cthomas

Remember when some thought we were the only team that couldn't hold a lead?

Wasn't he on some idiots draft board?

Very fair and realistic take. Can't expect to get the 50-50 calls on the road. I watched the game after the fact and thought that our guys didn't deserve the criticism they got in the game thread. Also didn't think the officiating was that bad. I didn't agree with the techs but I wasn't where the officials were and didn't hear or see what they did. I don't think they set out to give one team or the other an advantage. Overall, I'm happy to get a road win over a good team that will win a lot of games. A year ago I believe we lose that game.

Nothing more IU football than that game. When the most unlikely events come together and IU wins a football game, on the road no less, you just know the apocalypse is right around the corner.

Incredibly hostile environment. Really good opponent. I thought we saw a little of who was ready for that and who wasn't. Our performance overall was closer to our floor than our ceiling. Good to get the win, thank you TJD, and learn something about our team.

Agree100%. Have to think as guys continue to play real games we improve in all areas. Sometimes guys look great in practice because they know each other so well. It's a different story when seeing an opponent for the first time. Good film for the coaches.

Oh great! First a high school coach and now a NASCAR driver.

I'm happy for the players and commend for still putting in the effort. I also still have no confidence that this staff takes us anywhere. I like Allen the person and wish him well. Just don't think he should be running the IU football program.

Didn't we argue this extensively in the off season?

Only got to see parts of the game. What did see, I was disappointed with the on ball defense. We looked a step slow and unable to control the ball. We also will have to get to shooters from help a lot quicker. That said we continued to play and got home with a win. Xavier seemed kinda punkish to me. Maybe taking the personality of their coach.

My point exactly.

And I think we will.

I'd like to think that if we are a favorite to win the conference we could beat Xavier no matter who they have. That's a team that we cannot lose to. I remember a game against Cincinnati during Knights years when they had a really good team. We went there and won, pretty easily if I remember correctly. We have to get back to expecting to beat whoever is on our schedule. Expecting, not hoping.

Absolutely correct. Like everything these days money is going to be king. In racing, they always say "speed costs money, how fast do you want to go." And equal financial opportunity won't let compete with the top teams. It's going to be a long hard process in football.

One of the most played games in the history of college athletics.

Probably would have been in the portal anyway.

For the first time in a long time I think we have the talent to compete with the top teams in the country. We are experienced and deep with a good mix of really good young guys. The one thing that I have noticed is that our freshmen aren't intimidated by the college game. They all believe they can play. And, I think that has added some confidence to the older guys. We won't go undefeated but we are going to be a problem for everyone we play.

Seems to be a lot of apprehension based on a rightful lackluster recent past history. I'm back in the expect to win mode of the glory years. My reason is the experience that our leaders have and the bravado that our young guys have. We haven't had a team like this one in a long time. I expect a "refuse to lose" mentality from this team. I "expect" to see that on Friday night.

Agree completely. Smith will be good for Purdue like Phinisee was for us, maybe a little better offensively. But nothing about Purdue scares me given the team we have now. Our depth is going to be huge.

Smith looks pretty good here lately.

It's not the kid's fault that some talking head puts him somewhere he doesn't belong. I like Smith and hope he does well. He's from my alma matur. However, both of our guys are clearly better and that will be obvious as we go along.

Not seeing anything from Xavier that makes me think they can beat this Indiana team. I'm not sure they could beat our second five.

Exactly why is UK willing to play at MSU and not Indiana? Oh wait, I remember, the last time they came to Bloomington, we kicked their #1 @$$.

IU - 75 X - 60 I get the concerns, but defense travels. Our defense is better than their offense. I also think we have enough experience in big games to beat X. This will not be a tougher environment than than the hostile places we play in the B1G.

As much as I'm going to enjoy this season, I am a little concerned that Malik might not be here next year. He has an intriguing skill set. If he continues to improve throughout the season, which I'm sure he will, he'll no doubt attract interest. If, on the other hand, JHS and Malik both come back next year, look out!