You are watching a maestro at work, gentlemen! Let’s open the Pandora box of the Indiana Hoosiers now 8-0 dub streak. The best red-zone attackers in the nation. This is not a mistake. Curt Cignetti and the boys are at the heart of this; now they fresh off ate the Huskies alive 31-17. Standing in the top spot on the Big 10 list, it’s been a movie so far in Bloomington. And tell you what? The Hoosier HC needs new haters now because the old ones became his fans.

From question marks to exclamation points, Curt Cignetti has turned around things for the Indiana crowd. Well, he’s making the CBS sports panel a ‘Cignetti believer’ check! Rick Neuheisel couldn’t be clearer announcing it on CBS Instagram page: “I haven’t been a believer, but I’m a believer now,” he declared. And the rest followed, “That what sets them apart they don’t make mistakes. They’re well disciplined and force you into mistakes and play fierce football.” They are confidently tackling, blocking, and rushing everything you need to succeed. Against Washington, Justice Ellison balled out in the second half and ended the game with 29 carries for 123 yards and a score.

Poll of the day

Poll 1 of 5

Is Curt Cignetti the best thing to happen to Indiana Hoosiers football in decades?

Absolutely, he's a game-changer

No, it's too early to tell

He's good, but not the best

I'm not convinced yet

Do you think Ilona Maher's outspoken stance on mental health and body positivity is changing the landscape for athletes?

Absolutely, it's inspiring

It's a start, but more is needed

Not really, it's just talk

Athletes should focus on performance

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Do you believe Imane Khelif's rise to professional boxing will silence her critics?

Yes, she's proven herself

No, the controversy will linger

Only if she wins big fights

Not sure

Do you believe Elena Rybakina's partnership with Simona Halep will reignite her career after a tumultuous season?

Absolutely, it's a game-changer

No, it's just a temporary fix

Only time will tell

Not interested in their partnership

Was Khamzat Chimaev's victory over Robert Whittaker a display of skill or just brutal force?

Pure skill

Brutal force

A mix of both

Lucky win

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

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Give credit to Indiana’s defense for their consistent edge. Ask why? Neuheisel answers, “There’s no Mirage here. It is blocking, and tackling exhibit A.” Against Washington, the Hoosiers didn’t need a high-powered offense to secure the win. QB Tayven Jackson struggled, completing just 11 of 19 passes for 124 yards. However, Indiana’s defense stepped up, forcing turnovers and making crucial stops.

Well, along with that, their strong locker room culture, combined with their pipeline of talented players from James Madison University, has been a key factor in their recent success. Fully 13 players followed Cignetti and the six assistants he brought with him to Bloomington. “They believe that they’re going to win,” Cignetti said, referencing the several JMU transfers Indiana announced last year.

But what sets Cignetti apart from past the Indiana coaches?

Hot streak or sustainable success? How Curt Cignetti reshaped Indiana Football

You bet that it is. Winning is always sustainable. The Hoosiers, once perennial losers, have defied expectations and proven their ability to consistently win. Indiana’s athletic director Scott Dolson appointed Curt Cignetti, who, since his time at James Madison University (JMU), has a knack for turning programs into a powerhouse. For 13 years he’s done nothing else. “I’m into production over potential,” Cignetti quoted in December. He shaped Indiana into a veteran-savvy program instead of loading up on malleable youth. Initially, they took recruits with just one year of eligibility. Going after experience at every corner of the field, the turnabout is for y’all to see.

And that is why, after ending the Zoom call with him, Dolson shouted, “This guy’s different, “I think he can win here.” He carefully selected players who aligned with his vision and instilled a new mindset within the team. Now, they are just knocking on the playoff doors, with each W. Well, it’s 8-0 and still!