Cignetti Evaluates the Hoosiers' Strong Defensive Performance

Written By: Nick Gonzales (@nrgonzales_)

The Hoosiers were having themselves a field day against the Spartans on Saturday and Coach Cignetti was loving every second of it. Indiana’s defense was tearing apart Michigan State’s offense and were constantly swarming the ball. After going down by ten in the first quarter, the Hoosiers regrouped and were electric scoring 47 unanswered points and didn’t allow MSU to score again.

“Well, defensively that's where it always begins is up front. Being able to win the line of scrimmage both sides of the ball you've got to win the line of scrimmage. Our defense has always been about creating havoc and disruption up front, TFLs and sacks. That hasn't changed,” Coach Cignetti stated in his Monday press conference.

They had two interceptions, seven sacks, and 15 tackles for loss, not to mention the special team’s performance that blocked a punt and caused a safety and then deflected another punt near the end of the game. They also held Michigan State to negative 36 rushing yards.

“Our pass coverage has been tight. The first interception Aiden Fisher was really good in underneath coverage, deflected the pass and Ferrell made the interception, and on the second interception Ferrell made a really nice break on the ball and a nice catch for the interception,” Coach Cignetti’s insight on the recent surge of turnover creation.

The Hoosiers started off the season doing very well in the turnover margin, but after a little dry spell, they are back and excelling in causing turnovers and other opportunities for good field position. In their last three games, the Hoosiers have 9 turnovers (7 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries), 12 sacks, and 28 tackles for loss. “When you fly around, good things happen on defense. And we're flying around, and a lot of good things are happening. TFL, sacks, and takeaways,” said Curt Cignetti on Monday.

Indiana’s defense has been absolutely rolling their opponents and with last year’s National Champs coming to town, they will most definitely bring their A game. Indiana has defeated Michigan once in their last 28 matchups spanning all the way back to 1988. The Hoosiers open up as a two-touchdown favorite against the Wolverines and will try to disassemble them this weekend in Bloomington.