Indiana Football Seeking First AP Top 25 Ranking Since Preseason 2021
It has only taken Curt Cignetti 3 games at Indiana to validate himself as the program savior he was touted as at the time he became the team's new head coach.
The Hoosiers have outscored their first trio of opponents 150-23. The defense has been downright dominant, seemingly impenetrable through either the air or ground early on. The offense has progressively gotten better each week thus far, with the most recent victory on UCLA's home turf serving as the squad's most lethal offensive onslaught in years.
Before Cignetti ➡️ With Cignetti@IndianaFootball's offense has been rolling so far this season 😤#B1GFootball x #B1GToday pic.twitter.com/Q4SXAFRBWg
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 17, 2024
While things certainly appear to be on the upswing with regards to the trajectory of the Hoosier gridiron gang, the national polls have yet to budge on inserting the cream and crimson into the spotlight. Indiana may not have found itself on the AP Top 25 list, but the 13 votes which they earned serve as a clear indication of the wave of positive momentum currently swinging in IU's favor.
Indiana has not earned any recognition whatsoever in terms of the AP polls since September 2021, and it goes without saying that the past few seasons were tumultuous times for this football program. Simply receiving votes among major national analysts is a giant step forward, and that is not to mention the type of buzz that this team/coach are yielding from some of the top dogs in the world of football media.
Cig Cignetti is the REAL DEAL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Q0EFFab3re
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 16, 2024
If there was ever a time for the Hoosiers to re-enter the AP Top 25 rankings, the next 2 weeks would have to be it. This Saturday, the 1-2 Charlotte 49ers (currently 3rd in the American conference) visit Bloomington. You never want to count an opponent out, and assuredly coach Cig will not allow anything of that nature. With that being said, IU is currently slated as the heavy favorite at -6500 (DraftKings).
Next Saturday, the Maryland Terrapins come to B-Town in what should be an interesting game. With that in mind, it would be shocking if Indiana were not the favorites entering the matchup as well.
If the Hoosiers can sustain their steady play on both sides of the ball across the next couple of contests, there is almost no doubt they will find themselves back in the AP Top 25. Here is to hoping they can keep their same energy flowing.
Go Hoosiers!