Indiana cornerback Michael Hunter, 17, and cornerback Kenny Mullen, 22, tackle sophomore wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. on Oct. 12, 2013. The Spartans defeated the Hoosiers, 42-28. Julia Nagy/The State News
Throughout history, the University of Indiana has seen a great deal of success from its sports programs.
From the powerhouse that was IU basketball under Bobby Knight to consistently good soccer teams, to a respected swimming program, athletics are a major pillar of the university.
The words "success" and "Indiana football" have historically been antonyms.
In 126 years of their football program, the Hoosiers have historically been one of the worst Big Ten teams with a sub .500 record. But this season in Bloomington, IN has been different.
Through eight games, Indiana sits undefeated at 8-0, its best start since 1967. The Hoosiers are ranked No. 13, seeking their first 9-0 start in program history tomorrow against a 4-4 MSU squad.
"We're kind of rallying around each other to try and go give the Hoosiers their first loss," MSU junior tight end Jack Velling said.
Curt Cignetti: The man behind the rise of IU football
It's no coincidence that the Hoosiers are riding the wave of the best start in school history with a first-year head coach: Curt Cignetti.
Cignetti's been no stranger to winning in his 40 year coaching career. In his first year in Bloomington, he didn't waste any time rebuilding the Hoosiers.
"Schematically, Cignetti knows what he's doing, so credit to him," MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said Monday. "These guys have a lot of confidence and they've had some real success. You don't win every game by accident."
Cignetti coached NFL All-Pro Philip Rivers as the quarterbacks coach at NC State. Alabama's Nick Saban then took Cignetti under his wing as the Crimson Tide's receivers coach. Cignetti and Alabama won the 2009 national title.
After leaving Alabama, Cignetti began his head coaching career, taking over IUP for five years, Elon for two and James Madison for five, in order. His teams went 119-35 in that span.
In his stint with JMU, Cignetti helped promote the FCS school to an FBS team and found instant success at the higher level. In his final year with the Dukes, Cignetti led JMU to an 11-win season, ranked as high as No. 18 in the nation at one point.
Cignetti left JMU and was hired by Indiana after the Hoosiers parted ways with Tom Allen. The hire has revamped the Hoosiers' program, as Cignetti is a top candidate for National Coach of the Year.
A schematically sound, multi-dimensional Indiana team
Through eight games, everything about the Hoosiers — offensively and defensively — has been in sync.
It starts on offense. This season, Indiana is ranked No. 6 in the nation in total offense (487.6 yards per game) and No. 2 in scoring (46.5 points per game). Last year, the Hoosier offense averaged 333.7 yards and 22.2 points per game amidst a 3-9 season.
This season, Indiana's offense has completely changed molds from the past. The Spartans will have their hands full with Indiana's adept ability in the run-pass option, or RPO.
Depending on defensive alignment, the RPO offers the option to either run or pass. The Hoosiers have controlled what opposing defenses do all season. It's not an offensive attack MSU has seen this season. If the Spartans want to hinder the Hoosier offense, it will likely come down to defensive line penetration and game plan.
Indiana is multi-dimensional, with a defense just as strong as its offense. Its defense is ranked No. 5 in the country (269.5 yards allowed per game) and No. 4 in scoring defense.
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The Hoosier front seven has shined, ranked No. 4 in the nation in rushing defense, only allowing 86 yards per game. This can be attributed to Indiana's run-stopping linebackers and frequent blitz packages.
"You always want your team to get better towards the end and I think from a run game standpoint, that's happening," MSU running backs coach Keith Bhonapha said after practice Tuesday. "We’re excited for the challenge because Indiana has a great run defense."
Saturday won’t be the first time MSU has seen a top ten rushing defense this season. Last week in a 24-17 loss against Michigan, the Spartans ran the ball for 163 yards and one touchdown against the Wolverines' No. 9-ranked rushing defense.
A supporting cast working in unison
The Hoosiers have their coach. They have their offensive and defensive schemes. They also have the players to execute.
On offense, it all starts with the quarterback. Up until a victory against Nebraska two weeks ago, the signal-caller for the Hoosiers had been sixth-year Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke. After suffering a hand injury, which resulted in surgery, Rourke was forced to sit out against Washington last week.
Rourke is expected to make his return against the Spartans. This could add some life to a Hoosier passing game that looked out of sorts in Indiana's 31-17 victory over the Huskies. This season, the former MAC Player of the Year has gone 135-for-181 with 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns to three interceptions.
Rourke's main targets have been speedsters and route-running specialists that thrive in open space. Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt have led the way receiving with a combined 53 receptions for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns.
Like teams MSU has faced this season, Indiana's rushing attack is consistently good, ranked 24th in the nation. The two main backs are seniors Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, both 5-foot-9 with speed and agility while also carrying similar statlines. Ellison and Lawton have combined for 190 carries for 1,071 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Hoosiers' depth and experience makes them dangerous. Linebackers Aiden Fisher and Jailin Walker have combined for 123 tackles and two sacks this season.
MSU and Indiana will face off on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. The game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
