Bob Knight's 29-year reign at Indiana University and his subsequent firing 24 years ago have left an indelible mark. The General's influence seems to linger as long as he once ruled Bloomington. Just like Woody Hayes at Ohio State, Knight's legend refuses to leave.

Indiana University's Football Legacy and the Ghost of Bob Knight

Indiana University's Revenue Sports Dilemma

This century, Indiana University's revenue sports have been underwhelming. It all began with Knight's termination, and if you believe in curses, it lines up suspiciously well. Among Indiana's athletic achievements, their basketball banners hold great pride, with three delivered during Knight's tenure. Even without a Knight player, only one IU men's basketball team has survived a Sweet Sixteen game. This exception is memorialized with a big red banner in Assembly Hall. Indiana once had the credentials Knight gave it, but since his departure, they haven't maintained the same level. Even Knight's alma mater, a football school, has fared better during IU's dry spell. Five coaches have tried to replace him, but the ghost emperor is irreplaceable.

Ohio State vs. Indiana: The Biggest Football Game in History

Saturday's game in Columbus is the biggest in Indiana football history. Knight passed away last November, and his former employer hired Curt Cignetti. Cignetti, a ruthless autocrat and strategist, led Division II and FCS programs before reaching the FBS. Going 10-0 with a moribund program like Indiana's is a tough feat. IU's current coach, ironically named Woody, isn't the one. There have been several significant games in IU football history, but Saturday's takes the cake. It's not just about conference titles; it's about participating in a top-five game for the first time in 126 years.

Ohio State's Defense vs. Indiana's Offense

Indiana's schedule has created a lot of noise, but they've been winning emphatically. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, have had their share of good and bad games. Michigan, with four 1st round draft picks, still lost to Indiana. Indiana's offense has scored more 4th quarter points through 10 games than Ohio State's defense has allowed all season. Jim Knowles' Ohio State defense has been impressive, allowing only 25 points in the 4th quarter through 10 games. Across from them, Cignetti's offense has been equally potent, scoring 97 points in the 4th quarter. Michigan lost in Bloomington because of its high school offense, and Ohio State won't be as flawed.

The Spice Girls and the Intermission

The last time we had to tolerate the phrase "Defending National Champion Michigan Wolverines" was in 1997. This year, intermissions will pay homage to that cursed year's Billboard Hot 100. The Spice Girls' debut is incredibly catchy, and their mid-song rap interlude is a topic of discussion. All five Spice Girls can be seen and heard rapping, and the producers even invented a new word, "zigazig-ahhh."

James Madison University and the Bourbon

James Madison University is in Virginia, famous for its lovers. IU plucked its head coach, Curt Cignetti, from JMU after realizing they could do better at football. Birthright bourbon, distilled 100 miles from Bridgeforth Stadium, is a blend of five barrels with a unique flavor. It has a hot nose from the cherry/applewood malted barley and a youthful, sweet-creamy vanilla on the palate. Available in stores and online for $69.99, IU would hire it because it wins.

Ohio State's Sustainability and the IU Game

In a new world of football, durability is the priority. Ohio State's opponents are focusing on game-shortening strategies to give their offense fewer snaps. Northwestern completed the sustainability chunk of Ohio State's schedule, and now it's time for the tough games. The Buckeyes need to finish on the favorable side of their Natty or Bust equation. IU will not try to shorten the game; they have a strong offense. If Ohio State doesn't bring their A-game, this could be a close game.

The Situational Whiskey Cellar and the Weekend's Visitors

This weekend's visitors will stay aggressive. IU has the best back-shoulder throwing program in the country and won't back down. The Hoosiers' A-game is enough to pull off an upset if Ohio State doesn't play their best. Thanks for getting Situational today. Go Bucks. Beat Indiana.