### High Stakes Clash: Unbeaten Indiana Faces Ohio State with CFP Implications

In late November, the Indiana Hoosiers have emerged as an undefeated College Football Playoff (CFP) contender, adding significant drama to their upcoming game against No. 2 Ohio State. This highly anticipated matchup is the inaugural game in the expanded CFP era with critical seeding implications at stake. Despite the outcome on Saturday in Columbus seemingly impacting perceptions, both teams are likely to secure a place in the 12-team CFP field due to their impressive performances this season.

If Ohio State decisively defeats the Hoosiers, it could ignite doubts about Indiana's strength from Columbus to the CFP committee room in Irving, Texas. A substantial win by the Buckeyes would fuel criticism of Indiana's schedule thus far. Conversely, if Indiana, a 13-point underdog, manages an upset, the narrative would shift dramatically, potentially granting them a home game advantage in the Big Ten Championship, given their proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Regardless of the game result, Indiana's achievements this season should not be understated. Following the Ohio State game, their only regular-season threat is a match against a struggling Purdue team. However, if Indiana doesn't secure a CFP spot, it could plunge the CFP system into its most significant controversy in its 11-year history. Speculation among SEC supporters suggests that a conquered 11-1 Indiana might not deserve a CFP slot, especially with SEC teams eagerly awaiting potential spots in the bracket.

DraftKings Sportsbook favors Ohio State by 13 points, making the game's narrative even more intriguing. This matchup is pivotal for CFP seeding, ensuring a magical season for Indiana even in the face of a loss and bolstering Ohio State’s campaign to atone for consecutive defeats to the defending champion up north.

The CFP committee's decisions remain a contentious topic, especially given that four of the top five teams in this week's CFP rankings are from the Big Ten. This game, thereby, represents not only a test of skill but also a measure of the committee's commitment to evaluate teams on merit rather than conference affiliation.

With the stakes so high, fans can only hope for more such games that decide seeding, embracing the unpredictable nature of college football. An Indiana victory would be monumental, akin to their 31-10 upset in 1987, while an Ohio State win would reinforce their dominance in the series, which they lead 80-12-5.

As the SEC race heats up, with six teams vying for CFP bids, the potential for controversy remains high. The competition within other conferences, including the Big 12 and Mountain West, adds further intrigue to this season's playoff landscape.

In conclusion, Saturday's game between Indiana and Ohio State is more than just a clash of titans; it's a crucial contest that will shape the CFP narrative and potentially spark significant debates within college football circles.