For the first time in seemingly forever, the SEC is shut out of the National Championship game. But when #1 Indiana takes the field against #10 Miami on January 19, Alabama fans will see something familiar on the Hoosiers' sideline.
The Blueprint Origin Story
Before Curt Cignetti turned Indiana into an undefeated juggernaut, he was sharpening his tools under Nick Saban. From 2007 to 2010—the foundational years of the Alabama Dynasty—Cignetti served as Saban's Recruiting Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach.
The Cignetti File: Bama Recruits
As Saban's Recruiting Coordinator, Cignetti helped land the legends who built the dynasty:
- Julio Jones (2008)
- Mark Ingram (2008)
- Dont'a Hightower (2008)
- Marcell Dareus (2008)
He helped build the roster that won the 2009 National Championship, recruiting legends like Julio Jones and Mark Ingram. The discipline, the "Process," and the relentless recruiting motor that defines this Indiana team? That DNA was sequenced in Tuscaloosa.
A Familiar Domination
Watching Indiana dismantle Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl felt eerily reminiscent of Alabama's suffocating playoff wins of the past decade. It wasn't flashy; it was efficient, physical, and mentally unbreakable.
While Miami brings the "swagger" and the underdog story, Indiana represents the perfectionist machine that Alabama fans know so well. If Cignetti hoists the trophy on Monday, it will be yet another testament to the enduring legacy of the Saban coaching tree.
Final Prep Notes
Entering the final weekend of preparation, Indiana remains remarkably healthy. Miami, meanwhile, received a massive boost with defensive linemen Akheem Mesidor and Ahmad Moten Sr. cleared to play. It sets the stage for a classic battle: The irresistible force of the Hoosiers against the resilient spirit of The U.