Curt Cignetti on Indiana’s Upcoming Clash with Oregon
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti spoke to the media Monday from Memorial Stadium, looking ahead to the Hoosiers’ Saturday matchup against No. 2 Oregon in Eugene.
Cignetti highlighted the benefits of their bye week, saying the team rested and fine-tuned fundamentals while sharpening their timing. Now, all focus is on preparing for a tough Oregon team.
He praised Oregon as a talented, well-coached squad with size, speed, athleticism, and depth. Cignetti also singled out Oregon’s coach Dan Lanning as an impressive young coach who has done an excellent job recruiting and developing players.
When asked about Oregon’s depth and resources, Cignetti admitted he wasn’t sure about their budget but acknowledged they simply have a lot of quality players.
Regarding Indiana’s experience with high-profile games, Cignetti said he hadn’t seen the players for a few days but pointed out his veteran roster is familiar with big matchups, so the players aren’t overwhelmed like they might have been in previous years.
He praised Oregon quarterback Dante Moore for his athleticism, quick release, accuracy, and ability to extend plays. Cignetti also noted Oregon’s strong receiving corps, good depth at tight end and running back, and their balanced offense. Moore, he said, is growing in confidence and is unquestionably one of the country’s top QBs.
On managing West Coast travel, Cignetti said it matters a little but not much, noting Indiana plans to arrive slightly earlier than they did for their UCLA trip.
Cignetti acknowledged Oregon’s size advantage, especially on the defensive line with several massive players, but expressed confidence in his own team’s ability to compete.
About audible calls, he explained Indiana doesn’t rely heavily on them, unlike some teams, and mostly avoids mid-play changes.
He commended quarterback Fernando’s performance against Iowa and emphasized the importance of players relaxing and playing their game against Oregon.
Cignetti mentioned that the loud, hostile atmosphere at Iowa will help prepare the team for the similar challenge of playing at Autzen Stadium.
When asked about the team’s mindset, he stressed preparing for every opponent the same way to avoid distractions and to give the team their best chance.
Finally, on the status of D’Angelo Ponds, Cignetti expects him to play and noted the defense adjusted well against Iowa without him, shifting to more zone coverage, which worked effectively.
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