From Indiana Hoosiers On SI · · 1m 20s
Curt Cignetti's QB Decision
Indiana's coach picks between Josh Hoover and Grant Wilson for national championship defense.
In brief
Indiana's coach picks between Josh Hoover and Grant Wilson for national championship defense. Curt Cignetti has earned trust to decide Indiana's quarterback for USC game after defending national championship. Originally reported by Indiana Hoosiers On SI.
Quick answers
- Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson?
- Indiana football faces a critical decision ahead of Saturday's matchup with USC.
- What is the key takeaway from Curt Cignetti's QB Decision?
- Curt Cignetti has earned trust to decide Indiana's quarterback for USC game after defending national championship.
Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson?
Indiana football faces a critical decision ahead of Saturday's matchup with USC.
“Josh Hoover or Grant Wilson? It's the question hanging over Indiana football ahead of Saturday's matchup with USC, and one that could ultimately determine whether the Hoosiers have what it takes to defend their national championship. Curt Cignetti isn't offering any hints.”
Cignetti's stance
Cignetti said: 'We'll see how the week plays out. We'll see who we trot out.'
“"We'll see how the week plays out," Cignetti said during his weekly Monday press conference. "We'll see who we trot out."”
Hoover's record
Hoover threw 18 touchdowns without an interception through six games but struggled with accuracy after an Ohio State injury.
“After throwing 18 touchdowns without an interception through six games, Hoover has struggled with his accuracy while battling an injury sustained against Ohio State.”
Hoover's recent performance
Hoover was benched against Minnesota after halftime due to health concerns.
“His health and recent struggles culminated in a halftime benching against Minnesota.”
Wilson's impact
Wilson led Indiana to a 23-16 overtime victory over Minnesota with 156 yards and a touchdown.
“Wilson didn't just rescue Indiana against Minnesota. He brought an element to the offense that Hoover hasn't consistently provided. The veteran threw for 156 yards and a touchdown, including the 25-yard game-winner to Charlie Becker in overtime.”
Wilson's mobility
Wilson rushed four times for 26 yards, offering offensive line flexibility.
“He also rushed four times for 26 yards. That last number shouldn't be overlooked.”
Cignetti's experience
Cignetti transformed Indiana into an undefeated national champion with a historically struggling program.
“After transforming one of college football's historically struggling programs into an undefeated national champion, hasn't he earned the trust to make another?”
Cignetti's trust
Cignetti has earned the right to make the decision without second-guessing before USC game.
“That doesn't mean Cignetti is incapable of making a mistake. It just means he's earned the right to make this decision without being second-guessed before USC even kicks off.”
Indiana's status
Indiana is 8-1, ranked fourth in College Football Playoff rankings.
“Indiana is 8-1, ranked fourth in the initial College Football Playoff rankings and still firmly in the hunt for another national championship.”
Next game impact
The quarterback decision could determine Indiana's chance to defend national championship.
“With USC, Washington and Purdue remaining on the regular-season schedule, the quarterback decision could go a long way toward determining whether the Hoosiers have a legitimate chance to do it all over again.”
Cignetti's choice
Cignetti has earned trust to make the right call for Indiana's national championship defense.
“There are no guarantees in college football, even with Cignetti calling the shots. But the coach who delivered Indiana an undefeated national championship has earned something that can't be measured in wins, statistics, or quarterback ratings. Unwavering trust.”
The main idea
Curt Cignetti has earned trust to decide Indiana's quarterback for USC game after defending national championship.
