Always seems quiet here on Game-day, maybe it's Saturday morning and I'm imagining things - would hardly be a first. In fact right now I'm imagining IU having a 'statement game' that says something along the lines of "Beware Assembly Hall" even though the game is being played at Banker's Life in Indy. A game illustrating that the Team's potential under Archie Miller is manifesting as a formidable reality and puts opponents on notice that Indiana has its mojo back and is ready, able and oh so willing to steal yours.
Someone pointed out that Miller has had a week to prep for this game and that as such it's as much a 'referendum' on his ability as the Team's. Fair point, though harder to adjudge because being limited to the sideline he's a step removed from actual play on the Court. That said, his influence is undeniable, and however adept he may be at 'X's an O's', individual performance and chemistry among the Players is less subject to his control. Perhaps as a fanbase 'we' just don't care - 'we' want to see excellence, fluid execution and lockdown defense, and ten games into the Season, that is not an entirely unreasonable expectation.
Butler is not big or dominant inside. Health-wise IU should be as flush as they've been all year, and if the defense doesn't surrender the perimeter, the Hoosiers should win this going away. At least that's how it might look on paper. Should be a good game and a quality tune-up for Conference play since solid as Butler may be, they are still likely a step down from B10 caliber. Friendly if somewhat unfamiliar venue and the Bulldog's 'super bowl' game in some respects, but at this point shouldn't be enough to derail IU. Fact is, today I simply want to see IU thrash someone. Leave no doubt.
Someone pointed out that Miller has had a week to prep for this game and that as such it's as much a 'referendum' on his ability as the Team's. Fair point, though harder to adjudge because being limited to the sideline he's a step removed from actual play on the Court. That said, his influence is undeniable, and however adept he may be at 'X's an O's', individual performance and chemistry among the Players is less subject to his control. Perhaps as a fanbase 'we' just don't care - 'we' want to see excellence, fluid execution and lockdown defense, and ten games into the Season, that is not an entirely unreasonable expectation.
Butler is not big or dominant inside. Health-wise IU should be as flush as they've been all year, and if the defense doesn't surrender the perimeter, the Hoosiers should win this going away. At least that's how it might look on paper. Should be a good game and a quality tune-up for Conference play since solid as Butler may be, they are still likely a step down from B10 caliber. Friendly if somewhat unfamiliar venue and the Bulldog's 'super bowl' game in some respects, but at this point shouldn't be enough to derail IU. Fact is, today I simply want to see IU thrash someone. Leave no doubt.
