Who thought the Indiana Hoosiers had it in them last year? The program put forward a truly historic season, finishing with a beyond-impressive record of 11-2. That was made possible after Curt Cignetti took charge of the previously struggling program. Indiana was the comeback in college football last year, and it’s only onwards and upwards for them this season as well. Will the second-year HC prove to be successful in pulling a repeat of his stupefying season this year?
Indiana’s highest number of wins was 9 so far. So, when Cignetti pulls off the unthinkable and publishes a program record of 11 wins and a playoff spot, hopes are riding high this year as well. “We look for production over potential,” Cignetti told ESPN’s Greg McElroy. That motto was crucial in Indiana’s magical last season, which saw an upgraded roster and also saw new faces in staff. Cignetti was building the program from scratch, and it paid off big time. Offensively and defensively, the program reached new heights. This season, some of that hard work makes his work a lot easier.
Analyst Joel Klatt has a clear prediction for the once-underdog program. “I don’t think Indiana is going anywhere. I think Indiana is going to be a very good football team once again,” he declared. He has some great returning names that keep his hopes high in his second run at creating history. “Mikail Kamara, defensive end, back. Aiden Fisher, back. D’Angelo Ponds, back on a defense that was pretty salty,” Klatt highlighted. Cignetti surprisingly made it as the No. 2 team in total defense, trailing behind only Ohio State. That’s the bar he set for himself. The defensive trio also made various All-America honors.
“Offensively, Elijah Sarratt, back. Four starters on the offensive line; they’re back,” he added. Curt Cignetti made some huge strides on this side of the ball, too. Indiana ranked second nationally in total touchdowns (71) and 15th in yards per play (6.51).
Returning production is key to recreating the success from the past year, and having these guys helps a lot. Moreover, Cignetti has also made some key transfer portal additions, especially that of Fernando Mendoza. “I think [he] could have a really good year,” Klatt noted. And he might not be far off, considering the QB’s impressive record at California previously.
With all of these factors in play, very few in the community say that Cignetti won’t be able to pull off a repeat of the 2024 season. His returning roster holds immense promise ahead of the season, and the team also ranks as No. 17 in ESPN’s top 25 teams. looks just as promising. Fernando Mendoza, in particular, is the HC’s star player in the making at the moment.
Curt Cignetti highlights how Fernando Mendoza fills in for Kurtis Rourke
Kurtis Rourke led the new Indiana team designed by Cignetti. He finished his CFB career with a great season, pitching in 2,827 yards, 27 TDs, and just 4 interceptions. However, his successor, Mendoza, is filling in for him where he lacked. Curt Cignetti has nothing but praise for his crucial QB recruit, who will be the face of a new and power-packed offense. “I think with him, you’re going to get some of it without even calling it. You know, like we’re having a big discussion on the quarterback draw, and when you look at our pocket passes and how many times he runs for a big game,” the HC said on ESPN’s College Football show.
Cignetti also brought to attention Mendoza’s passing abilities. “He’s got good movement, quick release, and can make all the throws. He’s accurate, also. Throws the ball on a run really well. So, yeah. Well, we move him around a little more than we do,” he said. Mendoza also rushed for 105 yards last season and is expected to bring more of that dual-threat talent to Indiana. He has impressive arm strength and also proves useful in short-yardage runs, which Rourke lacked. And there’s more: Mendoza also has the ability to execute more RPO plays.
All in all, if Curt Cignetti manages to reach the milestone he set for himself last season this year as well, it won’t be entirely shocking. He missed out in key areas, but 2024 showed what Indiana under him could do. With some important returning talent to lead the team and a formidable QB in Fernando Mendoza, Cignetti is all set to attempt a second run at creating program history.
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