COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The much anticipated top five matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers has divided a local household.
A flag with logos from both schools flies on a quiet street in central Ohio. The flag belongs to the Conkles.
“We have been together about 8 years," Christina Conkle said. "The marriage works because Indiana has never beaten Ohio State in our lifetime so I’m hoping to change that here this weekend.”
Christina is from Indianapolis and went to Indiana University. Bill, her husband, grew up in Columbus and went to the Ohio State University (OSU). Friendly competition between them started quickly. When they met, one of their first conversations was about who went to the better business school.
“Rivalry started early I guess but it hasn't been much of a rivalry in football since we’ve been together," Bill said.
When it comes to the gridiron, they said this year feels different. Now, OSU is ranked two. The Hoosiers are ranked five and are undefeated.
“It’s a huge game. Curt Cignetti is changing the game for Indiana and I think it's time for a new school to be a contender with Ohio State," Christina said.
The Hoosiers have not beaten the Buckeyes in football since 1988.
“We’ve watched most of their games this year and it's not your father's Indiana team. This is a team that is good, talented, well coached and Ohio State needs to come prepared to play if they want to win this game," Bill said.
About two months ago the Conkles welcomed a little girl into the middle of their rivalry. They said she'll have a neutral outfit on for the game with a football on her sweater, but her name is Anna.
“The whole time he loved the name Anna and I wasn't really sold on it, I was like oh gosh there’s some other names I really like but that's what kind of stuck and since this game has been so big we’ve kind of realize wait a minute we accidentally named her after Indiana, maybe not so much of an accident," Christina said.
