Don't let the helmets fool you, that is an upper level defensive line to say the least and if they can perform well against their upcoming top 10 opponents could go down as elite.
I got caught up in the uniforms.
Cignetti had monster play from the defensive front at James Madison. Even with the loss of him and transfers they are currently #9 nationally in yards per play.
They have two defensive line coaches, one for tackles and one for ends and both have accomplished resumes. The tackle coach was a Notre Dame nose tackle in the early aughts and was with him at James Madison producing more than his share of post season accolades for kids. The ends coach came from colorado state where he mentored the conference defensive player of the year. Before his two year stint there he was at North Dakota State winning four nattys in his five years there and coaching three all american defensive linemen.
MSU had just throttled Iowa and ran the ball VERY well in a night game in Ann Arbor. Then Indiana comes into East Lansing and absolutely anihilates their offensive line.
Most of us agree our offensive line should be better and is trending the wrong way.
BUT make no mistake that Indiana front is a legitimate upper level problem.
I got caught up in the uniforms.
Cignetti had monster play from the defensive front at James Madison. Even with the loss of him and transfers they are currently #9 nationally in yards per play.
They have two defensive line coaches, one for tackles and one for ends and both have accomplished resumes. The tackle coach was a Notre Dame nose tackle in the early aughts and was with him at James Madison producing more than his share of post season accolades for kids. The ends coach came from colorado state where he mentored the conference defensive player of the year. Before his two year stint there he was at North Dakota State winning four nattys in his five years there and coaching three all american defensive linemen.
MSU had just throttled Iowa and ran the ball VERY well in a night game in Ann Arbor. Then Indiana comes into East Lansing and absolutely anihilates their offensive line.
Most of us agree our offensive line should be better and is trending the wrong way.
BUT make no mistake that Indiana front is a legitimate upper level problem.