Indiana is rolling into Columbus for a Top 5 showdown with Ohio State. And it’s a matchup — and season from the Hoosiers — that has caught plenty off guard.
Ohio State’s Perspective on Indiana’s Success
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day may or may not have been surprised by the season that Indiana is enjoying, but as he’s dug into his opponent for Saturday, he’s begun to pick up on a few reasons why they’ve played so well. While much of it comes down to coaching and buy-in, Day was quick to highlight the impressive performance of the Indiana players.
“I think the first thing is I don’t think their players get enough credit,” Day said. “I think coach has done a great job and they’ve done a nice job this year, but the players are the ones who play. And they have good players. They’ve done a nice job of changing their roster. They’ve upgraded their roster in certain areas. I think they play very hard. They are well coached. And they take care of the football, they cause turnovers, they play well on special teams.”
Indiana’s Cultural Shift Under Cignetti
There’s also been a mental and psychological edge for the Hoosiers this year, an embrace of the culture that has helped the team flourish so fast. In some ways, Day sounded almost envious when he talked about Cignetti’s ability to get Indiana’s program on the same page.
“I think what’s unique about this situation is Coach Cignetti came over from James Madison and brought a core with him,” Day explained. “So there was already a group of guys that knew the culture, and then he integrated with those guys, had some success early, and then it’s just kind of grown from there. I think that’s a winning recipe. When you come in without having guys who know your culture, that’s a little bit of a different approach.”
Special Teams and Player Utilization
But Day could also not ignore the work done by new head coach Curt Cignetti, both in turning over the roster and the finer tweaks and tidbits of coaching that he’s put on display. “And they play their best players on special teams,” Day said, continuing. “For instance, their top running back is back there as a protector on the punt. Which does a lot of things. It shows that special teams are important to them, but it also makes you be aware, ‘Hey, there’s a running back back there when they’re punting.’”
This strategic approach underlines the Hoosiers’ commitment to excellence across all phases of the game. “You can see they’ve been successful in everything they’ve been looking to do in terms of installing a culture in all three phases. So it’s going to be a great challenge for our team, and we’re looking forward to it,” Day added.
Building a Winning Culture
Day emphasized the importance of having a team that believes in the program’s vision. “At the end of the day, it’s about having a team who believes in what you’re trying to get done as a program and then also wants to play for each other. The thing about this team here, they’re not worried about individual accolades or anything like this, especially late in the season. They’re focused on winning, and they want to play for each other. And when you have that, you have a chance.”
This collective mindset has been a significant factor in Indiana’s success this season. With players committed to the team rather than individual glory, the Hoosiers have shown resilience and determination on the field.
Looking Ahead to the Showdown
As the Hoosiers prepare for this monumental clash with the Buckeyes, they carry with them not just a strong record but also a newfound sense of identity and purpose. This season has been a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it’s clear that they are ready to make a statement in Columbus.
The matchup promises to be thrilling, with both teams bringing their A-game. For Indiana, this is an opportunity to showcase their growth and determination against one of the nation’s elite programs. For Ohio State, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as a powerhouse in college football.
As fans gear up for this exciting showdown, one thing is certain: Indiana is not just another opponent. They are a team that has embraced change, cultivated a winning culture, and is ready to compete at the highest level. Will they be able to topple the Buckeyes in their own backyard? The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable.
