Everyone has seen the picture of Illinois coach Bret Bielema hunched over with his hands on knees looking like he was about to vomit during Indiana’s 63-10 beat down. The Hoosiers made Illinois quit and made the side line look sick to their stomach.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti discussed that strategy on Inside Indiana Football with Don Fischer last night at Hoosier Hanks.
“We always wanted to kind of change the way people think during the course of the game and break their will. And that usually happens in about the third quarter.” Cignetti said.
The Hoosiers led 35-10 at half time and were getting the ball to start the third quarter. A score on that drive would suck the life out of the Illini. A long Kaelon Black touchdown run did just that.
“I thought there was a point there in the second half where you could kind of see that, you know, we had taken the game over. And so it’s nice when that happens.” Cignetti added.
The Hoosiers have a tough road trip to Iowa on Saturday, but the goal does not change for Cignetti and the Hoosiers.
“That’s always the goal to change the way the opponent thinks. And we’ve had some pretty decisive victories at home especially, but we’ve had a couple on the road too, and but you know, it’s all in the past, because we got to strap it on for a physical, tough football game this Saturday at Iowa,” Cignetti said.
Other Radio Show Notes:
Cignetti discussed Fernando Mendoza’s outstanding play.
“He’d been nice and poised in a pocket, throwing a ball the right guy, accurately, impressive throws, making plays with his legs. And you know, he’s getting a lot of national attention right now too. And you know, that’s a lot to put on a guy, but he’s a pretty level headed guy.”
On the emergence of Khobie Martin at running back:
“I thought he ran really hard, good low center gravity. He’s 210 pounds, and you know, he’s been decisive out there, and he’s held on to the ball, which has been a big point of emphasis, you know, and really pleased with, you know, what he’s put on, put on the field, and gives him a lot of confidence. I think scoring that first touchdown was really exciting for him a couple weeks ago. Now, he’s been in the end zone a few times, so expects to be in the end zone, but he runs under his pads, and he’s a tough tackle.”
On getting his team focused for Iowa:
“We handle every day the same. You know, if you have high standards and expectations and you got a blueprint plan on where you do things, it really doesn’t change much week to week, Mondays, Monday, Tuesdays, Tuesday, etc. So, you know, I think anytime you have a big win that gets a lot of attention, like we had Saturday, you you’re concerned about, you know, getting the feet back on the ground, being humble, hungry and focused, and doing everything you need to do, because mindsets, everything this time of year.”