"We talk about the same thing every single game, he began, his mild voice adopting an even, rhythmic cadence. Line of scrimmage, run the ball, stop the run, affect the quarterback, protect the quarterback. Turnover ratio: we're No. 1 in the country. Explosive plays-runs plus-twelve, passes plus-fifteen-on both sides. Critical situations-third, fourth down, red area, two-minute before the half, end of the game. And [special] teams has to be a win. Every game, same stuff."
"The following night, Indiana dominated every facet of the game, as it had all season. The running game, quarterback pressure, pocket protection, explosive plays, turnover ratio, special teams. Cignetti could check off every box on his list-except for critical situations, perhaps, because there were hardly any. On the first play of the game from the line of scrimmage, the Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass from Oregon's quarterback, Dante Moore, and ran it back for a touchdown."
Curt Cignetti runs Indiana with relentless emphasis on fundamentals: line of scrimmage, running game, run defense, quarterback pressure and protection, turnover margin, explosive plays, and special teams. Cignetti repeats the same checklist every game and prioritizes critical situations such as third and fourth down, red area and two-minute sequences. Indiana executed those priorities in the College Football Playoff semifinal, dominating Oregon across rushing, pass rush, pocket protection, explosive plays, turnover margin and special teams. A first-play interception returned for a touchdown and a 35–7 halftime lead exemplified the team’s comprehensive control and preparation. Opposing coaches noted the simplicity and comprehensiveness of the priorities.
Read at The New Yorker
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