Indiana’s latest overtime escape fit right into Curt Cignetti’s growing collection of nail-biters, and he wasn’t shy about the spectacle afterward.
After IU’s 23-16 overtime win over Minnesota, Cignetti framed the whole thing as part of the show. The Hoosiers had spent most of the afternoon chasing the game, struggling on offense and dealing with special teams issues, before flipping it late with a 60-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, a quick touchdown in overtime and then a defensive stop.
"This is entertainment, so we thought we'd put some entertainment value in this game," he told CBS' Jenny Dell on the field after IU's 23-16 OT win. "It was really, like, how many things can you do wrong and walk away with a really bad loss (for IU), even though Minnesota played great."
That kind of finish has become familiar for Indiana in recent weeks. The Hoosiers rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Nebraska, came close to knocking off Ohio State and then beat Michigan and Minnesota in overtime.
Cignetti pointed to the team’s knack for surviving tight spots.
"This team just finds a way," he said. "You did our Penn State game, too, right? We need to keep you around."
CBS also aired IU’s dramatic win over Penn State last season, when Omar Cooper Jr. secured the winning touchdown by getting a toe down in the back of the end zone. Indiana went undefeated and won the national championship.
On Saturday, Cignetti had praise for Grant Wilson, who came off the bench in the third quarter and helped steady the offense. Wilson finished 9-of-17 for 156 yards and threw the overtime touchdown to Charlie Becker.
"Made some nice throws down the field. He's got a strong arm," the coach said.
"He can push it down the field, and he's also very mobile. He's a big guy.
He's started before. He made some plays."
Even after another tense finish, Cignetti still found time for a rare grin. The coach, usually stone-faced on the sideline, smiled at the end of the interview after being handed a Baby Ruth candy bar, his favorite.
"You gotta stay cool, man," he said. "Can't get too emotional."
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