of the most prestigious universities, when it comes to football especially,” linebacker Aiden Fisher said Saturday. “We all had that chip on our shoulder that we get another opportunity to go out there and prove it. I think we did a great job executing. And, honestly, our fans in that game were the difference-maker. That stadium felt like a home game and it was special to play in front of them.”
Star wide receiver Elijah Sarratt told reporters the gusto from America’s largest alumni base was helpful.
“I see it as soon as I go into the arena,” Sarratt said. “Last week, seeing all the red, it makes a great impact on us. Our fans give us confidence and want us to go out and play our best for them. Without them, it would be tough being here right now. All season, they’ve shown up and shown out. I appreciate them a lot for that.”
Indiana fans have shown a unique willingness to travel during their favorite team’s current playoff run. After years of bringing up the rear in the Big Ten, and in some years the entire FBS, the Hoosiers are on a cathartic journey, entering the national championship as the No. 1 team.
Linebacker Isaiah Jones shared his thoughts on the trend, noting the Indiana fans also took over Mercedes-Benz Stadium for IU’s Peach Bowl win over Oregon last time out.
This fan base, this is a long time coming for them,” Jones said. “There might be fans that have had season tickets for 40 years. I think just being at this opportunity where we are now, I don’t think anyone would miss it for the world. Having them at the Rose Bowl where it felt like a home game, I didn’t know it could get better than that. The Peach Bowl is the loudest stadium I ever played in in my life. Being out there on defense my helmet was shaking, they were so loud.”
Indiana might not have needed the crowd to beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide was clearly overmatched by the No. 1 Hoosiers.
However, the noise certainly didn’t hurt. It’s an advantage that IU likely won’t have on Monday, when it plays the national championship on Miami’s home field at Hard Rock Stadium.
But IU players didn’t sound like they expected their fans to be completely absent. And head coach Curt Cignetti had a message for those on the fence.
“If you’re not sure you can make it down,” the coach said, addressing Indiana fans directly. “Find a ride.”
Indiana
‘Foul play’ suspected in death investigation on Indiana-Ohio state line, Wayne County officials say
WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Police are investigating the death of a person who died in the emergency department of Reid Health in Richmond.
Wayne County Coroner Brent Meadows was notified of the death Wednesday evening, according to a media release. Evidence has reportedly indicated that foul play is involved.
Officials believe the incident may have occurred in the area of the Petro Travel Center in New Paris, Ohio, just across the Indiana-Ohio state line.
The coroner’s office said the deceased person has been transported to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, for a forensic autopsy and identification.
The office is still working the locate and identify the victim’s family.
This remains an active investigation.
News 8’s Michaela Springer contributed to this report.
Braden Smith spent four seasons with Purdue basketball proving all the power conference programs who overlooked him missed out.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue’s third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here’s a look at Smith’s Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
Before capping a career that includes two Big Ten regular season and two Big Ten Tournament championships, along with helping Purdue end a 44-year Final Four drought, Smith broke former Duke guard Bobby Hurley’s all-time NCAA assists record.
Along the way, Smith took home the 2025 Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard in a season where he also was the Big Ten Player of the Year. A two-time consensus first-team All-American, Smith finished his Purdue career eighth in career points (1,932), third in steals (249) and has the top three assist seasons in school history that helped add to his NCAA record total of 1,103.
Smith’s knock is his 5-foot-10 1/2 height measurement, but that didn’t deter him from being one of college basketball’s top players.
What Smith lacked in height, he made up for in basketball IQ. He’s lethal with a midrange jump shot and showcased an unblockable fadeaway that allowed him to shoot over lengthier defenders. He mastered manipulating defenses while playing with marquee big men the last four seasons.
His role in the NBA likely will be not require him to be the team’s primary playmaker immediately. Smith’s awareness of that fact pushed a more defensive-minded approach in preparation for the next level. At the NBA Draft Combine in May, Smith showed he’s capable of defending elite guards.
Smith is an elite competitor who never showed to shy away from the dirty work, which is something that can help him earn NBA minutes as a rookie while trying to find his footing in an unfamiliar backup role.
Nathan Baird and Sam King have the best Purdue sports coverage, and sign up for IndyStar’s Boilermakers newsletter.
The body of a 13-year-old boy was recovered from Lake Michigan during a multiple-day search near a beach in Michigan City, Indiana.
Officials did not provide further details.
A search has been underway since Monday night after witnesses reported seeing a child wearing red shorts enter the water.
Michigan City police said officers responded to a possible drowning just before 5:40 p.m. on Monday near Washington Park Beach.
Police said the child disappeared underwater just south of the lighthouse and did not resurface.
A search was initiated with dive efforts, a fishing boat, drone technology, and a medical helicopter deployed.
The Michigan City Fire Department said three divers suffered minor injuries during the search and are being treated at Franciscan Health. Fire officials said divers encountered “challenging water conditions” before the search was suspended.
Officials have not identified the body recovered.
-
Kansas2 minutes agoEthanol tanker overturns, leaks in El Dorado
-
Kentucky5 minutes agoTakeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season
-
Louisiana10 minutes agoJeff Landry signs executive order on protecting ratepayers, but defends Louisiana data centers
-
Maine17 minutes agoPerson hospitalized after shed fire in Harpswell
-
Maryland20 minutes agoNavy ship USS Marinette arrives in Maryland for Sail250:
-
Michigan25 minutes agoMichigan president has strong words for college sports after Dusty May exit
-
Massachusetts32 minutes agoMass. lawmakers prioritizing 100 high-risk locations to implement wrong-way driving prevention measures – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Minnesota35 minutes agoRationalizing Charlotte’s Shocking Decision to Trade LaMelo Ball to Minnesota
