If someone already has a similar thread going, my apologies. Haven't had time to read everything that's been posted today.
I missed the Washington game and the ESPN Game Day that morning, but I can't imagine a more electric environment than what I experienced yesterday. There was literally a buzz around the stadium that you could hear walking up Dunn when we were still a distance from the stadium and the lots, and long before the game started.
After too many seasons of "nobody cares" football, this is so incredible to see.
The weather couldn't have been better. The sun broke through just before kick and it was tee-shirt weather the first half. The temperature dropped after sunset but it never got cold.
I have spectacular phone video of the white adidas towels against a sea of red, and have to think this played really well on TV. (I DVR'd the game but haven't had time to play it back yet).
There were plenty of UM fans scattered throughout the stadium but, at least from my vantage point, it looked like they were treated respectfully (mostly) and they, in turn, were fine.
This isn't a complaint (our fans were great throughout the game) but an observation, and my son noticed it as well. Despite the packed house and the amped-up crowd, it didn't seem exceptionally loud in the stadium. Before the game, I anticipated deafening crowd noise that might contribute to some false starts or otherwise disrupt Michigan's offense (which isn't great to begin with), but I didn't see any evidence of that. Maybe I'm simply off base here, or maybe it was a function of where we were sitting (or, more accurately, standing, as we were on our feet for most of the game). I'd like to hear what other people in attendance noticed about the noise level.
The game itself was too close for comfort, and Michigan must have made some nice halftime adjustments because they dominated the second half at the LOS and otherwise. I have to admit that when UM closed the gap to 17-15, I started thinking this is going to end 18-17. (How many times have we seen developments like that over the years?!). But this is the NEW Indiana, and we held on for the W.
This was the first time all season where the outcome was in doubt late in the game. Someone in our group said that maybe, in the long run, a nail-biter will help the team. As the competition gets tougher in two weeks and then in the post-season, a close game won't be a new experience for IU and they'll be better equipped to handle the pressure.
Go Hoosiers!
indiana.rivals.com
