With the first set of CFP rankings out on the surface, Indiana suffered a humiliating spot on the list. Hoosiers sits at the No.9 in the seeding of a 12-team bracket and it doesn’t sit well with the fans and veterans alike. Indiana indeed got a relatively easier schedule than those ranked higher, making it a valid argument that they didn’t get their process tested. But they still took care of their business each week with sharp consistency. They also had a terrific 9-0 start of the season under coach Cignetti’s brilliant stewardship. But none of these pleased the playoff selection committee enough to keep them a bit ahead of where they are now. But, CBS Sports analyst Gary Danielson thinks they are too worthy to care for this snub.

The college football world sees the Indiana playoff ranking as the most disrespectful one in the country. But, former NFL great, Danielson, on the other hand, sees the silver lining and gives fans enough reason to chin up. ”This week, for goodness’ sake, and it’s a dream come true, and couldn’t be happier for these guys. I don’t think this team cares about what anybody else thinks about them, yet they’re earning their own respect on the football field and they know what’s in front of them,” said the veteran analyst.

With three games remaining in the regular season, Indiana still has a chance at further improving its CFP ranking and seeding. Danielson deems the match against the Wolverines as an ideal stage for the Hosiers to showcase their dominance to the world. ‘‘You know they got their shot here. They worked hard for it. And they want to prove now that the front of their schedule. And what’s better than to do it against Michigan?” elucidated the CBS Sports analyst with a bright anticipatory gaze. 

Before the season, Michigan’s football only stacked four ranked teams on its 2024 card. Indiana was off the board. But when the Wolverines gear up to meet the Hosiers on Saturday, they are already a top-10 team that is just one of five unbeaten remaining in FBS. This is how far Cignetti took his team forward. But the path is longer, and the coach knows it the best.

Coach Curt Cignetti does nothing but take Michigan seriously 

Michigan heads to Bloomington as double-digit underdogs. Sounds oddly contradictory? Well, it is what it is. But the eyes are on the outshot of a 5-4 team’s epic fight over the red-hot Indiana team. The Hoosiers are used to throttle their opponents. But when it’s Michigan at the opposite end, coach Cignetti is taking all the extra caution and precision.

The two uneven teams, Michigan and Indiana, have a slim but significant history. The Wolverines only let it loose twice since 1987. In 1987 and 2020, they came up short against the Hosiers. So, holding them off will be no cakewalk.

‘The coach knows what it takes to win a championship and when a program did that, how much value they hold. Cignetti believes that a unique combination of good tight ends settled quarterbacks, tight defense, and an aggressive offense will keep the Wolverines on top of their game. ”So we’ll have to have a great week of preparation and play our best to have a shot,’‘ said Cignetti, ahead of the crucial ego fight with ‘the tough opponent‘ post-CFP ranking.

What’s your take on Indiana garnering endorsement from NFL great after a CFP ranking disrespect? Let us know in the comments.