IU Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti: “Right Now, It’s All About Purdue”

Source: Jason Mowry / Getty

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.–“Everything is about Purdue right now.” That was the message Indiana Hoosier Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti conveyed strongly in his press conference on Monday.

Indiana plays the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday night at 7 pm in a battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Purdue has won three straight in the series, so Indiana hasn’t won the bucket since 2019.

Purdue comes into this game 1-10 while the Hoosiers are 10-1. Cignetti said he isn’t paying any attention to Purdue’s record.

“They’re a capable team. They’re not having the kind of season they want to have, but remember they scored 40 points in the second half against Illinois to force overtime. At this level, everybody is capable,” said Cignetti.

IU quarterback Kurtis Rourke was sacked five times in Indiana’s loss to 2nd ranked Ohio State last Saturday.

“We had three missed assignments, routine stuff, communication stuff. We got beat physically one time and poor technique on a weak-side twist, which is similar to what Michigan had given us the week before, a little different but similar. They had a little weak side linebacker in twist that we just didn’t do a good job with. We’ve got to get back in sync offensively and get our rhythm back where we’re playing with a lot of confidence, scoring points, scoring points in bunches, and running the ball and throwing the ball with equal success,” said Cignetti.

As for what else stands out about Purdue, Cignetti says he is impressed with their quarterback Hudson Card. He threw for 342 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Michigan State.

“Yeah, quarterback is a very talented guy. He’s got arm talent and really good escapability. Tight end is a weapon with 46 catches. The one receiver, 7 (Jahmal Edrine), is a very explosive player, and they’ve got a speed guy, too, and then they’ve got some guys that make good, contested catches. I’ve always thought the running back was good. The center is an excellent player. Right tackle is very athletic. Scheme is good. Defensively they’ve given up some points, but they’ve tweaked a few things and they’re playing better defense. They’re a very capable football team. The quarterback is experienced,” said Cignetti.

Indiana and Purdue first met on the gridiron in 1891. Purdue also leads the all-time series 77-42-6.

You can hear the full press conference with Cignetti below.