Hoosiers Prevail Over Ducks: The Secret Behind the Win

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Knight coach Indiana basketball — but I never dreamt of something like this…

This past Saturday, October 11th, the college football world was stunned as the Indiana Hoosiers beat the Oregon Ducks — on the road.

In a stadium where the Ducks had an 18-game home winning streak.

Not to mention, Oregon was ranked #2 at the time.

As a Hoosier who graduated from Bloomington in 2001, I attended plenty of basketball games and got to see the great Bobby Knight carry us through some incredible victories. But back then, the football stadium was practically an empty parking lot. You could walk in and grab a seat anywhere.

So to see this level of football success over 20 years later — it’s something special. And the secret behind this victory ties directly to YOUR trading. 

The Ultimate Preparation

I’ve been consuming a lot of the post-game content — especially on YouTube. One clip stood out: the immediate press conference with Indiana’s coach, Curt Cignetti.

I was smiling ear to ear, so proud of my alma mater, and then he said something that made me pause. Because it didn’t just apply to football — it applied directly to trading.

Here’s what he said:

“I really felt like our team was in a good place. The most important thing to me was mindset going into this game — that we believed, expected, and prepared to make it happen. That we could handle the ups and downs of the game without flinching, showing frustration or anxiety. That was the only thing you don’t know until you play the game — and we passed that test. And I think every game you try to put the best game plan together…”

From there, Coach Cignetti went into the details of how the defense and offense played. But what really stood out to me — and what I want you to take to heart — was his message.

Going in unprepared is a recipe for disaster.

Going in with partial preparation gives you false hope.

But going in prepared — and believing that you can succeed — that’s the secret sauce.

That mindset is what turns even the toughest trading conditions into opportunities.

Coach Cignetti had a plan for his Hoosiers — and they executed it.

In trading, your trading plan is your playbook. It’s what lets you step into the market with confidence, even when conditions are tough.

Going in prepared, grounded, and believing in your ability to execute — that’s what transforms uncertainty into opportunity.

And just like the Hoosiers proved, mindset isn’t something you talk about once. It’s something you test — over and over — in the heat of the game.

As a proud Hoosier, I’ll be enjoying this victory for a while. Don’t be surprised if I bring more parallels from this season back to your trading.

And if you happen to be an Oregon Ducks fan — don’t worry, I still love you. 🙂

Here’s to seeing how the rest of the football season — and Q4 in the markets — unfolds.

🗣️ Your Turn

Are you a fan of American football, or another widespread sport? Share your team AND a sports moment that’s reminded you of the mindset it takes to trade well.
Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear what stood out to you.

~Hima

PS Speaking of coaching, we’ve got a full calendar for the Trading Tribe this week! First 40 Office Hours, Elevate Hot Seats, and Advanced Monthly Group Coaching are all on tap. Check out the events calendar at himareddy.com/events for the full details!