Hardwood83

I'm starting a "DCHoosier for IUBB director of operations" campaign.

Meacham said a couple times "that is good basketball" or "that is Indiana basketball" and he was right. Good basketball is the same in a buy game or against a great team. It might be easier against No Alabama than against Auburn, but you still have to do the same things. If IU can remember and do that every night they'll win plenty of games. This isn't a great team, but they have the pieces to be a tough out. Simply those boring fundamentals- move the ball, block out, hit FT's, hustle, take good shots, etc. Not easy, but it's pretty simple.

I suppose it's not appreciating that style in their personal relationships. But I kind of look at it like if I'm having an operation, I want my surgeon to be a talented perfectionist. Don't care if he's an arrogant A-hole, just do a great job. I'm not looking for CCC to be my buddy, I just want him to improve IU FB.

That is not my style, BUT whatever it takes to get IUFB to respectibility! Maybe he can give a pep talk to the basketball team?!?

I was just reviewing the list, not a lot of stars, but that is expected. If he can develop guys and just instill a culture of playing tough and smart (think Iowa) that will go a long way. Then get some offensive playmakers (to avoid the putrid Iowa like offense) and you have a recipe for bowl eligibility, IMO. I hate losing to Michigan/O$U/Penn St like clockwork, but squandering games against MSU, Illinois, Purdue has to stop first. If CCC can get IU to stop beating themselves, he deserves a blank check.

That is a mature and reasonable approach. I would only counter that in year 3 of Woodson's tenure you'd hope for more considering the clock is ticking for him and there are three 5 star recruits starting. Obviously XJ getting injured is outside anyone's control, but not bringing in a shooter from the portal was coaching malpractice. I was quite against hiring Woodson initially (I thought it was just because he's an IU guy) but he's done a lot right. Now seems the time to take the next step, to lead/coach/grow this team to improve and exceed the sum of it's parts.

In fairness last night provided much to rant about. I'll try changing the subject with a moderate rant. I think people lose about 10% of their IQ every day starting a week before Christmas. The way they drive, alternating between racing around or creeping along. Then wander the stores drenched in sweat with a wild look of desperation in their eyes. I love Christmas, but CALM THE FRICK DOWN. It's all gonna be ok, but seems some people need to be slapped back to their senses.

Are mid-season transfers possible?

Of course you are right, but they did hit a few 25 footers with a hand in their face. Missing those open looks brings it back to the average!

This feels like a season crushing loss. Not sure how they recover from this.

Feb 20th home opener could be a real hoot. Might be sunny and 48° or sleeting and 26°. How does the rest of the B1G look for the upcoming season?

Any rumors or news on XJ's status? I wouldn't expect him until the 12/29 game, but if he's not back for that...... I seem to recall hearing it was not a fracture and wasn't an ankle sprain. I know there are lots of injures possible, but am very curious what is going on. Really need him for the Nebraska game 1/3.

I agree with you, but wouldn't the same have been applicable to JHS through 10 games last season? Not saying MM is JHS, but it is possible.

ESPN has him at 6'1:" 213lbs. He looks more stout than that! Line him up in the slot and let McCully work the outside.

That will get CCC a lifetime contract a la Cal at pUKe!

The pressure thing might be true, but not sure in what world this isn't good: O$U fans are delusional jack-*****. McCord might not be the absolute highest level of QB, but he was 11-1 with the only loss on the road to the #1 team, by a single score. Sure he had 2 INT's, but they also only had 107yds rushing for the game. Retards, sheesh I hate O$U.

Your gut is correct. Cupps won't be ready for that big of a step and Trey is a great 6th man (both IMO obviously) Gunn shoulda Redshirted last year and Newton coming off nearly 2 years of inactivity is a question until proven otherwise. Transfer portal for the win!

You had me at 'no TO's'. It's an absolute killer and winning teams seldom do it.

Or more like this?

It's hard not to be a little discouraged about the current state of IUBB. Not so bad that I want Bruce Pearl though, I just want Woodson to win :) It could be worse, we could be Iowa or Mich State. Sheesh. If XJ was healthy and IU had pulled in a good (not even great) SG from the portal last summer I believe they'd be a fringe top 25 team. The guard quality & depth is a couple of big steps below top teams.

I have to disagree. The CFP isn't killing the ACC. Sure FSU got screwed, but leaving their conference doesn't fix that, it's just an excuse. What is the end game here for the B1G and conference expansion? Sincere question- is the goal simply mindlessly gathering as many valuable properties as possible (like a hoarder) or is there a plan to make sense of this at some point? I want to believe there is, but circumstances tell me otherwise. This isn't some inevitable progress, it's just mania for it's own sake. Can someone explain to me how a 19 team, nation-wide conference is manageble, sustainable and a positive thing for IU and college sports overall? Any chance this is the end and the conference will spend the next 10yrs assimilating the new members and creating a culture? No, next month will be Miami and then No Carolina and.....? The Big Ten should tell FSU 'no', but of course that won't happen, because more is always better.

I read once that schools usually hire the opposite of whatever coach they are replacing. So if it's a hard-nosed, Defensive guy leaving, they bring in a free-wheeling offensive minded coach, etc.

Not quite 180°, I think Prime Time's house-cleaning by telling all the inherited players "you suck, and we hate you, get out!" is the complete opposite of LEO! But of course you are right. I want McCulley & Lucas et al to stay, but if they think bolting is 'best for them', fine, what's best for ME is IU to win games and if they don't want to be part of that, then eff em.

It's a tough crowd obviously. With Gunn I understand it more, he's a gifted athlete and second year player and until last night didn't look like he had attended a practice. Obviously he's coming around, so great news for all of us. I'm with you on Cupps though, kid is giving it all and has made very few mistakes and still getting raked over the coals. Yes he has gotten beat on defense a few times, but not enough to warrant the criticism. He'll be a terrific 4yr player and fan favorite is my guess.

Anyone have a sense of his defensive ability? I know that isn't highlight video stuff, but just curious if he has a rep for being solid on D?