In my opinion, obviously biased, it appears that a huge factor in Coach Cignetti's consistent success at all levels prior to and now including IU, is his "nose" for sniffing out talent. In that respect, I agree that he's similar to Saban at the stops I'm familiar with - Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama. Another huge factor is his ability to put together an effective staff of assistants (his OC and DC have been with him since his time at IU of PA). The third huge factor is his ability to blend #1 and #2 into a coaching scheme that creates team chemistry and develops a disciplined, consistent approach. Having the portal available enables him and other coaches to fill and refill critical needs (graduations and losses to the portal) while at the same time developing HS recruits so that, as opposed to being in a rebuilding mode, the program consistently is in more of a reloading mode. I don't think he's unique in this regard. Other top coaches are doing the same thing a la Texas A&M, Miami, etc.. A side comment; Apparently, someone out there started a rumor about IU loading up on older players, hence creating a "men vs. boys" situation, which is untrue. If you doubt what I'm saying, it'll take you about 10 minutes to look up the roster and count the number of 4th and 5th year players as a % of the total roster, then count the number of 4th and 5th year players on the two-deep depth chart. You'll find that the current team is as balanced as any other top team if not more so.
P.S. None of what I wrote above assures IU of a win vs. Miami. Miami's peaking at the right time and has a boatload of talent and excellent coaching. IMO it's going to be a battle of heavyweights.
More evidence of AI creeping into our lives in a not so good way - the older roster assumptions are probably all from that "analysis" made by AI. Or someone asking the leading question and then AI tends to run that direction.
Me, I am just hoping my Gators can become relevant again. I do have a good feeling about our new coach.
I agree Sid, it's all of that and more. To do what he has done in 2 years requires a gifted leader, teacher and communicator. Even last year as I watched IU my observation was that they were as well coached as any team that I had seen in the country. While many scoffed at their success and criticized their inclusion into the CFP, it was clear to me they were legit tho I was uncertain he could repeat the process. Is it sustainable over the long term, I'm doubtful but I've been wrong before. In any event, in my opinion this turnaround that he has engineered in such a short time in a sport this large without the following, infrastructure including money, tradition and facilities of the games elite may be as fine a coaching job in any sport as I have ever seen in my lifetime. Truly extraordinary, hats off Coach
Longhorns are the best chance the SEC has of overcoming the Big 10 dominance? Not every SEC team can spend like Ohio State. Texas can. The Longhorns didn’t go cheap this past season. They just didn’t live up to the hype and, in particular, had a costly flop in The Swamp. But, they also ended the season playing well and beat four teams that finished ranked in the top 20 of the final CFP rankings. Now, by all appearances, they’re doubling down for a run at a national championship in Arch Manning’s second season as a starter. Just peep Texas’ accumulations from the transfer portal, where the Longhorns are grabbing more quantity than in past offseasons and also some top-shelf quality. Texas football can save the SEC in 2026 ... if Arch Manning gets helpTexas football can save the SEC in 2026 ... if Arch Manning gets help
Let me amend that to be a little more informative...."Not every SEC team can spend like Ohio State"....AND the school up north, and Oregon, and SC, and Penn State, and now - with Mark Cuban invested - IU. I think our total price tag last year was no more than 3rd likely 4th highest in the conference
Coaches have voted to allow 9 games to be played in a redshirt season, instead of the current 4. Why not just go to a 5 years to play 5 years. The really top players are still going to the NFL for the most part after 4 years.
Dante Moore has decided to stay with Oregon for another year rather than enter the NFL draft. I think it's a good move by him, 1 year as a starter just doesn't prepare you for the NFL.