Indiana football had its first spring game in some time this evening. It was the perfect kickoff to the university's Little 500 weekend. The most important aspect of this spring practice is how all of the new faces perform. Head coach Curt Cignetti told the sideline reporters for the Big Ten Network the team hadn't had full contact all spring.
Tonight was the first live-action for the offense and defense since Cignetti took over. Who stood out? Which players struggled? Here are some winners and losers from tonight's spring game.
The Fans
The fans might be the biggest winners from tonight's game. It has been a few years since Indiana had a spring game, and it was a fantastic opportunity for students, fans, and the Bloomington community to watch all of the new faces play. Indiana desperately needed some buzz around the football program, and having the game at night during Little 500 was the perfect way to do so.
In addition to the game, fans were able to tour Memorial Stadium before the game and get custom jerseys. Concessions were open and many other things were done to offer an exciting fan experience for the spring game.