The Indiana Hoosiers and coach Curt Cignetti have developed a reputation this season as a team that will play their style, regardless of opponent.
Cignetti was previously hired by the Indiana Hoosiers athletic department this offseason after coaching the James Madison Dukes. Cignetti has an impressive career record of 125-35, and delivered a fantastic line during his opening media conference where he stated, “I win, Google me.” Many took the comment at the time as arrogance, but the record behind Cignetti does not lie.
Curt Cignetti didn’t lie at his first press conference at Indiana
“I win” 😤
pic.twitter.com/RAH5yaxnRl— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) October 15, 2024
The Hoosiers are currently 6-0 this season and hold the 16th overall rank in college football with one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country. However, the Hoosiers are arguably the most criticized team in the top 25 at the moment due to the competition they have played, or the lack of competition.
Indiana has played FIU, Western Illinois, UCLA, Charlotte, Maryland, and Northwestern thus far into the 2024 season. Notably, the Hoosiers will not play Oregon, USC, Penn State, Iowa, and Illinois this season. The biggest challenges moving forward for the Indiana Hoosiers will be Nebraska, Michigan, and Ohio State.
The big question surrounding Indiana this season has been when the team will lose, rather than how many games they will win. Many fans and analysts alike believe the team has a fairly easy schedule, and being undefeated this far into the season was a likely feat.
Can the Indiana Hoosiers Remain Undefeated Following Nebraska Clash?
For the Indiana Hoosiers doubters and fans worried about an incoming loss, the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers could be the time when the season shifts. Nebraska is the first real test the Hoosiers have this season given the talent the Cornhuskers have on each side of the football.
Indiana is going to be in for a tough game against a team like Nebraska, who aim to grind down the defense. Indiana runs a similar offense, as they aim to beat down opposing defenses with motion and speed. Indiana utilizes three running backs as well as the talented quarterback Kurtis Rourke on offense, which becomes hard to stop.
The least amount of points scored by Indiana this season has been 31 points, and the Hoosiers have scored 40 points or more in each of the first three Big Ten Conference games this season.
Nebraska lost to Illinois in overtime and allowed 31 points during that game, which is the most the Cornhuskers defense has allowed. It took overtime and short field position for Illinois to put up those numbers, which puts the pressure on the Indiana Hoosiers to continue the offensive surge.
Nebraska might be the team that has the correct keys and preparation to take down the Hoosiers for the first time this season. Between the prowess of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, to the defense, the Cornhuskers pose a very serious threat to the Hoosiers’ undefeated season hopes.
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