I can't speak to what posters predicted then but I have no doubt they were all in on the upward momentum of the program and recruiting under Wilson until he was pushed out, then he was the repository for all of their blame. Recruiting wasn't good, the system was bad, coaching was inadequate. It's why they do things like cheer a recruiting class comprised of players they've never seen and dismiss rankings or better yet equate 50 and 30. It's strange.
You two self-described “realists” aren’t any more aware how good or bad the recruits are than those who are excited by them.
I for one was hugely bullish and excited about the Wilson hire (by FGlass) when it happened. I was patient, I kept thinking “we’re close” but I started getting frustrated 4-5 years in when he had virtually no QB recruiting success and he was supposed to be the offensive whiz. He did have questionable game management and until Allen arrived, zero real success with the defense.
Games like Rutgers debacle at home loss and the “Minnesota swing pass” and not being able to stop UM from scoring with about a min left at their own 30...kept IU from better winning seasons/bowls and added to the weak program image.
I give Wilson credit for going from doormat to much closer to 6-6 level and not getting blown out like the old days. I don’t think he was abusive, but I do think he had a prickly personality that FG tried to work with and then came to decision “enough” and found himself watching Allen and his culture change & enthusiasm with the defense, his being a proud Hoosier and leadership he liked and pulled the trigger, which is his prerogative as AD.
Year 1 for Allen had a good 3 winnable games hat got away which was very disappointing no doubt. But without being a total apologist or excuse maker, their schedule was so front loaded and their bye week change from week 7 to week 2 did take a toll. But the team never quit, played top teams very tough and had a young offense that struggled.
To see what happened since 5-7 seSon ended was impressive to many. They hustled and signed all early signees, got a UofMiami center transfer, 3 more FL Feb signees, all on Defense, and an impressive new S/C leadership team. And 5 going to NFL combine.
That’s a fair, realistic assessment of pre-Tom Allen and post Tom Allen at IU.
A 4-star QB recruit, huge inroads of FL recruits leading to one of largest program jumps in country, a top 30 defense 2 yrs in a row. All changes for positive for IU program.
Next season is new year and of course Allen needs to show program momentum. But it seems very within the realm of possibility to hit 7-5, a two game improvement and return to a bowl game.
This is an IU fan site not an IU criticism specific board. Try giving Allen the benefit of the doubt for 1-2 more years, as any coach deserves 3-years to make a mark or at least show the trend lines.
Think people are going to be surprised, as I see similarities to Eagles Doug Pedersen, who has similar intangibles and was also coaching high school FB only 10 yrs ago!