College football has seen some truly lopsided games, and the ten biggest wins in FBS history are a testament to how brutal the sport can be. These weren’t just victories; they were total demolitions. They showcase teams with nearly flawless offense and suffocating defense, completely overwhelming their opponents. A score line with a 70-point or greater margin isn’t just a win; it’s a declaration. And Curt Cignetti’s Indiana team did exactly that, beating Indiana State 73-0. So, where does that rank them in major blowouts?

College football can be unpredictable, as hype doesn’t live up to the outcome. Highly-ranked matchups are often expected to be close, but history reveals instances where one team completely dominates. Penn State set the standard in 1991, thrashing Cincinnati 81-0. The Nittany Lions ran over the Bearcats, gaining 484 rushing and 222 passing yards, a display of dominance that remains the biggest blowout in FBS history. Indiana’s 2025 73-0 victory over Indiana State might not match Penn State’s margin, but it’s a modern example, representing the Hoosiers’ largest shutout since 1901.

Oklahoma frequently appears on this list, demonstrating the program’s historical strength. The Sooners overwhelmed Missouri 77-0 in 1986, accumulating 681 rushing yards out of 750 total. In 2003, the Sooners repeated this feat against Texas A&M with another 77-point victory, holding the Aggies to just 54 yards while racking up 636. These performances highlight Oklahoma’s capacity to overwhelm opponents with offensive firepower. Some of college football’s most lopsided victories share a common thread.

Fresno State’s 1991 thrashing of New Mexico, a 94-17 final score, is a prime example. They exploded for 49 points in the second quarter alone, with ten different players finding the end zone. This diverse scoring attack sets the Bulldogs apart, even among college football powerhouses. Similarly, Michigan’s 78-0 shutout of Rutgers in 2016 was a masterclass, featuring nine rushing touchdowns and holding Rutgers to a mere 39 yards. Their dominant defense and powerful running game created a perfect blowout.

Even Kansas State’s 76-0 win over Ball State in 2000 echoes this pattern, the Wildcats outrushing Ball State by over 275 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. BYU’s 83-7 victory over UTEP in 1980 is another, with Jim McMahon throwing six touchdown passes early, resulting in a significant yardage advantage (736-176). Indiana’s 73-0 win, although not as high scoring, also fits the mold: a dynamic offense and a stifling defense, with Fernando Mendoza throwing five touchdown passes in the first half.

Memphis’s 77-3 blowout over Bowling Green in 2016 adds yet another modern example of domination. Eleven different players scored touchdowns, while Riley Ferguson threw for 359 yards and six touchdowns. Indiana’s 73-point victory sits close to Memphis’s margin, showing that in the current era, the Hoosiers can still deliver a performance that ranks among the most commanding of the 21st century.

The 2005 Big 12 Championship saw a lopsided 70-3 victory for Texas over Colorado, demonstrating how even top-10 matchups can turn into a rout. Led by Vince Young, No. 2 Texas demolished No. 9 Colorado by 67 points, earning a BCS National Championship spot. This dominance mirrors Indiana’s performance, though Texas achieved it in a higher-stakes, conference-championship game.

Similarly, Notre Dame’s 51-0 shutout of USC in 1966 highlights how rivalry games between top-10 teams can produce historic shutouts, with precise offense and a suffocating defense leading to a perfect performance. While not a rivalry game with the same national weight, Indiana’s 73-0 win shows a similar level of intensity and efficiency seen in these unforgettable blowouts.

Now, considering this result, Indiana’s 73-0 victory places them among the top ten modern blowouts. Only Penn State (81-0), Oklahoma (77-0 twice), Fresno State (94-17), Michigan (78-0), Kansas State (76-0), BYU (83-7), Memphis (77-3), and Texas (70-3) have achieved greater or comparable margins of victory. In the modern FBS era, Indiana’s dominance firmly establishes them as one of the elite programs capable of absolute shutouts, demonstrating both offensive prowess and defensive excellence.

Curt Cignetti’s team’s excellence against Indiana State

Indiana crushed Indiana State Sycamores in a resounding 73-0 victory on September 12, showcasing their status as a CFP contender. The Hoosiers took charge from the start, building a 45-0 halftime lead. Everything clicked for the team, and Indiana’s defense stifled Indiana State, allowing only 77 total yards – one of their best defensive showings ever. The Sycamores had a tough time gaining ground, only achieving five first downs, matching Indiana’s fewest allowed.

And every player was in their best form as QB Fernando Mendoza went 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns, with a rushing touchdown. His 95% completion rate set a new single-game record, exceeding Peyton Ramsey’s 92.9% from 2019. Omar Cooper Jr. equaled the IU record with five touchdown catches, highlighting the effectiveness of Indiana’s passing attack.

Let’s not forget that even Indiana’s offense was a force, accumulating 680 total yards, the second-highest in school history. Their effectiveness and big plays were evident all over the field, showcasing why the Hoosiers have won all 11 home games since Curt Cignetti became head coach in 2024. This streak is a new program record, emphasizing Indiana’s consistent success at Memorial Stadium.

The team’s scoring output was equally remarkable, with the third-most points in program history. Although last year’s 77-3 victory against Western Illinois remains the record, Friday night’s showing further cemented Indiana’s status as a dominant team in the state. From record-setting individual efforts to team achievements, Indiana made it clear that they have no plans of slowing down.