Hilarious. Dominant teams don't lose to FDU...and/or get swept by IU...
The FDU game is used as a punch line...but its a very real example of why they're going to struggle to win 4 games in a row and get to a FF...let alone 6 games in a row.
Basically ALL of their perceived national "dominance" has been based on a handful of neutral site games, on or around Thanksgiving in both seasons PreConference schedule. These early season tournaments lack the intensity, feel, atmosphere...really everything of importance, that games in March in the NCAAs have.
Look at their true road games this year...
7 of them so far
5-2 record
1-2 against teams that have a prayer at NCAA...with their two losses against teams that would likely be 2nd round caliber teams.
1 other close one at Rutgers
In order to make a FF, they might have to beat 3 teams better than ANY of the teams they've played on the road thus far. In order to win a Natty, make that number 5.
True road games are essentially the most similar games teams can play to simulate NCAA tournament conditions. Purdue has been barely above average in those games the last couple years, this year included.