Peek into Indiana football Rose Bowl practice shows leaders, injury statuses, more

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BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football opened practice on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon, as the Hoosiers' Rose Bowl preparations built toward their flight west the next day.

Curt Cignetti's team has been locked in on-field work for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal since before the holiday, but the atmosphere inside Mellencamp Pavilion suggested the urgency level is rising as Pasadena appears on the horizon.

Attending media were allowed a limited viewing window Sunday. Here's what we observed:

Indiana football opts for clean practice instead of possible Rose Bowl weather

Indiana indeed moved indoors Sunday. The Hoosiers were not bothered by light rain falling in the area. If anything, Cignetti might have preferred to stay outside, given the forecast for Thursday's Rose Bowl calls for anywhere from a half-inch to nearly two inches of rain, depending upon where you look. But the wind whipping through Monroe County ahead of an oncoming storm cell would have made too much of practice unproductive, driving the Hoosiers inside.

The view there now is markedly different than what even some recent program alumni might be used to. Per Cignetti's wish, Indiana sank significant funds into a facelift for Mellencamp Pavilion, its nearly 20-year-old indoor facility across the last year or so. The most expensive changes involved improved lighting and HVAC systems, as well as fresh turf. But the colors, details and sightlines are all improved, with Cignetti-specific touches on the walls including a FAST x PHYSICAL x RELENTLESS sign at one end of the building.

Aiden Fisher sets tone for Indiana football practice

Aiden Fisher set the tone for the Hoosiers (as he often does), gathering the team during a warm-up phase for a direct, aggressive pep talk. Reminding his teammates how few practices remained between Sunday afternoon and kickoff against Alabama, the All-American linebacker added emphasis on the stakes and the opportunity ahead. "Everybody," Fisher shouted, "wants to be in your (expletive) shoes!"

Indiana football injury report: Omar Cooper Jr., offensive line

Omar Cooper Jr. was involved. That's not a surprise, given Cignetti suggested several days ago Indiana did not pick up any meaningful long-term injuries in game during the Big Ten championship. Cooper was also spotted by eagle-eyed fans in practice videos posted to the program's official social media channels. Still, Sunday offered one further reminder IU's leading receiver remains in the mix ahead of the Rose Bowl.

Speaking of in the mix, Adedamola Ajani remains firmly in the offensive line group. Again, not a surprise. Ajani, a redshirt freshman from Speedway, saw increased snaps as the season wore on, working both at guard and tackle. And offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan suggested earlier in the weekend that Indiana had a comfortable complement of seven linemen preparing at the front end for Alabama, implying Ajani and Zen Michalski both remained available alongside what has for most of the season (health allowed) been a pretty steady starting five. How that unit deploys on gameday remains to be seen.

Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana football in practice

It was interesting to see Fernando Mendoza in a practice setting for the first time in a long time. The Heisman Trophy winner spoke openly about earning the right to lead during the winter and spring. There was no question here of his responsibility, though. Mendoza was demonstrative with his receivers, explaining concepts and adjustments, teaching as much as quarterbacking. He commanded the attention and respect you'd expect.

What's next for Indiana football vs Alabama in Rose Bowl?

A word on what's next: Indiana will fly to Los Angeles on Monday, with a short availability schedule for team hotel arrival Monday night. There will be a marathon media session Tuesday, plus practice time, with coaches' press conferences Wednesday morning. Thursday is gameday.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football practice observations before Rose Bowl vs Alabama

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