breaking news; Curt Cignetti fired after long losing tradition……

After eight months of talking, Saturday marked Cignetti’s first opportunity to back it up. He paced from east to west in front of the Hoosiers inside the new Memorial Stadium tunnel at 3:34 p.m. One minute later, he charged toward Indiana’s sideline.

At 3:40 p.m., four minutes after Cignetti put his headset on, the Hoosiers’ season-opener against Florida International University kicked off.

While Indiana’s offense went three-and-out in its first series, junior linebacker Aiden Fisher announced his arrival. During FIU’s initial drive, Fisher racked up a tackle for loss and a sack, giving the 44,150 Hoosier fans in attendance something to cheer for.

And in Indiana’s next three offensive possessions, the fans were fixated on a new and improved offense –– an aspect of the program that struggled over the past three seasons. But that was in the past with former head coach Tom Allen. This is now.

With sixth-year senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke under center, Indiana rattled off three straight touchdown drives. Whether it was on the ground or through the air, the Hoosiers controlled the Panthers defense with seventh-year senior running back Ty Son Lawton’s two rushing touchdowns and Rourke’s passing touchdown to senior tight end Zach Horton.

The fans were on their feet cheering, something they’ve rarely been able to do over the last three seasons with the Hoosiers’ 9-27 combined record.