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See the full story · 6 sourcesBLOOMINGTON — Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti wasn't surprised by Indiana football's success last year.
Petitti discussed IU's perfect season Tuesday at the conference's media days in Chicago and made a point of talking about the skeptics who wrongly discounted the Hoosiers after their run to the College Football Playoff during Curt Cignetti's first season.
"You sort of saw it right away, when the winning started, I think there was skepticism about lots of things around Indiana their first year when they went to Notre Dame, they lost to a team that made the final," Petitti said. "I think that somehow that season looked at that wasn't respectful in terms of how good that football team was."
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The Big Ten commissioner got an up-close look at Indiana's success last year. He watched many of the season's key moments — the Hoosiers beating Ohio State in the league title game and Jamari Sharpe's interception in Miami — from the sidelines standing alongside IU president Pam Whitten and athletic director Scott Dolson.
"You saw them double down (on that success) with a difficult schedule and incredible postseason run, the way they played and dominated across most of the games they played," Petitti said.
Petitti also praised Indiana coach Curt Cignetti and the transformational impact he's had in Bloomington. The commissioner specifically mentioned the excitement he senses from IU fans and the much-improved game day atmosphere in Bloomington.
"I think Cig is unique in terms of what his focus is," Petitti said with a smile. "I think obviously the decision to bring Cig into the league, you can't imagine this, when this hire was made and the success. We are extremely happy with the way it's worked out there."
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here .
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: 'You saw them double down.' Big Ten commissioner praises Indiana football
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