Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti’s recent “Google me” remark has sparked mixed reactions following his team’s loss to Ohio State. After a late-game touchdown by Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, he playfully responded on the sideline with “Google that,” while mimicking a gesture of extinguishing a cigarette. This coming after Indiana fell to the Buckeyes with a score of 38-15.
In a post-game interview with Fox, Howard addressed his comments, stating, “I just try to say we don’t listen to the stuff on social media, but we hear it, man. I was just having some fun with it. I have a lot of respect for those guys, man. What coach Cignetti has done over there, he’s done a heck of a job. The Buckeyes are here and the Buckeyes won. You can Google that.”
The competitive spirit was palpable as Ohio Stadium’s scoreboard added to the banter with a playful message, “Buckeyes win??? Google it!”
This exchange highlights the competitive nature of college football, where rivalries often fuel not just the players’ motivation but also their interactions. While some may view Howard’s remarks as disrespectful, it’s clear he respects his opponents and acknowledges the hard work behind Indiana’s program.
As the season progresses, Indiana can take this experience as a learning opportunity—indeed, every challenge presents a chance for growth. Fans can remain hopeful that Coach Cignetti will rally his team to improve and rise to the occasion in future matchups.