Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti alluded to Rutgers' surprising loss to UMass in his pregame interview prior to the Hoosiers' season opener on Saturday. Cignetti cited the Scarlet Knights' 37-21 defeat against the Minutemen as an example of what can happen when a team does not approach an opponent with adequate preparation and mindset.
"We all saw Rutgers-UMass, right?" Cignetti asked during a sideline interview with Fox Sports. Rutgers, which was a 29.5-point favorite, lost to UMass on Thursday. College football teams favored by at least 29 points had a 213-0 record since the start of the 2024 season entering that game. The loss marked UMass's first victory over an FBS team since 2023 and its first against a Power Four opponent since joining the FBS in 2012.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano acknowledged that he "never saw it coming" after the defeat. The Hoosiers, who were heavily favored at 39.5 points against North Texas in their opener, appeared to heed Cignetti's advice. By halftime, Indiana held a 24-6 lead.
Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers are aiming to repeat as national champions after finishing the previous season with a 16-0 record.