BLOOMINGTON- Indiana football opened practice on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon, as the HoosiersPreparations for the Rose Bowl intensified in preparation for their flight west the next day.
Curt CignettiThe team was locked into field work for its College Football Playoffs quarterfinal since before the holiday, but the atmosphere inside Mellencamp Pavilion suggests the level of urgency is increasing as Pasadena appears on the horizon.
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Media in attendance were treated to a limited viewing window on Sunday. Here is what we observed:
Indiana football opts for clean practice instead of possible Rose Bowl weather
Indiana actually moved inside on Sunday. Hoosiers were not bothered by the light rain that fell in the area. If anything, Cignetti might have preferred to stay outside, given that the forecast for Thursday’s Rose Bowl calls for anywhere from a half-inch to nearly two inches of rain, depending on where you look. But the wind blowing through Monroe County before a storm cell arrived would have made too much training unproductive, pushing Hoosiers indoors.
The view there now is markedly different from what even some alumni of the recent program might be accustomed to. In accordance with Cignetti’s wishes, Indiana invested significant funds in renovating Mellencamp Pavilion, its nearly 20-year-old indoor facility, over the past year. The most expensive changes involved upgrading lighting and HVAC systems, as well as adding fresh turf. But the colors, details and sightlines are all enhanced, with Cignetti-specific touches on the walls, including a FAST x PHYSICAL x RELENTLESS sign at one end of the building.
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Aiden Fisher sets tone at Indiana football practice
Aiden Fisher set the tone for the Hoosiers (as he often does), bringing the team together during a warmup for a direct and aggressive pep talk. Reminding his teammates how little practice remained between Sunday afternoon and kickoff against Alabamathe All-American linebacker focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead. “Everyone,” Fisher shouted, “wants to be in your (expletive) place!”
Indiana Football Injury Report: Omar Cooper Jr., offensive line
Omar Cooper Jr. was involved. That’s not a surprise, considering Cignetti suggested a few days ago that Indiana didn’t suffer any significant long-term injuries during the Big Ten championship game. Cooper has also been spotted by eagle-eyed fans in workout videos posted to the program’s official social media channels. Still, Sunday offered another reminder that IU’s leading receiver remains in the mix heading into the Rose Bowl.
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Speaking of mix, Adedamola Ajani remains firmly in the offensive line group. Again, this is no surprise. Ajani, a redshirt freshman from Speedway, saw an increase in snaps as the season progressed, working as both a guard and blocker. And offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan suggested earlier in the weekend that Indiana has a comfortable complement of seven linemen suiting up up front for Alabama, implying that Ajani and Zen Michalski both remain available alongside what has been for most of the season (health allowed) a fairly stable starting five. It remains to be seen how this unit will deploy on game day.
Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana football in practice
It was interesting to see Fernando Mendoza in a training setting for the first time in a long time. The Heisman Trophy winner has spoken openly about earning the right to lead during the winter and spring. However, there was no question here of his responsibility. Mendoza was demonstrative with his receivers, explaining concepts and changes, teaching as well as playing quarterback. He got the attention and respect you expect.
What’s next for Indiana football against Alabama in the Rose Bowl?
A word about what’s next: Indiana will fly to Los Angeles on Monday, with a short availability schedule for the team’s arrival at the hotel Monday evening. There will be a marathon press session on Tuesday, as well as practice time with coaches’ press conferences on Wednesday morning. Thursday is game day.
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This article was originally published on the Indianapolis Star: Observations from Indiana football practice ahead of Rose Bowl vs. Alabama
