Curt Cignetti's tenure as Indiana football head coach began with a 31-7 victory over Florida International, showcasing a dominant running game and a strong defensive performance. Cignetti highlighted the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus after taking a lead, as the team showed lapses after jumping to a 21-0 lead. He also expressed disappointment in the crowd's early exits, emphasizing the need to change fan engagement traditions and create a more vibrant game atmosphere. Despite the win, Cignetti acknowledged areas for growth, specifically in offensive execution and sustaining momentum. The Hoosiers demonstrated potential, with 234 rushing yards and solid defensive efforts, but will need to capitalize on their strengths to retain fan support. As Cignetti continues to build his program, he aims to foster a winning culture and keep fans engaged throughout the game.