Indiana Football Coach Curt Cignetti Aims to Keep Hoosiers Undefeated Against UCLA

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti is hoping his team maintains their undefeated record this Saturday when they face off against UCLA. The Bruins have been on the rise in recent weeks, coming off a notable upset victory over Penn State. Ahead of the game, Cignetti sent a strong message to his team and fans.

Cignetti remains unbeaten on home turf while coaching Indiana. Speaking on FOX, he explained, “The crowd gets into the game, the kids get juiced and the momentum swings your way, and a lot of good things happen. You got to make them happen.”

The Hoosiers are looking to secure their second consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff (CFP) this season under Cignetti’s leadership. Indiana currently boasts a perfect 7-0 record and is ranked second in the Associated Press Top 25. The matchup against UCLA is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET on Saturday.

UCLA comes into the game with a 3-4 record but has gained momentum with three straight wins. Indiana, meanwhile, aims to continue their strong run in the Big Ten Conference.

Since joining Indiana before the 2024 season, Cignetti has completely transformed the program. The Hoosiers made their first CFP appearance during his inaugural year, and he has only lost two games as head coach. One of those losses was in last year’s CFP matchup against Notre Dame.

This season, Indiana has maintained their high level of performance, including a dominant blowout victory over Illinois and an impressive road win against Oregon. A key factor in their success is the play of quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Cignetti praised Mendoza’s dedication, saying, “His commitment to improvement, the process, the things he has to do to become the best he can be. I have never seen a guy prepare like that.”

Cignetti has also been linked as a potential candidate for the Penn State head coaching job following the firing of James Franklin. Being a native of Pennsylvania, Cignetti is familiar with the area. However, Indiana has recently secured his future with a contract extension, solidifying the partnership between the coach and the Hoosiers.

As Saturday’s game approaches, Indiana football fans are hopeful their team can preserve its undefeated streak and halt UCLA’s recent winning run.
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