IU football is going to a bowl game for the first time since losing the 2007 Insight Bowl to Oklahoma State 49-33. The Hoosiers went 6-6 during the 2015 regular season, including a 2-6 record in the Big Ten, and started the season with a 4-0 record for the first time since 1990. IU is projected to be paired with teams with better records, but with four close games against top-25 teams on the Hoosiers’ résumé, they likely won’t be easily beaten in any bowl they’re in. Several projections have IU in seven different bowls across the country and playing teams from the SEC, the ACC and the MWC. The results will be determined Sunday Dec. 6, after conference championships are finished.
1. Foster Farms Bowl
Saturday, Dec. 26
Santa Clara, California
The Foster Farms Bowl was once known as the Fight Hunger Bowl in 2013 and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in 2013 and 2012. The first game was in 2002, and the city of Santa Clara is the birthplace of IU senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld.
2. National University
Holiday Bowl
Wednesday, Dec. 30
San Diego
The Hoosiers appeared in the Holiday Bowl one time previously. In 1979, they defeated BYU 38-37. If IU was to play in the Holiday Bowl, it would play a Pac-12 opponent, projected to be Utah (9-3), in Qualcomm Stadium — home of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.
3. Lockheed Martin
Armed Forces Bowl
Tuesday, Dec. 29
Fort Worth, Texas
The Hoosiers will face a team from the Mountain West Conference if they land in the Armed Forces Bowl. Since its inaugural game in 2003, a Big Ten team has yet to play in the bowl. The winning school receives $1.2 million.
4. Franklin American
Mortgage Music
City Bowl
Wednesday, Dec. 30
Nashiville, Tennessee
IU would play an SEC opponent in the Music City Bowl. Its opponent is projected to be Tennessee (8-4), and the two teams would face off in the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium. The inaugural Music City Bowl was played Dec. 29, 1998.
5. Quick Lane Bowl
Monday, Dec. 28
Detriot, Michigan
The Quick Lane Bowl will feature teams from the Big Ten and ACC. It’s owned and operated by the Detroit Lions and will air on ESPN2. Fellow Big Ten member Rutgers defeated North Carolina in 2014.
6. TaxSlayer Bowl
Saturday, Jan. 2
Jacksonville, Florida
Like the Music City Bowl, the Hoosiers would play an SEC opponent in Jacksonville. The TaxSlayer Bowl, played at EverBank Field, was originally named the Gator Bowl. It’s been played every year since 1946 and was the first one to ever be televised nationally.
7. New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Saturday, Dec. 26
New York City
IU would play an ACC team in Yankee Stadium if it were to play in the Pinstripe Bowl the day after Christmas. The opponent is projected to be Pittsburgh (8-4). The first Pinstripe Bowl was played in 2010.
