Greg McElroy predicts two Indiana football games that could define season for Curt Cignetti

The Indiana Hoosiers shocked the college football world this past season by reaching the inaugural 12-team playoff.

Now, they are searching for more following a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. ESPN’s Greg McElroy remains optimistic the Hoosiers can replicate the same success again even with a new quarterback and slightly modified expectations.

McElroy broke down the schedule game-by-game and revealed the obvious: at a minimum, a bowl berth should be a standard, not a bonus.

“They should be 3-0 in the nonconference," McElroy said on “Always College Football.” "Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and Indiana State. Should be 3-0 there. If you look at their other wins, I think they can get Michigan State at home, UCLA at home and Purdue on the road. Now, you are at six wins automatically.”

Six wins would be good enough for a bowl berth, a rather uncommon occurrence in Bloomington upon Curt Cignetti’s arrival this past season.

The Hoosiers finished the season 11-2 and were one win away from playing for a Big Ten title in their home state, falling to Ohio State in November to eliminate them from contention.

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Although six wins appears to be a good benchmark, there are a few games to put an asterisk by as possible losses.

“The L's, I think you're not going to win at Oregon, and I have a hard time envisioning them winning on the road against Penn State.”

Oregon and Penn State eventually met for the conference title, with the Ducks prevailing in a shootout, 45-37. Both teams are potential favorites to win the league, although the Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines are worthy options,

Indiana opens Big Ten play Sept. 20 against Illinois, as both teams have split the last two series meetings. Illinois finished 10-3 this past season.