It’s one of the best weekends in college athletics: Rivalry Week. Fans across the country get their fill of historic matchups, but in Bloomington the focus is fixed on one thing. Indiana is gearing up for another chance to dominate Purdue on the gridiron. This year’s meeting carries extra weight as it marks the 100th battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. For Curt Cignetti, though, it will only be his second time leading the Hoosiers into the rivalry. Even with limited experience in the matchup, he is doing everything possible to prepare for the showdown without letting the moment overwhelm the mission.
“Look, we are 100% focused on Purdue and nothing else,” Coach Cignetti said in his Monday press conference. “We have respect for Purdue. If you don’t respect your opponent, then you’re starting in a bad spot. I respect what I see on tape. They’re playing hard. They’re making plays. They’re in games. They’re doing a good job up there coaching, and we have to go up there prepared, and we got to play well. We’re going on the road to play a Big Ten football team, in-state rival. That’s all we’re thinking about.”
Purdue may not be the toughest opponent Indiana has faced this season at 2-9, but the Boilermakers are not preparing to roll over. The challenge also shifts away from the comfort of Memorial Stadium. Indiana has not won in West Lafayette since the thrilling double overtime finish in 2019 that ended 44-41. Cignetti knows Purdue’s record does not tell the full story and sees the foundation first year head coach Barry Odom is laying.
“First of all, they’re competing really hard. That’s what I see,” Cignetti said. “There’s no give-up in that team, and I’m sure they’re disappointed in the way it went out at Washington. They’ve got an aggressive style on offense and defense and special teams, and I’m sure that’s the personality of the head coach, who played linebacker in college, been a defensive guy. They attack. They’re a physical football team.”
You might not expect it based on their record, but Purdue has fought hard in nearly every matchup this season. The Boilermakers play like a team with nothing to lose, and the history of the rivalry reflects their competitive edge with a 63-33-3 lead in the series. Even so, this is not the same Indiana team that once struggled to close out games. Curt Cignetti’s squad dominated Purdue last season in a 66-0 statement win and now has the chance to deliver again in front of a hostile West Lafayette crowd.
Still, Cignetti refuses to let his team overlook the Boilermakers. There is a scenario where an upset loss could keep Indiana out of the Big Ten title game, and he knows how dangerous it can be to look too far ahead. His message has remained steady all season. Stay present. Respect the opponent. Handle what is directly in front of you.
Indiana enters the shortened week in better shape thanks to a much needed bye. Players were able to rest, reset, and regain their legs after six straight weeks of action. “Everybody seems to be refreshed,” Cignetti said. “There was a lot of spirit at practice yesterday, and I can tell in the office everybody is rested up, so it’s a good thing.” The timing could not have been better. Cignetti admitted he could sense the entire program feeling the grind of the season, but the break has revived the team heading into the rivalry matchup.
The Hoosiers will face the Boilermakers in West Lafayette this Friday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m. EST. The air will be cold, the stadium will be loud, and the stakes will be high as Indiana has the chance to accomplish their first undefeated season ever! Fans who cannot make the trip can watch on NBC or stream the game on Peacock.