Days after Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss game against LSU, which turned into a family matter because of his daughter Landry’s relationship with Whit Weeks, we are here with another one. The undefeated, No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers are going to go up against Maryland in Week 10. But more than the game buzz, his niece’s relationship with Maryland’s long snapper, Ethan Gough, is making headlines. It appears this game is becoming more of a family affair than a typical face-off.

Curt Cignetti’s team already holds an 8-5 edge against them, and a victory could push them to a 9-0 record. However, family ties elevate the significance of the game. Notably, Indiana beat writer Daniel Flick posted a press conference video on his X handle where Cignetti made a hilarious comment on the entire family dynamics. 

He said, “Now, ironically, Maryland’s short snapper long snapper just happens to be my niece’s boyfriend for about the last three years now. They are not engaged yet, but things are you know that. I mean, both summers, when I’ve gone back to Pittsburgh, you know, he’s been in the house.” Yes, winning this game would be a whole new ballgame for Cignetti. Well, it brings Gough into the spotlight ahead of the game, as this snapper will surely be everyone’s eye candy.

Yet, it’s important to note he’s already a fine athlete. Honors highlight this individual’s resume, such as being named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, and the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Since last year, he’s been turning heads, helping Bryce McFerson to finish second in the Big Ten, averaging 45.1 among punters who had a minimum of 3.6 punts per game, and was 4th in total punts, which is 52 according to Umpterps.

However, despite family ties, Indiana’s dominance is genuinely remarkable. Averaging a plus-34.5-point differential this season, Curt Cignetti’s team is outscoring its opponents by almost five touchdowns and extra points. This number leads FBS to a similar feat to their last year’s of leading the nation in differentials. Interestingly, Georgia is the only team in the previous 30 years to lead in differential for two back-to-back years. Now, with their long-stretch win against Maryland, they can join in the party with the Bulldogs.

Also, this will be a pivotal game for Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy chances within their team. Currently, he is at +200 odds according to CBS Sports and ranks fifth in the SEC with 1,923 yards and first in the conference with 24 touchdowns. Now, this game will give him a chance to post some concrete numbers to build his resume while going up against Maryland’s 11th-ranked pass defense, which allows 227 yards per game.

So, even if the family’s involved, Cignetti’s “Google me, I win” mindset should be in full roll because losing against an unranked opponent can harm their playoff run as they are already making a substantial impact.

Curt Cignetti compliments Maryland’s progress

The Indiana Hoosiers are rolling under Curt Cignetti, even though he is stunned by Maryland’s success. During his weekly media session, he praised their next week’s opponent, saying, “Really impressed with them as a football team. I mean, they’re in the top 10 in the country in turnover ratio. They’ve got a new defensive coordinator [Ted Monachino] that’s been in the NFL for 16 years and was a linebacker coach for the Ravens. Two Super Bowls there.”

Well, the praise makes sense; despite being 4-3 and 1-3 in the conference, they have been competitive, as their last three losses came by a combined 10 points. Furthermore, they showed courage in the first four games by coming up on top. Even their defense ranks 7th nationally, recording 3.2 sacks per game, and first in turnover margin (+1.7).

It could become a potential problem for the Indiana Hoosiers, as Curt Cignetti understands it well: “Good running backs that also catch the ball out of the backfield. They fly around on defense. They create turnovers. They sack the quarterback. And offensively, they’re protecting the quarterback, protecting the ball, making explosive plays, and have a good kicking game. So, it’s homecoming. We’re going to have to be at our best. Have a great week of prep starting with today.”

With that, their quarterback, Malik Washington, has dual-threat abilities, as he can run and possesses a strong arm. Even the receivers and tight ends’ lines are enormous. But the only problem with them is their ability to close out fourth quarters. Remember their game against Washington; despite holding the lead for three quarters, they lost by four points.

Now, it will be interesting to see how their game shapes up against Curt Cignetti’s squad, as they are a different proposition.