Curt Cignetti: Indiana's Performance Against Nebraska's Defense 'Will Open Eyes'

The Hoosiers' first-year coach was out to prove a point in Indiana's 56-7 victory over the Huskers, saying his offense's showing Saturday against a well-regarded Blackshirts unit should get the college football world's attention.

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti looks up at the scoreboard during the Indiana versus Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Curt Cignetti was proud of his team's efforts, as he should be following a 56-7 victory over Nebraska football on homecoming in Bloomington.

However, the Indiana football coach also appeared to want to put a message out to the landscape of college football.

"I think this says a lot about our team. I know there was a national perception that Nebraska had a pretty legit defense on a national scale. So that will open their eyes, okay?" Cignetti said. "I think this is a great team win."

Indiana's Kaelon Black (8) runs during the Indiana versus Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana's offense cooked Nebraska's defense throughout the matchup Saturday, exploding with 495 total yards for nearly eight yards per play and 215 rushing yards. The Hoosiers were able to get up early, averaging over ten yards per play and pushing in their first touchdown on the ground - the first rushing score given up by Nebraska all season.

The Hoosiers ensured they left no doubt about their running ability, putting up five touchdowns on the ground. Cignetti recognized that the Huskers' defensive scheme allowed for Indiana's rushing success.

"They probably had some nice holes. The box count was probably in our favor, which tells me they were probably overplaying the RPOs. We were handing the ball off and gaining yards," Cignetti said.

Indiana's Josh Sanguinetti (19) runs after the catch during the Indiana versus Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The former James Madison coach was also complimentary of his offensive line's play against a stout Nebraska defensive line - a group he spoke highly about in his pregame interviews.

"We got some real blue-collar guys up front coached by a blue-collar guy. Coach Bostad is an old-school line coach. Put a good day's work in. Never coached for a guy like me that gets them off the field like I do (smiling). Those guys are tight, they're tough guys," Cignetti said. "Those backs we got, they're all about the same. They're good players. Perimeter blocking is important, too. Explosive plays happen with great downfield blocking"

Nebraska's offense was stagnant from the start, with freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola having his toughest day as a starter, going 28-of-44 for 234 passing yards and three interceptions. Raiola was under pressure all contest, being sacked twice and finishing with minus-11 rushing yards. The Indiana coach added that the Hoosiers' game plan was to get the Huskers off of their usual tactics.

Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) passes during the Indiana versus Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"They threw the ball a lot more than they had. Then they got behind, they had to throw the ball more. So he's under pressure. Then he's in some tough down and distance situations. Maybe he's forcing the ball," Cignetti said about Raiola. "He's young. Very talented guy, but he's young. We made some nice plays out there."

Cignetti called it a "good win against a team that's got a good tradition." The Hoosiers proved their worth Saturday, vaulting them into No. 13 in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches polls, while Nebraska tumbled out of consideration but still received a single vote in each ranking.

Nebraska heads to Columbus, Ohio, to battle No. 4 Ohio State and the Buckeyes on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CDT with coverage on FOX.

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