Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti Previewing Ohio State: 'We Don't Have A Confidence Problem'

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti met with reporters on Monday for his weekly media session. The Hoosiers were off last week, so most of the focus was on this week’s big game in Columbus against Ohio State. Cignetti answered questions about his team and his thoughts on the Buckeyes. The highlights of everything he had to say can be found below.

The bye week came at a good time. It was a very physical game against Michigan. Excited about the opportunity this week against one of the favorites to win it all. “Their tradition speaks for itself.”
“We treat ’em all alike. If there was a better way to prepare for a certain team, we’d do that for every team.” They stack moments, days, practices in preparation for every game so that they can play “our game.”
On his contract extension last week: “I’d like to keep it to the game, but…” the university has made a very significant financial commitment in a lot of areas. He’s appreciative of being able to lead this program forward. “This is where I wanted to be.” He played the “what if” game a few weeks back with his wife and agent and this is where he ended up.
Ohio State is very skilled in the skill positions. The offensive line is good. Chip Kelly has done excellent wherever he’s been. Good scheme. They put defenses in conflicts. “They have it all. They really do.”
Didn’t play well offensively in the second half against Michigan. “I give Michigan credit. They ‘bowed up.” There were too many pressures on Kurtis Rourke. Fortunately the defense and special teams saved the day. Championship teams find a way to win those kinds of games. “This is a team. Everybody thinks alike and is focused on the same thing.” It’s not always perfect but there are always improvements.
Have to protect the QB better and make the plays they’ve made all year long.
The second half struggles offensively against Michigan was more of an execution thing. The bye week gave everybody time to recharge but also gave them extra time on OSU.
Have you seen the ceiling expand from your expectations when you took over? “It’s all out there. I think any P4 school with the proper commitment is capable of being successful.” It’s all attainable. People are talking about them right now but that doesn’t help them play better or prepare better. “The only limitations on this football team would be those we put on ourselves, between our ears.” They’ll go into this game confident and play well.
What have you learned in your career about playing in road environments like this? He’s been in the SEC and SWC, but the last time he was in this stadium was with NC State and they lost in triple overtime. Philip Rivers and the team came storming back and fell about six inches short. This is a group of guys and coaches that have won 23 of their last 24 games, “so we don’t have a confidence problem.”
This team plays to a standard, not circumstances of the game.
Getting healthy over the bye week: “We’ll be full strength for the game.” Across college football, everybody’s hurting at this point. The bye week came at a really good time.
He’s definitely become more aggressive and attacking as a coach over the years on offense. “We attack. It’s just what we do.” But they also attack defensively.
On your offensive line: “Those guys have been very consistent all year long.” They have a proven OL coach who has done a great job developing those guys. They’ve played a lot of snaps. Blue-collar guys. Smart. Don’t say much outside of Carter Smith.
On recruiting: “When you win it opens a lot of doors and a lot of areas.” It’s an ongoing process. “Everything’s on the up and up.”
Having the core of the defense here be the same at James Madison last year? That whole crew facilitated the culture change year. There’s no doubt that defense last year is impacting this team right now. There are key guys playing at a high level.