The Cignetti effect is real: Indiana football sparks an unbelievable ‘revival’ in Bloomington

Indiana’s rapid football success under head coach Curt Cignetti has transformed the mood in Bloomington, where fans and local businesses are embracing a level of excitement once largely reserved for basketball. The article describes the change as a revival and says Indiana’s rise has encouraged other college programmes to believe they can rebuild quickly.

Ahead of a game against No. 4 Ohio State, Indiana was ranked No. 5 and riding a 22-game winning streak, with the matchup expected to bring an unusually charged atmosphere to Memorial Stadium. The article notes Indiana had not beaten Ohio State at home since 1988 and that this would be the stadium’s first top-five matchup since 1960; fans quoted say they now expect the team to win.