KB0

This is a good summary of this season. The 2012 National Championship run was magical. I knew that squad was good, but I didn't think they were championship caliber. Caught fire at the right time. It helps when you have someone like Zavaleta who is a truly exceptional talent. The next few years after that were a little more rocky. The team was still good (2013 was rough), but they've struggled to get the big wins.The team won the Big Ten Tournament Title in 2013, but there's a bit of a drought on the regular season title. With Maryland in the conference now, competition has stepped up a bit. A lot of draws and quality performances the last few seasons, but the goals haven't always been there. That's been the main difference so far this year. The defense is championship caliber and the attack has matched for almost the entire season. Everyone knew the freshmen were going to be good, but I don't think we knew they'd be this good. I'm confident that this team is one of the 3-4 best in the country, but weird things can happen in a tournament.

Missed PK....yikes. Swartz is usually solid from the spot.

You see this a lot across all sports. Smaller, underdog school comes out as hard as possible trying to prove a point and show they belong. Eventually the team with the better talent and depth pulls away. Getting worried about an exhibition game is....strange. Think MSU is worried after their mediocre display?

Episode 7 felt like Suicide Squad to me. I understand they needed to keep Eleven away for some time, because she was a magic solution to the issues in Hawkins, but I just didn't care much for her parentage story line. Strong second season. The Steve and Dustin scenes were perfect.

IPFW

Wiscy - 38 IU - 17

Chance at a rematch with MSU and either Maryland/Michigan. Main focus should be to stay healthy. Big Ten Tournament title would be nice, but not at the expense of the NCAA title. Hoping for a good crowd Sunday in Bloomington!

Not a great showing from the men's team. Veatch raced well and put himself in a strong position. Unfortunate to finish fourth out of the pack, but still a strong showing from a sophomore. Receveur is a great talent. She could be top 20 at nationals. Seems the girls program is starting to make some strides.

Season tickets went out about two weeks ago. So, season ticket holders have them in hand.

Current Record: 3-4 (0-4) Good chance at a win - Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers, Purdue Chance at a win - Wisconsin After a brutal start to the conference season, there is a winnable game on the table. Need to win 3 of the last 5 games to automatically qualify for a bowl game. A loss at Maryland means Indiana would need to sweep Illinois, Rutgers and Purdue or pull off a big upset against Wisconsin. Think it's important to not fall behind early in this game. Establish the run game with Morgan Ellison and let Ramsey throw the ball. Defense just needs to continue to play how they have been all season. Don't give up big plays and get some pressure on the QB. I'm optimistic about this week. A win would be huge heading into the Wisconsin game and would help keep fans interested for next week at Memorial.

Yes, this is one of Todd's sons. Been a few years since I've seen him play, but he has always been a cut above. Performs exceptionally for BS.

IU - 24 Maryland - 20

They get new jerseys multiple times throughout the year already...

Kenpom says his pre-season rankings don't mean very much. Takes roughly 10 games to get an accurate representation of the current season.

That's fair. I agree this is the most complete IU team, from back to front, that I've seen in a long time. Including the 2012 title team. I've had my doubts about Yeagley in the past, but he seems to have put the pieces together so far this season. A draw is nothing to be disappointed about when playing against a top-20 side on a turf surface. I've said it a few times, this defense gives IU a chance every time they step on the pitch. It's important come tournament time when many of the games end 1-0 or 2-1. Capturing a Big Ten regular season title would be huge. It's been too long since the last one and they're harder to win now with Maryland in the conference. This team is capable, just can't overlook Wisconsin in anticipation of MSU.

Not sure where exactly I am “way wrong.” I watched the game too. I’ve been watching IU soccer for a long time. Butler did sit their midfield back some and play through the front three. However, in the first half they controlled the midfield and commanded a large amount of possession. Their attacks were not from counters. Yes Toye and Dorsey both score goals. Dorsey is more of a 1v1 player than Toye, who can get a little too selfish at time. I’m talking about someone who is a clinical finisher with a killer instinct. A Zavaleta, Bruin type. I don’t see that on this team. I also expect IU to concede anywhere from 3-5 more goals this season. Yes, they have a great shutout streak going. Part of that is because they have an amazing defense. Part of it is luck. There is a lot of soccer left to be played, especially against good teams. Expecting not to concede at least one goal is a little ludicrous.

A bit lucky to escape with a clean sheet. Butler came close on a few chances in the first half and in the second OT. Indiana dominated possession in the second half, but didn’t really have any good looks at goal. Had difficulty playing through the middle in the first half and resorted to playing on the wings and whipping in crosses. Didn’t work all that well since Butler has a big, veteran keeper. Decision to play Lillard up top at the end was bizarre, partially for that reason. My biggest worry for this team is in games like tonight, or should they ever fall behind, is that they don’t have one guy who can go and get a goal. Lots of talent all around, but lacking a killer in the final third. Side note - it’s a joke that Butler plays soccer on a turf football field. Tuition alone is high enough to fund an actual field for their team.

Colson is an fantastic player, who will be the lead man on a solid ND team. He'll be listed on every pre-season All-ACC team and should be considered for pre-season POY as well. Can also make the case for Joel Berry. Grayson is an outstanding player and may end up winning the award, but he also has a lot of really good teammates. Teammates that will cut into his solo numbers. Picking Colson is fine and logical.

MSU - 27 IU - 20

I think this case just proved the NCAA isn't in the business of academic fraud. As long as other students benefited as well, there's nothing they can do.

What a joke the NCAA is. Pay for a bumper sticker or make some phone calls and you're in deep sh*t. 18 years of academic fraud? No biggie.

Michigan 24 IU 13

So Indiana is sitting at 3-2. Need 3 more wins to be bowl eligible, 4 wins to ensure a winning season. Remaining schedule: Michigan @ Michigan State @ Maryland Wisconsin @ Illinois Rutgers @ Purdue Great chance at a win: Illinois, Rutgers Good chance at a win: Maryland, Purdue Some chance at a win: Michigan, Michigan State Slim chance at a win: Wisconsin Before the season started, I would have put Michigan state in the good chance at a win category, but they seem to be playing pretty well now. The running game and the pass rush are the two biggest things to me moving forward. Ramsey isn't going to win many games airing it out, at least not this year, so we need the backs to produce. Need to consistently get pressure from our D line. If that happens this team can get to 7...maybe 8 wins, pre-bowl. If i was a betting man, I'd put my money on 6-6, but man 7-5 would look nice.

Rennicks has been medically cleared. Should be back in a few weeks as he returns to fitness. Not sure we'll see him at his best this year, but he should add stability regardless. Edit: Just saw some of the posts by Aaron with regards to Rennicks. He beat me to the punch.

IU - 41 CS - 17