Indiana's Curt Cignetti Compliments Nebraska Defense, Dylan Raiola Ahead of 'Important Game'

The Indiana football coach said Monday that he was keeping the focus on his Hoosiers this week, but he had words of praise for the Huskers' defense, size and offensive skill players.

Sep 6, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti talks with Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Andison Coby (0) in the first quarter against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Curt Cignetti is keeping the focus on Indiana football.

"As always, it's more about us and what we do, controlling what we can control. Having a great day today of preparation and stacking good days," Cignetti said Monday during his media availability.

Cignetti addressed the media five days before the Hoosiers' home tilt with Nebraska and said Saturday's contest is an "important game because its the next game." While the coach did not give any bulletin board material for the Huskers, he did provide compliments to the team in his opening statement.

"Coach (Matt) Rhule has done a great job with the football team there, 5-1, impressive team on tape," Cignetti said. "Giving up 11 points a game on defense, a veteran outfit, and offensively; big offensive line, big tight ends, play a lot of guys, really skilled receivers, a lot of good running backs and a mega talented young quarterback."

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti talks to the defense during the Indiana versus Maryland football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cignetti added that the Hoosiers will focus internally, as "it's more about us and what we do," adding that his team can only "control what we can control."

Indiana's offense has done more than just control its opponents - the Hoosiers have boat-raced several foes en route to their 6-0 start and No. 16 Associated Press ranking in Cignetti's first season in Bloomington. The Hoosiers lead the Big Ten Conference in total yards per game (515.7), passing yards per game (315.3), first downs (165) , third down conversion percentage (54%), and points per game (47.5). However, the former James Madison coach knows how stingy the Blackshirt defense has been this season.

"Well, they've got good players. They're very well-coached. They play really hard. They're very multiple in their scheme. They've got guys that can affect the passer, a couple big guys inside, 315-plus type guys. They play a lot of people. They do everything they can to keep you off balance," Cignetti said.

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5) and defensive back Isaac Gifford (2) celebrate after a fumble against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The coach added that the Huskers break up "a lot of passes," bringing up Nebraska's season stats of seven interceptions and only 85 rushing yards allowed per game. The Huskers have benefited from a positive turnover margin as well, starting their next stretch of the season with a +6 turnover rate. Cignetti recognized that part of Nebraska's offensive balance is in part due to the play of the Huskers' freshman quarterback.

"Yeah, he's a really talented guy who's got great arm talent. (Dylan Raiola) plays with a lot of confidence. He's got a really nice supporting cast. They protect him well up front. They've got one receiver who's 6-4, 225 and can really go, deep-ball type guy, and schematically the staff does a really nice job of -- they don't put too much pressure on him," Cignetti said.

The Indiana coach added that Nebraska's offense is "balanced" and that the Huskers will "want to run the football" to set up Raiola's ability to use play-action for a big play. He concluded his Raiola thoughts saying Rhule's staff "has done a tremendous job with him."

Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a pass against the UTEP Miners during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Both teams are coming off their first bye of the season. Cignetti said his team never relented during the break.

"It's balls to the wall all the time because you're getting better or getting worse, never staying the same. We practiced three times, and we did some prep on this upcoming opponent," Cignetti said. "Then you're looking at other people across the country seeing who's doing what well and trying maybe to get a few ideas that may help you down the road. Using that time wisely."

Kickoff in Bloomington is set for 11 a.m. CDT Saturday.

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