Now that it’s Big Ten championship week, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is looking forward to playing against Ohio State on Dec. 6.
It’s the Hoosiers’ first time in the Big Ten Championship Game, and Cignetti has nothing but respect for his opponent, the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes, hinting that he believes that there might be another level to Ohio State.
“Sometimes when you watch Ohio State, the game is in hand , and I know (head coach Ryan Day) is banking on playing a really long season,” Cignetti said. “They huddle, and they’re not interested in running a lot of plays on offense. It’s almost like they’re holding back a little bit. But they’re super explosive and capable from scoring from anywhere on the field at any time.”
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza are currently top two in odds to win the Heisman Trophy, and with ballots not due until Dec. 8, this game will likely have a huge impact on that race.
Cignetti understands the skill that Sayin brings to the game.
“Julian Sayin is a tremendous football player,” he said. “He’s young, but doesn’t play like he’s young. He’s got a super quick release, he’s very accurate, and he’s mobile.”
He also noted the Buckeye offense’s ability to be balanced, which it showed on Nov. 29 against Michigan, with three passing touchdowns to take the lead before running the ball 17 times on a drive that took up 11:56 of game time and gaining a total of 186 yards on the ground against Michigan.
But Cignetti knows that he has a very good team as well. Indiana is currently ranked No. 2 in the country and the head coach feels that they are getting more respect this year after going into Autzen Stadium in October and beating Oregon by 10 points.
He also believes that last year’s loss to Ohio State in the Horseshoe was necessary for the football program to take a step forward, which it seems to have done very quickly.
“While that was not a very enjoyable experience, it was an experience that was necessary for our growth and development,” he said. “We were able to add some key pieces to this year’s team, some veterans that have played a lot of football and been in those environments.”
The Big Ten Championship Game will be at 8 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 6.
