Indiana Hoosiers and defeat? In no way can these two words be used side-by-side in a single sentence, all thanks to their debut HC Curt Cignetti. Yes, we know how the man is all about his bombarding statements like “Google me”. But he definitely did all that he had promised. But despite that, a former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver has come up with harsh advice for the HC. But the fans are in no way going to accept this and seem to have already pushed the legend to the blacklist.  

Cignetti gifted Hoosiers a historic 10-0 start never seen before in school history. Indiana now has their biggest heavyweight battle on deck on November 23, and it’s none other than the Longtime Big 10 Conference kingpin Ohio State. Quite naturally, the spotlight is all on Rourke since Cignetti’s signal-caller is carrying an astonishing 71.8 completion percentage. And here legend Joey Galloway comes with a grounding alert for the Indiana HC.

On the ESPN College Football podcast, in a conversation with Rece Davis, the ex-Buckeyes player delved deep into something that Cignetti must pay attention to. In a segment titled, “Should Indiana sit QB Kurtis Rourke vs Ohio State?”, the host first recalled the former WR’s earlier statements about Rourke. “Almost being factious to make a point because what you said and you correct me if I’m wrong is that if you were Indiana, and the playoff predictor says that you have a 96% chance of making the playoff even if you lose to Ohio State, and the one thing you couldn’t have happened would be to lose your quarterback, that you would sit Curtis Ro for Ohio State…”

Galloway immediately started defending his stance, and said, “Let me give you a little history. I was the guy that would argue when guys would sit out for bowl games. Not play in their bowl games because they’re trying not to get hurt. I was like, ‘Man, I can’t believe that guys would do that. I would never want to sit out a game that I could play with my buddies in college wearing the Ohio State University Jersey and helmet,” before adding, “I’ve evolved now.”

“After watching what happened to Florida State last year with Jordan Travis, a team that was absolutely about to be in the playoff, there was no doubt they were in. Their quarterback gets hurt at the end of the season and now they’re out of the playoff…So when I look at this now with a whole different perspective, I’m being 100% serious. If I’m Indiana, I am considering not playing Curtis Rourke…” he continued.

To remind you, FSU had a perfect 13-0 record last year, were the ACC champions with a guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff. However, Michigan, Alabama, Texas, and Washington were the top four selected teams. FSU was fifth. The reason? After Travis’ season-ending injury, in two games with two backup QBs, FSU played below its season average of 34 points a game, that hurt the team’s production offensively. “Florida State is a different team than it was the first 11 weeks. As you look at who they are as a team right now, without Jordan Travis, without the offensive dynamic he brings, they are a different team and the committee voted Alabama four and Florida State five,” CFP selection committee chairman Boo Corrigan had reasoned.

Furthermore, he also explained his choice, saying,

“No one in the history of the sport has lost more games than Indiana. Indiana is in a position right now to win the Big 10 and if you put your quarterback on the shelf, then you are saying, ‘We don’t really belong. We’re trying to sneak in the back door’. And there’s no way Curt Cignetti is doing that. Nor should he, in my judgment.” Notably, this is not the first time Galloway’s comments have been refuted publicly…

When he made his seemingly controversial opinion known for the first time on ESPN’s CFP rankings show earlier this week (where he serves as a college football analyst), none of his co-hosts were willing to accept the argument. “You can’t do that! It’s a culture killer,” argued Greg McElroy, akin to Booger McFarland’s reaction. Rece Davis, who was also in attendance, had shown his surprise, saying, “You can’t be serious.” 

Well, and now even fans and other industry analysts don’t agree. 

Joey Galloway’s QB concerns for IU not well received  

While fans were still in a mood to celebrate this new era in Indiana, Galloway’s claim seemed to have left them in a sour mood. Forget fans, even the CBS Sports big shot gave the legend a side-eye.

Not being on board with his idea, analyst Josh Pate stated, “Wait I thought y’all were joking. HE REALLY SAID THIS?” He was followed by another analyst, Andrew Smith, who wrote, “Former Buckeye wants IU to sit its QB against (checks notes) Ohio State.” To make matters worse, one fan got extra brutal on the Rourke drama, “There it is. The official worst sports take of the 2024 season.” 

Well, not sure about now, but earlier Curt Cignetti happened to be all confident about his signal caller Kurtis Rourke. “Optimistic on Kurtis Rourke. He’s thrown the last few days, building up. The workload will increase as the week goes on. That’s all I’m going to say about it,” stated the HC. Now will Cignetti stick to his QB for the big game despite Joey Galloway’s concerns? 

The Hoosiers now moved up to the No.5 spot after crushing the Michigan Wolverines 20-15. Even though they are still coming off as underdogs, going by ESPN’s Playoff Predictor, Cignetti’s boys still have a 97% probability. So, no, we don’t think the HC will pay heed to Joey Galloway’s opinion. What do you think?