No. 16 Indiana completely routed an up-and-coming Nebraska workforce at dwelling on Saturday, 56-7, to stay undefeated and Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti wasn’t able to cease handing out Ls after the ultimate whistle.
The primary-year Indiana coach got here into his postgame press convention able to remind everybody how hyped Nebraska’s protection was coming into Week 8 and it’s exhausting responsible him.
“I do know there was a nationwide notion Nebraska had a fairly legit protection on a nationwide scale,” Cignetti stated per IndyStar‘s Zach Osterman. “So possibly it will open their eyes.”
That remark could really feel like overkill, however within the 12-team School Soccer Playoff period, type factors matter. Every workforce has to not solely win, however show on each single play it is among the finest dozen groups within the nation simply to have a chance to play for a nationwide title.
Which is why it issues that Indiana put up 495 yards of offense (280 yards passing, 215 yards dashing) as a lot because it does that everybody remembers how a lot respect Nebraska’s protection had earlier than Saturday.
That is the 382nd snap Nebraska’s protection has performed this 12 months.
That is the 189th rush try by Nebraska’s opponent this season.
That is the FIRST rush TD Nebraska has allowed this season.
Indiana’s offense is simply THAT good. pic.twitter.com/TlRDT4HYuA
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) October 19, 2024
Nebraska was #1 in SP+ Protection coming into this weekend.
Indiana simply dropped 56 on ‘em.
— Astute Alligator (@AstuteAlligator) October 19, 2024
Nebraska gave up 343 first-half yards to Indiana.
They’re on a tempo to interrupt the varsity document for first most allowed yards in a recreation by a #Huskers protection, which is 656 from the 1956 season vs. Oklahoma.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) October 19, 2024
Nebraska got here in with the No. 6 protection within the nation.
Indiana is averaging 10 yards per play late within the first half.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) October 19, 2024
Much more spectacular is the very fact Indiana scored 28 factors within the second half with out beginning quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who injured his hand and was held out as a precaution.
The Hoosiers are certain to maneuver up within the polls this week, however Week 9 is when their schedule actually takes a flip. Up subsequent they host Washington, then face Michigan State and Michigan in consecutive weeks. It solely will get more durable after that as Indiana travels to Ohio State then will get Purdue within the common season finale.
It’s not sufficient for Indiana to move every take a look at. It wants to show every win into an announcement.
