Title: 2024's Shocking Transformations: Indiana and Arizona State from 3-9 to College Football Playoff Contenders

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Title: 2024's Shocking Transformations: Indiana and Arizona State from 3-9 to College Football Playoff Contenders

New coaches Curt Cignetti and Kenny Dillingham orchestrated remarkable transformations for their respective teams, eventually propelling both to the prestigious College Football Playoff. Let's delve into their strategies:

Curt Cignetti (Indiana Hoosiers)

  1. Roster Makeover:
  2. Portaled Up: Cignetti's shrewd use of the transfer portal, welcoming 31 newcomers and 17 fresh faces from high school, bolstered the Hoosiers' roster considerably.
  3. Offensive Enhancements:
  4. Adding New Pieces: The acquisition of running backs Roman Hemby and Lee Beebe Jr., and wideout Makai Jackson, injected a fresh dynamism into Indiana's offense. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, brought in from the portal, emerges as a formidable addition with his stellar play.
  5. Revitalizing the Program:
  6. Fan Revival: Cignetti helped revive Indiana's football culture, turning the Hoosiers into a team fans eagerly anticipate, as against just looking forward to basketball season.
  7. Recognizing Excellence:
  8. Awards Galore: Cignetti's commendable work earned him prestigious accolades, including the Paul "Bear" Bryant Big Ten Coach of the Year Award.

Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State Sun Devils)

  1. Roster Assembly:
  2. Transfer Portal Magic: Dillingham utilizes the portal shrewdly, bringing in 17 key players, some of whom become vital starters in the Big 12 championship game. Prolific running back Cam Skattebo emerges as a breakout talent with 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns.
  3. Coaching Mentality:
  4. "Nobody Believes in Us": Dillingham's conviction in this mindset galvanizes the squad, fostering an unyielding passion and focus.
  5. Defensive Boost:
  6. Turnover Frenzy: Arizona State's defense plays a pivotal role in their success, forcing an impressive 22 turnovers over the season.
  7. Leadership and Vision:
  8. Dillingham's Way: The energetic coach uses his personality to entice recruits and rouse his players, cultivating a powerful team ethos.

Both Cignetti and Dillingham masterfully implemented their strategies, relying on the transfer portal, maintaining stability in their rosters, and demonstrating outstanding coaching prowess. These practices ultimately led to their teams punching their tickets to the College Football Playoff.

In the 2024 CFP first-round matchups, Indiana Hoosiers, under Curt Cignetti's leadership, will face off against Arizona State Sun Devils coached by Kenny Dillingham. Sam Leavitt, a standout Hoosiers defensive lineman, is excited to match skills with Kurtis Roarke, a stalwart on Arizona State's offensive line. Cignetti's success in Indiana football, marked by awards like the Paul "Bear" Bryant Big Ten Coach of the Year Award, has proven instrumental in transforming the team's reputation. Meanwhile, Dillingham's utilize of the transfer portal, as seen with prolific running back Cam Skattebo, has revitalized the Sun Devils' fortunes in the Big 12.

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