Hardwood83

Absolutely- The last few years I haven't always gotten the vibe that the players cared as much as I do. Maybe it's the "laid back" personality of several key players, but there were many times the team seemed indifferent.

Discouraging. Cubs fading for the second year in a row will cost Maddon his job. I'm not happy about that, but being as objective as possible the Cubs have really underperformed. Should have won the Division by 5+ games. Cards & Brewers are solid teams, but nothing special. Sure the Cubs have injuries, but still are so inconsistent, when they get solid pitching they wilt offensively. Biggest games of the year and they barely scratch out a couple runs against the Reds staff? I suspect there will be a major overhaul this off-season.

If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter! I'm expecting Hunter to play but brought along carefully. I think it's safe to say IU has a very cautious athletic training staff.

I so want THIS prognostication to be correct. I don't care about style points, appearances, stats etc just effing win, please. I don't mind if IU wins because of horrible officiating, weather delays or the other team getting food poisoning, I just want some semblance of a decent season for the first time in a what seems like forever. I'm still skeptical (I think I predicted 17-14 with no post-season) but I desperately want to be wrong.

If Penix is out? They'll have a pretty easy time crowding the line and smothering IU, imo. O$U 45 IU 17. If he's healthy more competitive, but still.... 35-24

Agreed. I think it's coaching malpractice NOT to have 2 PG's on the roster. Injuries, unexpected transfers, foul trouble, off the court issues- there are many reasons you need depth at such a vital position. Bringing in a high level PG every other year should be the norm, IMO.

I would take that in a heart beat. I hope for more, but expect less so if this season includes a NCAA tourney win I'll call it a solid step forward.

I have mixed feelings about Love (the player not the emotion) He is clearly talented and fills a need for IU....but I get a "me first" vibe from him and the last 5 star guard experiment flamed out even though I think Romeo was a pretty nice kid. Gotta have players, but they gotta fit too...not sure he does. Am I wrong?

If you could magically choose ONE game for IU to win this year, which would it be? Awfully tempting to knock off the smug @ss-holes from O$U, Michigan certainly deserves it after all the close calls, ....Purdoo is always a good choice. So who would you pick?

That is awesome- he looks like Crean is trying to sell him a timeshare.

I guess includes me. I think he can contribute, but I am skeptical if he is center material. Covering a few mins here or there? Sure, but I don't like the idea of him playing rotational mins as THE post. The rest of the B1G seems to have multiple big men while IU has had to rely on 6'7" or smaller guys at center WAY too often the last several years. I would like to always have 2 legit PG's and 2 legit Centers on the roster. Don't care about the "position" of the rest as long as some of them can shoot!

I agree. Not sour grapes at all, I just wasn't feeling it with Cross, since a 6'7" power forward that wants to play the 3 didn't ring my bell. I would like to see IU get a Post and PG and call it a class!

Agreed- it was decent trolling, but not great. WHY would any parent read a message board? That is just begging for it, even from your own fans. Sheesh.

Uninspiring. Ball St is decent- but not close to B1G caliber. Inability to run inside, dumb penalties, poor tackling, lack of a pass rush.....ugh, not a very auspicious start. Penix definitely has potential.

Gotta think this is a huge sports year for Glass. Barring something dramatic I don't think either Allen or Miller will be fired after the upcoming seasons, BUT they are huge for momentum and perception. Another "close but no cigar" football season will be tough to take. Missing the NCAA tourney again will (IMO) be justification to seriously question Archie and put him on the hot-seat of win or else going into the next year. Also imagine that would hurt recruiting. If the 2 highest profile coaches are stuck in mediocrity that can't bode well for Glass, can it?

If that happens IU won't just be a surprise team in the B1G, but in the whole country. I will be utterly shocked if that happens with the new 3pt line. Delighted, but shocked.

Or grad transfers- you mentioned once (and I agree) a Grad PG for this class would be a nice fit.

That is my thought too. To start the season I'm guessing Rob, Green, Al, Smith & Davis. I do not expect that to be the same by Jan. By then I'm HOPING it's more like: Rob, Green, Hunter, TJD & Davis/Brunk (Neither is going to play much more than 20mins, so kinda interchangeable.)

I think I get your point, but they are not mutually exclusive. The conservative move is often in the best interest of winning. However, this being IU FB we can all agree almost anything is better than the way it's usually done and I'm definitely more excited with Penix then I would be with Ramsey.

Hmmm, there are more teases in that tweet than in my entire high school dating career! I'm ready for some good news and I have very little expectation of IU getting Garcia so that would be huge. If good things come in 3's how about: 1) IUFB goes 7-5 and WINS a bowl 2) IUBB kills it on recruiting for '20 & '21 3) IUBB not only returns to the NCAA's but wins a game?

You are a better man than me....or a glutton for punishment, not sure which!

I could see that and imagine that there is a decent chance of another scholarship or 2 opening by '21 too. A grad transfer PG would be a great fit for class balance too. I really like the in-state class for '21, but a bird in hand and all that. IMO, address the needs with the best players available, just don't reach for any projects.

I'm all for a top recruiter, but would prefer a top coach: X's & O's, player development, etc. Of course IU needs more talented players, but I'd love to see them fully maximize the talent they have for the first time in a long time. Really weary of the under-performing string we're on.

I haven't exactly been worried about the new Asst, but it does seem kinda curious it has taken so long. I don't know that it really matters to have the job open over the summer, but the way the last 3 years have gone my default position is definitely negative, so I assumed that no announcement = bad. Glad that will be wrapped up and hope it's a great hire.