Curt Cignetti, known for his bold approach, is about to face one of his biggest challenges as head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers. The upcoming matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has generated significant excitement, with ticket prices skyrocketing to $1,000. However, Cignetti’s team must prepare carefully for Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, who has been a standout performer this season.
Indiana’s Recent Struggles
The Hoosiers were riding high on an undefeated streak until their encounter with Ohio State’s Buckeyes on November 22, which ended in a 38-15 defeat. This loss highlighted several vulnerabilities in Indiana’s game plan. Ohio State managed to sack Indiana’s quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, five times, disrupting his rhythm and exposing weaknesses in Indiana’s offensive line. These issues could resurface against Notre Dame if not addressed.
A Warning from Analysts
Football analyst Pat Forde pointed out that while Indiana has shown strength against the run, they must prepare for Leonard’s versatility. “It’s going to be a long night for Indiana,” he said, suggesting that forcing Leonard to rely heavily on his arm might give Indiana a fighting chance. However, he also warned about Indiana’s struggles under pressure, emphasizing the need for improvement in their offensive line and quarterback protection.
Forde also noted that Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, Al Golden, might adjust his strategy to exploit Indiana’s vulnerabilities, even though Golden typically avoids high-pressure tactics. This tactical shift could create significant challenges for the Hoosiers.
The Leonard Factor
Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard has been a key player since transferring from Duke in December 2023. After a rough start, including a loss to Northern Illinois, Leonard turned his season around. Following a bye week, he delivered a series of strong performances, demonstrating his growth as both a passer and a rusher.
In the first five weeks, Leonard recorded a 65.1% completion rate, 750 passing yards, and 374 rushing yards. Post-bye, his stats improved significantly, with a 68.1% completion rate, five passing touchdowns, and an impressive yards-per-carry average of over 6.0. These numbers highlight Leonard’s ability to adapt and improve, making him a formidable opponent for Indiana.
Weather and Passing Game Concerns
Analyst Ross Dellenger added another layer of complexity, pointing to potential weather challenges. He emphasized that snowy, cold conditions could hinder Indiana’s passing game and affect receivers’ footing, further complicating their offense. Dellenger also raised concerns about Indiana’s inability to protect their quarterback, a weakness that Notre Dame’s defense could exploit.
The Stakes for Indiana
For Indiana to succeed, they must focus on limiting Riley Leonard’s impact. Leonard’s ability to balance passing and rushing has been a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s offense this season, and his head coach, Marcus Freeman, has praised him as a “special person” and an exceptional leader.
If Indiana cannot adapt and address their weaknesses, particularly in protecting their quarterback and managing pressure, Notre Dame may have an easy path to victory. Leonard’s growth and consistent performance have made him a critical asset for the Fighting Irish, and he could once again dominate the game if given the opportunity.
In summary, the upcoming Indiana-Notre Dame faceoff is a critical test for Curt Cignetti and his Hoosiers. To avoid a repeat of their Ohio State defeat, Indiana must neutralize Leonard’s versatility and shore up their offensive line. Whether Cignetti can outsmart the Fighting Irish remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the stakes couldn’t be higher.