Overview
- Curt Cignetti backed transfer quarterback Josh Hoover in remarks to reporters Thursday, saying he is excited about Hoover and expects better ball security.
- His defense followed TCU coach Sonny Dykes pointing to 42 turnovers in 31 starts during a March 23 interview while explaining a renewed focus on ball security under new coordinator Gordon Sammis.
- Hoover’s TCU ledger includes 9,629 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, 33 interceptions and nine lost fumbles, with 13 interceptions in 12 games last season.
- Cignetti said context matters because Indiana runs the ball more and defends at a high level, unlike TCU’s recent weaker rushing and middling defense that pushed Hoover into heavier risk.
- Last season Indiana ranked 12th in rushing and asked Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to throw less often, a model Cignetti says can lower a quarterback’s turnover chances as Hoover works through spring with a spring game on April 23.