The Indiana Hoosiers have transformed their football program, entering the playoffs as the top seed in the Big Ten, a significant milestone for a team long considered the underdog in college football. For Bill Murphy, a season ticket holder for 66 years, this moment is the culmination of decades of unwavering support despite enduring 55 losing seasons.
Murphy recalls the rare occasion he missed a game: the 1968 Rose Bowl, where Indiana faced a formidable USC team led by O.J. Simpson, ultimately losing 14-3. At just 15 years old, Murphy was unable to attend due to parental concerns, but he never imagined it would take until now for Indiana to return to such prominence. To ensure he would not miss out on any future success, he made a poignant request to his family: “If I die before we go to the Rose Bowl again, I want you to take my urn and buy a program, buy a seat, set the program and urn on the seat, and I’ll be there with you guys.”
The Hoosiers have seen a remarkable shift in fortunes over the past two seasons. Once overshadowed by their basketball program, the football team has captured the attention of fans, who are now preparing to cheer on their team in a historic matchup against Alabama on Thursday. This game represents Indiana’s best chance to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, a prospect that has energized the fan base.
Under the leadership of back-to-back AP Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti, Indiana has achieved a perfect 13-0 record this season, finally shedding the title of the losingest program in Bowl Subdivision history. This year, they secured the Big Ten Championship, with quarterback Fernando Mendoza emerging as the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner.
Longtime fan Kevin Harrell emphasizes the surreal feeling of confidence in the team: “It’s beyond my wildest dreams. We have always expected the worst. It’s been kind of weird how quickly I’ve gone from that way of thinking to expecting to win.” Harrell’s sentiment reflects a broader change among Hoosiers supporters, who are now flocking to Memorial Stadium to witness the team’s success firsthand.
This season, all four home conference games sold out, a testament to the growing enthusiasm around the program. Airlines have responded to this surge in demand, with Delta, American, and Southwest Airlines adding additional nonstop flights from Indianapolis to Los Angeles ahead of the Rose Bowl.
Murphy acknowledges the excitement surrounding the team’s newfound success, noting, “People get excited because people like winners.” After years of supporting a team that struggled, he finds solace in being able to attend the Rose Bowl this year. “Fortunately for me, I get to go this year and actually sit in a seat and see the game,” Murphy said, reflecting on the long wait for this moment. “I’m still pinching myself, trying to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
As anticipation builds for the Rose Bowl, Indiana fans prepare to support their team in what could be a defining moment in the program’s history.
