Curt Cignetti defends Indiana football from doubters: 'People can stick that narrative up their you-know-what'

David Suggs

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Curt Cignetti defends Indiana football from doubters: 'People can stick that narrative up their you-know-what' image

Indiana football has enjoyed its best season in recent memory in 2024, laying waste to opposition sides en route to a perfect 10-0 start to the campaign and No. 5 billing in the CFP rankings.

Not everyone is convinced of the Hoosiers' might, however. Lacking a win against top-25 opposition, detractors have emerged, much to the chagrin of IU head coach Curt Cignetti.

Cignetti had his say on the chatter while speaking with ESPN’s Jess Sims on “College GameDay” ahead of the Hoosiers' duel with No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. Here's what you need to know about the tactician's latest ear-grabbing remarks.

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Curt Cignetti defends Indiana from doubters

Cignetti offered an impassioned retort to those who have doubted Indiana's credentials.

"We earned a right to be here," Cignetti said. "There's no magic wand.

"We've got the largest scoring margin, victory margin in college football, right? There's a narrative out that's created another chip for us. People can stick that narrative up their you-know-what."

As far as marquee wins, the Hoosiers are bereft of them. But they've taken care of business thus far, throttling opponents to the tune of a 30.1 average margin of victory.

Cignetti is a major reason why. After taking James Madison to unprecedented heights during his five-year tenure in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Cignetti made the leap and joined the Hoosiers. He brought 31 transfers with him, 13 of whom previously starred on the Dukes.

In addition to his tactical nous, Cignetti also employs the gift of gab to great effect. He recreated one of his most iconic soundbites on Saturday morning.

"Google me," Cignetti told Sims. "I win."

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.