TXHoosierDaddy

I would add that the offense looked inept for most of the game. Zero semblance of a running game. Our running back is an up the middle guy but wish we had tried off tackle a little more. The up the middle run was stufed all night. Wish we had taken a few more shots downfield. It was wide open the few times we tried it in the first half. Ramsey overshot which was actually encouraging. I'm just not a fan of Debord as we abandoned opening up the field or trying to until we were scrambling the last half of the 4Q. Btw we had no issue passing on them when we opened things up. Cleary MSU was better against the run.

Wow...how do you let that happen

This is a very important game for our bowl hopes. Before the season, I thought this would be reallly tough. I have watched MSU and come away fairly unimpressed given the expectations that came with them. In other words, it's going to be very winnable. That coupled with the fact that we get arguably one of the worst two teams in the conference next week (Rutgers), who lost against another miserable team Kansas by a lot and we could be starting off 5-0. That would be incredibly exciting and the level of optimism about the program and outlook on the season would soar.

He was dressed but I don't think he played a lot. Punishment for something? Who knows....He and Westbrook are clearly our best receivers.

One of the biggest out of state gets by this new staff if not the biggest! We could have a really nice secondary for years to come with this guy and Larry Tracy (both 2019 commits).

Especially Xavier since they landed Crawford as a transfer. Ohio didn't do too bad either. Bassett was a nice pickup as a transfer as well.

Encouraging. This is something we have to be able to do to be successful because our QB's just aren't going to go out and sling the ball all over the field. Has to be a well balanced attack. The real test for our running game starts 9/22 against Mich St. A team we have a better chance of beating than I originally thought after watching them struggle against Utah St. and lose to AZ St.

From what limited game film I have watched, he is a patient runner and does a great job following his lineman. Reminds me a little of Leveon Bell's running style without the explosiveness/additional athleticism Bell packs. I will say we can't afford to lose him. Think the depth behind him is basically depleted now with Ellison/Gest out of the picture.

Liddell didn't commit after the OSU visit last week which could mean nothing...however, he is going to Mizzou this weekend with another STL recruit, Mario Mckinney. Mizzou trying to seal the package deal. We'll see.

They will be very good at guard with Carton and the FSU transfer next year. Guess Newman can still slot in there since he is more of SG. I just don't see Newman coming here if we get Franklin based on our priorities for 2019.

If Franklin picks IU, I would think Purdue would slide into drivers seat for Newman right? IU would try to cement Brooks and TJD with the last two schollies and I would think would also chase Ramsey and Stewart assuming there is a transfer (very possible given the year in and year out landscape of college bball).

But Dawkins was a better runner. I probably put too much excitement into his stats at AZ. I think a lot of people did without seeing him play. That and the fact that Debord seems to like having a dual threat QB at the helm. I'll be very interested to see how Ramsey looks on Saturday.

didn't get the PM so unaware of how serious it is. Assume if thats the case it will be a RBBC of guys.

It's not just one season, it's IU football. I get this is Allen's second year and I want to believe we get to 6+ wins but I really thought Dawkins would be that difference maker to get us over the top. We haven't had solid QB play in a long time. And I liked what I saw at times from Ramsey last season but I thought one of his biggest issues was arm strength. I wonder how much you can improve that? I assume some but it's not something you just wake up with one day if you know what I mean. Also, very disappointed in Ellison. Really liked him as our bellcow this year. I think he is far and away the best back on the roster.

Maybe i am misremembering but I don't remember Lagow or Ramsey being particularly good at this last year either.

I have to assume Ramsey improved a lot....i really thought Dawkins would run away with the job just given his overall numbers playing for a Pac-12 program. Here's to hoping Ramsey took a step forward otherwise it will be a very long year again.

Wonder how long we will be without Ellison. I know we have a number of options at RB but I really think he is by far the best back on thr roster. Really need there to be a solid running game this year with the question at quarterback.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24348378/maryland-terrapins-place-trainers-leave-amid-investigation-jordan-mcnair-death Trainers at Maryland put on leave with response to the football players death and what came out yesterday regarding the toxic culture. Durkin should be next!!!! I will say though this type of behavior is very common in college football. Heck, we even had some of it here with Wilson. The only reason this is getting attention is because of the player that died - which is completely understandable.

Exactly which is why I didn't lose sleep over us deciding he was not the best guy to lead the program. I'm not sure if Allen is but I do like the fact that he prioritized QB this offseason bringing in the AZ transfer and Penix. That type of competition should be good for all of those guys. Lagow, Diamont, Ramsey just aren't P5 QB's....maybe Ramsey turns a corner but just not sure with what I saw regarding his accuracy and arm strength last yr.

We also just don't close games very well. 2016 Penn State, 2017 Michigan, heck we were neck and neck with Ohio State a few times as well. But you did hit it on the head regarding the last few years - Great defense, capable WR's but the QB play just hasn't been good enough. Neglected that position in recruiting.

Coaches find ways to make these things work. I mean look at UK and Duke every year. They bring in lots of 5 star talent and everyone wants to have the ball in their hand. Not something I necessarily want to emulate but my point is IU and Archie could sell this to make it work since its hardly that connundrum.

Yep he was the one guy I wish we had pushed harder on. Especially when you see the teams after him, think we would have had a real good chance.

Hands wasn't a part of the theft. He played all year. He and Wilkes both tested the waters. Suspended players were Riley and Jalen Hill. They should be really talented this year but Alford isn't good enough to capitalize on it. If anything may continue to buy him an extra year or two. He can also thank the Sean Miller fiasco for gifting O'Neal.

Liddell getting ready to announce top 5. I'm not sure if we ever offered. I know we started to show interest late. The top four are pretty much Ohio St, Mizzou, Kstate and Illinois. The 5th is likely a mystery team between Duke, Unc, IU and a bevy of others.

I really think this is best case scenario given that Maryland/Purdue will be very close imo. Hope we can pull another one or two out though. @ FIU - W vs Virginia - W vs Ball State - W vs Michigan State - L @ Rutgers - W @ Ohio State - L vs Iowa - L vs Penn State - L @ Minnesota - L vs Maryland - W @ Michigan - L vs Purdue - W 6-6