Indiana burst onto the national scene last season with its first double-digit win campaign in program history, dating back to 1899. Now, with 13 wins in hand, Curt Cignetti’s team aims to finish the job and bring the first football national championship to Bloomington. However, with that lofty goal comes the expectation that the top-ranked FBS team will run the table and complete its story with a victory.
Despite Pressure, Indiana Should Hoist CFP Title With Patient Approach
When Cignetti left James Madison for Bloomington, expectations of success were minimal. Now, both media and fans demand domination from the Hoosiers. That marks a dramatic turnaround for a program that endured six losing seasons over the past decade.
Cignetti transformed Indiana on his own terms, strategically blending high school recruiting with additions from the transfer portal. Bringing seven players from JMU only strengthened his vision. Rather than borrowing offensive game plans from others, Cignetti implemented the RPO spread he used at Madison.
While the offense at times bears a striking resemblance to a traditional RPO system, the coach places much of the responsibility in quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s hands. If Mendoza sees the defense cheating to one side or a defensive end hesitating to commit to edge-setting, he finds a seam. No one will confuse him with 2004 Michael Vick, but the signal-caller runs smartly, using efficient strides to gain yards.
What separates this Indiana team is the strength of its run game. While Mendoza makes clutch throws across the field, Cignetti’s entire offense depends on the rushing attack. Indiana is redefining power running with a modern edge. Unlike most teams chasing tempo, the Big Ten champions deliberately grind down opponents with a punishing style.
According to SportSource Analysis, the Hoosiers rank seventh in time of possession, averaging 33:21 per game. This approach suffocates defenses, as early three-yard gains become seven-yard bursts late. Like body shots in boxing, Cignetti’s patient tactics begin to dominate after halftime. His team averages 40 rush attempts per game, overwhelming opponents through relentless pressure on the ground.
Indiana’s rush defense allowed the third-fewest yards per game at 77.62. IU also secured the top spot in PFSN’s Defense Impact rankings. More impressively, the unit surrendered just five rushing touchdowns all season, with the last coming Nov. 8 when Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton scored from a yard out.
In keeping with the team’s unconventional approach, Indiana’s best run defenders are edge rushers Stephen Daley and Mikhail Kamara. The pair shows no hesitation in closing running lanes. Looking at Indiana’s potential opponents, only Miami, Ohio State, and Oregon do not feature dual-threat quarterbacks.
The Hurricanes would need an unprecedented run just to face Indiana. Ohio State already fell to IU in the conference championship game, and Oregon was held to 81 rushing yards on 30 carries in a Week 6 loss.
Of all the teams in the CFP, Indiana stands alone as the only unbeaten squad, with eight victories by 21 points or more. Even in adversity, such as the last-second win against Penn State, Cignetti keeps the team operating at peak efficiency. The Hoosiers are clear favorites to claim the national title.
