Survival or extinction in college football: The lessons within Indiana’s miraculous ascent

Indiana’s unimaginable rise from nowhere to undefeated national champion stands as a beacon for perennial losers, the almost-there crowd and traditional basketball schools alike.

It’s a warning sign, as well, for the Hoosiers did not begin the ascent when they hired a little-known, 62-year-old coach from James Madison on the final day of November in 2023.

Or when Curt Cignetti registered the first of what would become 27 wins over two seasons.

Or when they lured future Heisman...