Cignetti on Nebraska’s Lessons, Run-Game Changeups and Ohio State
Curt Cignetti’s Ohio State press conference began with credit for Indiana’s response at Nebraska and quickly turned toward the work ahead. Speaking Monday, October 12, Cignetti praised the comeback while acknowledging first-half problems across all three phases.
Watch: Curt Cignetti’s Full Press Conference
Watch the complete media availability above, or open the press conference on YouTube.
Nebraska: A Late Response, but Assignments Need Work
Cignetti said Indiana trailed by 11 with 11 minutes remaining before all three phases contributed to the finish. He identified offensive assignment mistakes, difficulty getting Nebraska off the field, and problems escaping blocks in space. Indiana ran only 16 first-half plays, limiting its offensive opportunities.
Run-Game Tendencies and the Need for Changeups
Asked about a Nebraska defender’s comments concerning tight-end alignment and run tendencies, Cignetti acknowledged the need for variation.
“Good teams have tendencies, but you got to have some change up pitches, too.”
— Curt Cignetti
He also emphasized that the running game needs enough opportunities. On third downs, he acknowledged that Indiana’s poor conversion performance is difficult to overcome consistently.
Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith and a Demanding Defensive Test
Cignetti praised Ryan Day’s staff, Ohio State’s balanced offense, and Jeremiah Smith’s development and movement throughout the formation. He also credited Matt Patricia’s defense for its preparation and disruptive play.
His message to Indiana fans was straightforward: the home crowd needs to be loud and involved. He dismissed winning-streak discussion and emphasized preparation for this matchup.
Coach Griff’s Take: The Win and the Corrections Both Matter
From my coaching perspective, the run-game answer deserves attention. Tendencies are part of football. The question is whether an offense has enough complementary answers when a defense starts anticipating its preferred concepts.
Formation changes, motion, and perimeter threats can force defenders to adjust before the snap. Those tools still require sound blocking and execution. Creativity and fundamentals should work together.
The possession problem matters, too. An offense has fewer chances to develop rhythm when its defense cannot get off the field. Meanwhile, offensive assignment errors and failed conversions can send that same defense right back out. Evaluating those units together gives us a clearer picture of the game.
My takeaway: appreciate Indiana’s response, then evaluate the details honestly. A comeback is evidence of resilience. It also supplies film that can help coaches identify what needs correction before the next opponent.
For more coaching perspective, read why Indiana’s Nebraska win still leaves work to do and our first look at Ohio State.
Reporting is based on Cignetti’s October 12 press conference embedded above. The Coach Griff section provides analysis of those comments.
Join Coach Griff and Zach Browning tonight at 7:30 PM ET for the Nebraska film review and Ohio State look-ahead. See tonight’s Hoosier Tailgate show details.
