Indiana University's football program has been among the laughing stock of the NCAA's power conference teams throughout the course of the past few seasons. Then Curt Cignetti happened, and oh boy have the tables turned ever since.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 57 YEARS IU FOOTBALL IS 5-0. RANK US.
— Aaron Handler (@aaronhandler) September 28, 2024
IN COACH CIGS WE TRUST. #iufb #neverdaunted pic.twitter.com/iKpJRs2TVk
Following yet another impressive victory in yesterday's matchup with Maryland, the dark days of the past now seem like ancient history when it comes to IU football. Coach Cig arrived in Bloomington and has instantly injected some much needed light into a ball club that lacked much (if any) sense of hope prior to his entrance. Now it almost seems inevitable that the Hoosiers should (and will) find themselves somewhere smack dab in the thick of the NCAA's Top 25 rankings (let alone even the discussion) for the first time in multiple years.
We could ramble on for days regarding Cignetti's revitalizing rescue of this entire operation, but we will spare you the time. Instead, we found 5 quick hitting facts which should tell you all you need to know about Indiana University football's superb start to the 2024-2025 season.
1. This is IUFB's 1st 5-0 Start Since 1967
For the first time in 57 years, Indiana has won it's opening 5 contests. That former IU squad did not even come close to exuding the type of dominance as the active team in terms of victory margins, and still went on to earn a spot in the Rose Bowl.
2. This is the 1st Time IUFB has Won 5 Straight Games by Double Digits Since 1905
It has been over a century since this program has rattled off 5 consecutive dubs with a double digit point differential showing on the scoreboard. Take a moment to let that soak in.
3. Kurtis Rourke is on Pace for the Program's All-Time Highest Completion Percentage
After spending his inaugural 4 campaigns of collegiate football at the University of Ohio, Kurtis Rourke chose to bring his QB1 talents to B-Town. Since Week 1, the gun slinger has yet to look back. The level of efficiency which he has showcased has been elite (73.2% completion rate + an 11:2 touchdown:interception ratio), and looking ahead we could eventually reflect on his 2024-2025 season as one of the strongest ever strung together by a Hoosier quarterback.
4. IUFB's Defense Currently Ranks 8th in the NCAA in Opponents Yards per Game/Play
This team's defense has been impenetrable thus far in the season, and the raw numbers (plus common sense) certainly paint the cream and crimson resistance as one of the nation's best. For example, opponents have mustered up a mere 239.6 yards per game and 4.16 yards per play early on. If they can keep riding that wave, they could continue to climb from their current ranking of the NCAA's #8 spot in this category.
5. IUFB's Offense Currently Ranks 9th in the NCAA in Total Yards per Game
On the other side of the ball, Rourke and his rushing affiliates have averaged 513 yards of total offense per outing. Whether or not that is more impressive than the defense's output thus far is a matter of opinion, but their present #9 position in the NCAA with regards to this statistical category is a matter of fact.