Curt Cignetti Talks Josh Hoover's Health, Indiana's Offensive Struggles And CFP Rankings

Hoover rests during bye week

Cignetti joined Don Fischer on Wednesday’s Inside Indiana Football radio show, a day earlier than usual because Indiana had reached its bye week. He said Hoover had been dealing with injuries since the Ohio State game and struggled again against Minnesota.

Hoover completed 8 of 19 passes for 119 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Wilson replaced him at halftime and helped Indiana recover from a deficit, throwing the overtime winning touchdown pass to Charlie Becker.

Cignetti said Hoover was “on the mend” and resting, but did not identify a starter for Indiana’s return against USC. He expressed confidence in Wilson, saying there had been no doubt Wilson could do the job in the second half.

Close wins expose offensive issues

Indiana needed overtime to beat both Michigan and Minnesota, with a strong defense helping cover for an inconsistent offense. Cignetti said the defense had been solid over the previous four or five games, while the offense was not producing as it had in the previous two years.

The Hoosiers gained 425 yards against Minnesota, but penalties, missed chances and special teams errors made the game close. Cignetti cited six offensive line penalties, two shanked punts and three failed field goal attempts.

He credited the team’s competitive character and resilience for finding ways to win. The bye week gives Indiana time to address the problems behind those narrow victories.

Cignetti challenges CFP discussion

Indiana appeared at No. 4 in Tuesday’s first College Football Playoff rankings. Cignetti criticized the television discussion, arguing that SEC teams received favorable treatment. He also said ESPN coverage and its writers contribute to perceptions of SEC strength, including when teams with multiple losses are compared across conferences. Cignetti defended Indiana’s resume and referred to the circumstances of its narrow loss to Ohio State. Despite his criticism, he said the rankings would be decided by results on the field: “It’ll be earned, not given.”