Maintaining a streak of 8-0 is no joke after all! Indiana has raised their standards, holding the hands of their debut HC Curt Cignetti. The No.13 Hoosiers will hit the road for the Old Brass Spittoon Game against Michigan State on November 2. And if you are a true Spartan fan, you know that the word “Hoosiers” is enough to send chills down the spine. After all, they’ve had four pretty ugly matchups in the past. Now they need to worry a little more since NFL legend turned analyst and the ‘George Dickerson Award’ winner, along with his crew, gave Cignetti’s squad a big thumbs up. But what’s the USP of the new HC that helped Indiana to keep spreading its rage?        

Indiana has given Michigan State a hard time in each of their last four meetings dating back to 2020. Is that the reason behind Hall of Famer Randy Cross’ high vision about Cignetti’s boys? Well, that might be a valid point. But other than that, the NFL legend had Indiana’s improvement record to bank on. “This is a different Indiana in the top 6 in offense, top 6 defense give me Indiana,” Cross spoke highly of the Hoosiers on the CBS Sports podcast. 

The enthusiasm for the November 2 match-up is quite high, as Cross’ crew joined in to point out how both teams would try their best not to leave any loose ends. But even in that case, Curt Cignetti and his squad would have an advantage; “Indiana’s for real top to bottom on line on scrimmage,” confirmed Cross’ fellow analyst. His crew also seems to be hopeful now that Cignetti has held the reins after taking Tom Allen’s hot seat, who faltered badly for back-to-back three seasons. “The Hoosiers were suspenseful, late to the party but we coming,” he said. However, not everything seems to look fine as the analyst raised his concern, “They get the win with their backup quarterback or not, there’s some questions about whether or not Hoosiers going to play but Indiana’s real.” So what’s up with Cignetti’s signal caller? 

The Hoosiers starting QB Kurtis Rourke underwent a right thumb injury and had to miss their face-off against Washington. Even though the injury didn’t cost them the game against the Huskies (31-17), Cignetti still wants his quarterback to play against the Spartans. “Optimistic on Kurtis Rourke; he’s thrown the last few days, building up,” claimed the debut HC. Now you must be wondering what’s the source for Cignetti’s towering confidence. No, not any outer source but the “numbers” are enough for him to keep vibing!

Numbers don’t lie, Indiana’s rise under Curt Cignetti

Ever since Cignetti has stepped into the HC role, the numbers are doing all the talking for him. To believe the turnaround, we need to look back at the Hoosiers’ history. In 2023, they happened to be 3-9, THREE-NINE, folks! Not just this, but before Curt Cignetti, Indiana had a combined record of 9-27 over the last three seasons. Okay, even if these are not alluring enough, let us go further into the bygone times. Do you know that the Hoosiers, now with their debut HC at the helm, are in the best position since 1967? 

Now, you do the calculation. Wait, let me help you out. That makes Cignetti close the 57-year gap! So it’s natural that he would be flexing himself and Indiana’s glowup! He didn’t wait for any outside validation and gave himself a pat on the back before the Washington face-off, “Like my all my eyes are on the prep you know what I mean we’ve done okay I mean hey look the numbers speak for themselves.” But there must be someone behind Cignetti’s coaching talents.

The mystery mentor is none other than the 7x National Championship winner Nick Saban. Curt Cignetti had worked with the GOAT when he served as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for Alabama between 2007 and 2010. When the guru can be trusted, why not his student?