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Indiana freshman DB reflects on heartbreaking Gator Bowl loss, makes promise for next year
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Indiana had a memorable 2019 season. The Hoosiers got to eight wins, finishing the regular season at 8-4 and was a part of the AP top 25 for the first time in over 25 years.
There was plenty to celebrate.
But in the Gator Bowl, against Tennessee, Indiana led 22-9 with five minutes to play. The Volunteers then scored 14 unanswered points, sending the Hoosiers home with a loss. They end the season with three losses in their last four games.
RELATED: This 2019 stat regarding 4th quarter leads in FBS will make Hoosier fans cringe after loss to Vols
After the heartbreaking defeat, Indiana freshman defensive back Tiawan Mullen made a statement letting fans know that next year will be different:
"Next year when we get a bowl game, we're gonna make sure we finish off the right way. We had a chance to close out this bowl game. But next year for sure we're going to pull it out. Mark my words.”
– Tiawan Mullen #iufb
— Matt Cohen (@Matt_Cohen_) January 3, 2020
Not only is Indiana getting back to a bowl game next year — that’s not a question — but the Hoosiers are going to close it out, too. Coach Tom Allen has something positive going in Bloomington. Indiana is a program on the rise.
The next step? Closing out its postseason game with a victory and becoming a major player in the Big Ten East division.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.