Curt Cignetti refuses to apologize for win as Hoosiers turn to Kennesaw State

Brian Schaible

Curt Cignetti refuses to apologize for win as Hoosiers turn to Kennesaw State image

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti made it clear after the 27 to 14 victory over Old Dominion that he values results but expects more from his team.

“I’m never going to apologize for a win. They’re too hard to get,” Cignetti said. “Same team that should have beat South Carolina last year in the opener. Really dominated the game. Not reflected in the score. I mean, we probably left 35 points out there on offense with six possessions inside the 10, primarily the goal line offense and the 5 in. Dropped a touchdown pass, overthrew a touchdown pass, fumbled going in.”

The numbers reflected Indiana’s control. “We won the time of possession, 41.5 to 18.5. First downs, 30 to 10. Had 310 yards rush. Won the turnover battle 3 to 1. End of the half, beginning of the third, won 14 to 0. Good on third down, punt return for touchdown.”

Still, the head coach was not satisfied. “Gotta make the plays on offense. Gotta get better, period all the way around. Gotta get better. And we should get much better this week.”

That means preparation for Kennesaw State. “Now, the team we’re going to play, Kennesaw State, lost by one point to a Power 4 opponent last week. Brand new coach. High tempo offense. They can go at warp speed, and they can slow it down. Defense, guys run around good. Held Wake Forest to nine points. They missed an extra point and field goal and lost 10 to 9.”

Cignetti reminded everyone that the Owls are capable of surprises. “They beat Liberty last year when Liberty was undefeated. They were the first team to beat Liberty, old staff.”

His bottom line was clear. “Wins are hard. Enjoy it, but not pleased with the way we played. We’ve got to get better.”

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Brian Schaible

Brian Schaible is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience covering college and professional sports. Brian holds a master’s degree in journalism/public relations from Kent State University.