NOTEBOOK: Non-Conference Finale brings ‘Around-the-World Messaging’ and Avoid-Sloppy-Play Expectations
By Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Curt Cignetti didn’t get to where he is today without high standards and relentless focus. It’s a winning culture that has delivered a national championship, a Big Ten title, 18 straight victories, numerous national coach-of-the-year honors, a 29-2 Indiana record and, this season, a 2-0 record and No. 4 national ranking.
Now comes Saturday’s non-conference finale against Western Kentucky and expectations and demands remain high. During his Thursday night radio show with Voice of the Hoosiers Don Fischer, Cignetti offered insight that was as entertaining as it was enlightening.
For instance, he said he only gets involved with the Hoosier defense when it’s necessary. After the North Texas game, it was, although that might have been as much because of the quality of the Mean Green’s offense and personnel as it was Hoosier struggles.
Still …
“My involvement with them is more about messaging,” he told Fischer. “(After North Texas), I put out a message to them that went around the world.”
In simple terms, play better.
Offense is a different story. A former college quarterback with an extensive offensive background, Cignetti works closely with offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and his staff. The result is an attack that every year ranks among the nation’s best.
“I've gotten more involved as we've gotten closer to kickoff,” he told Fischer. “This is a team you need to be a little more hands-on with. I'm a little more involved in practice than normal this season, but I think this is a really important time to get these guys where we need to be before we get to Big Ten play.”
Western Kentucky (0-2), traditionally a mid-major offensive power, has had a rough start, in part because of massive roster overhaul that includes 65 transfers. It’s been outscored 119-34 in losses to Nevada and No. 2/2 Georgia.
“They’ve got guys that can play,” Cignetti told Fischer. “It's important that we play better. We’ve got to improve our play from the first play to last play in all three phases. I'm going to be really disappointed if we come of that game sloppy.”
Cignetti analyzes blowout victories, such as last Saturday’s 55-0 win over Howard, as much for mistakes made as big plays achieved. He told Fischer there were nine to 12 poor plays -- including two muffed punts, a lost fumble and a holding call that cost the Hoosiers a touchdown -- that can’t be repeated, against Western Kentucky, or anyone.
“They were negative, critical errors or critical missed assignments, or a turnover that playing against a better team, it’s a huge momentum swing against you,” he told Fischer. “We’ve got to cut that out of our game. I’m looking forward to seeing if we can make that happen this week.”
Big-play wide receiver Nick Marsh, a heralded transfer from Michigan State, didn’t start against Howard as the Hoosiers work to ensure he and fellow receiver Shazz Preston get in enough reps at multiple positions because, Cignetti told Fischer, “that’s going to help us down the road. We need them to learn every position.
“Nick’s new and he’s still learning. We’re still trying to work some kinks out day-in, day-out in terms of practice standards. I can say the same thing about Shazz Preston.”
Strong player leadership is a hallmark of Cignetti-coached teams. One difference this season -- non-seniors such as receiver Charlie Becker and linebacker Rolijah Hardy are making big impacts as well as fifth-year linebacker Isaiah Jones and fifth-year offensive lineman Carter Smith.
Still, Cignetti told Fischer, more is needed.
“I can see (this team) moving in the right direction. I can say that in all honesty and sincerity. But you can't put a cap on how fast development needs to be. You need to keep pushing, pushing, pushing.”