Curt Cignetti reacts to Indiana football overtime win vs Minnesota: ‘This is entertainment’

Scott HornerIndianapolis Star
Oct. 31, 2026, 8:11 p.m. ET

• Indiana football has recently secured several close victories, including an overtime win against Minnesota.
• Coach Curt Cignetti joked that the team’s dramatic finishes are for the fans’ entertainment.
• The Hoosiers tied the Minnesota game with a 60-yard field goal as regulation time expired.
• Cignetti praised quarterback Grant Wilson’s performance after he came off the bench to lead the team.

In recent weeks, Indiana football has rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Nebraska, come oh-so-close to beating Ohio State and defeated Michigan and Minnesota in overtime.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti says he’s just trying to give the fans what they want.

“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.”

The Hoosiers trailed much of the game with little offense and special teams problems. They tied it with a 60-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, followed by a quick strike OT touchdown and a defensive stand.

“This team just finds a way,” he said. “You did our Penn State game, too, right? We need to keep you around.”

CBS also broadcast IU’s thrilling win over Penn State last season in which Omar Cooper Jr. scored the winning touchdown by getting a toe down in the back of the end zone. IU went undefeated and won the national championship.

Cignetti said he liked Grant Wilson’s effort Saturday after coming off the bench in the third quarter. He went 9-of-17 for 156 yards, including the OT 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.”

Cignetti even smiled. The coach spends his life on the sideline showing no emotion, but at the end of the postgame interview, he grinned after receiving a Baby Ruth candy bar, his favorite.

“You gotta stay cool, man,” he said. “Can’t get too emotional.”

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