1. I can’t believe how many podcast shows are related to Nebraska. And they are all in shock for the same reason - they still thought we were “just Indiana.” No real respect. They bought the rat poison about the Nebraska defense being the end of the New Indiana. The stats about our offense and our defense did not get through to the brains that still think the past plays on Saturday. “Indiana has the worst historical record.” OK. How you like us now? Cig has taken a bunch of guys that NO talking head knew about last year and made them the biggest threat to the old status quo since NIL and The Portal were imagined. He had faith in and respect for the “little guys” - the Unknowns - and turned them into The Whosiers - kids now taking the norm by storm! The Cardiac Kids.2. Another Indiana team that ain’t supposed to be here.
2. Test 1 was win at UCLA - the “historical” power. Passed. Test 2 was Maryland - the up-and-coming coach who could recruit. Passed. Test 3 - keep NW from getting off the mat at NWHS stadium. Passed. Test 4 - survive the vaunted Nebraska defense. Passed 56 times. Who are these guys? These New Whosiers? Test 5 - beat Washington, who went big with our guys, and beat a No. 10 Michigan … but we gotta win with a back up QB. Challenge accepted. See ya at the yard.
3. Prepare thyself - the Rat Poison this week will double.
The next test is how do we play with Jackson, for an entire game.
Best guess is we'll be fine this weekend. Another big atmosphere, Gameday, we obviously played our best football this past weekend for a similar atmosphere... Washington obviously has a lot of talent, but like Nebraska and UCLA, it doesn't seem like they'll be good enough to actually beat IU.
I think the game at MSU got quite a lot more iffy with Rourke going down. That'll be a tough environment, and if there are cracks in the facade with Jackson as QB, those will show more on the road, in a tough environment like Spartan Stadium can be. It's also looking like Smith has them playing better football of late.
I think with Jackson there could be some more inconsistency with decisions and throws. Might be difficult for him to get in sync with guys like Sarratt on those back shoulder throws Rourke is killing everyone with. But, he does add a more effective runner to the RPO stuff, and he throws a pretty good deep ball overall.
