Coach Wilson inherited a program that was generally lacking in Division one football talent. There was some scattered ability, but in previous "IU football fashion", the mental attitude and drive didn't match the ability.
A lifetime assistant, Coach Wilson came to IU with a pedigree, some ideas, and a lot of ??? He immediately wanted to make a big splash. In some ways he did. In others it was more like a "belly flop".
He often went for it when a more prudent decision might have been to kick a field goal or punt and... Well, it sometimes put his defense in tough spots. He played quick tempo most of the time, even when it resulted in quick (3 and outs) putting his defense again, in tough spots.
He was on a learning curve. I think (assume) and hope that much has been learned. Maybe he's a genius and we're all about to find out so. I hope (pray) so.
So where does IU go from here and how do they get to a bowl this season. Recruiting has picked up significantly in the past 3 seasons. Some of those kids are now experienced and ready to go (I assume / hope / pray)
Coach Wilson and Coach Fry have put together talent that might not make OSU / Oklahoma / USC thump their chest, but in terms of what IU normally puts on the field, pretty good. A nice blend of experience, depth, talent, and youth coming up behind it. IU SHOULD (believe / hope / pray) should be good there for the foreseeable future. There is talent at running back. IU has had a handful of GREAT runners in my lifetime.
A.T., Dunbar, Coleman, and some others who weren't too bad. But depth was always a concern.
Coleman's early departure opens the door for Howard and I think (hope / pray) he's as good as advertized.
Receiver is a big ??? Until someone shows they are a playmaker, IU is a bunch of questions.
Sudfeld is a terrific IU quarterback. In my lifetime IU has had Trent Green, Babe Laufenberg, Dave Schnell, and a bunch of "guys". I believe (think / hope / pray) that Nate stays healthy, gets support, and can be as good or better than those guys mentioned.
I note that each quarterback recruited after Nate is more of the style needed to effectively run this offense. That is, mobile, with running ability and capable of running from the zone read option. IU has depth at TE and we may see some more double tight end formations.
Defensively IU is potentially pretty decent. They made strides against the run last yr and hopefully the strength is the linebacker corps and defensive line looks good with Mangieri, Hoff, and Rayner/Latham
IU seems to be making moves in recruiting with taller, longer DB's. Kicking is better.
Obviously they are one injured QB from disaster, but most schools are in that scenario.
The conference schedule is daunting, but IU is more competitive and other than OSU, if something happens to PSU, MSU, UM, Rutgers, Maryland QB's, look out.
I truly believe (hope / pray) that IU can legitimately win 6 or 7 games and be a solid bowl team. Who they are going to beat I have NO IDEA. But I have faith... (or is that hope and prayers) ;-)
Go IU football.
A lifetime assistant, Coach Wilson came to IU with a pedigree, some ideas, and a lot of ??? He immediately wanted to make a big splash. In some ways he did. In others it was more like a "belly flop".
He often went for it when a more prudent decision might have been to kick a field goal or punt and... Well, it sometimes put his defense in tough spots. He played quick tempo most of the time, even when it resulted in quick (3 and outs) putting his defense again, in tough spots.
He was on a learning curve. I think (assume) and hope that much has been learned. Maybe he's a genius and we're all about to find out so. I hope (pray) so.
So where does IU go from here and how do they get to a bowl this season. Recruiting has picked up significantly in the past 3 seasons. Some of those kids are now experienced and ready to go (I assume / hope / pray)
Coach Wilson and Coach Fry have put together talent that might not make OSU / Oklahoma / USC thump their chest, but in terms of what IU normally puts on the field, pretty good. A nice blend of experience, depth, talent, and youth coming up behind it. IU SHOULD (believe / hope / pray) should be good there for the foreseeable future. There is talent at running back. IU has had a handful of GREAT runners in my lifetime.
A.T., Dunbar, Coleman, and some others who weren't too bad. But depth was always a concern.
Coleman's early departure opens the door for Howard and I think (hope / pray) he's as good as advertized.
Receiver is a big ??? Until someone shows they are a playmaker, IU is a bunch of questions.
Sudfeld is a terrific IU quarterback. In my lifetime IU has had Trent Green, Babe Laufenberg, Dave Schnell, and a bunch of "guys". I believe (think / hope / pray) that Nate stays healthy, gets support, and can be as good or better than those guys mentioned.
I note that each quarterback recruited after Nate is more of the style needed to effectively run this offense. That is, mobile, with running ability and capable of running from the zone read option. IU has depth at TE and we may see some more double tight end formations.
Defensively IU is potentially pretty decent. They made strides against the run last yr and hopefully the strength is the linebacker corps and defensive line looks good with Mangieri, Hoff, and Rayner/Latham
IU seems to be making moves in recruiting with taller, longer DB's. Kicking is better.
Obviously they are one injured QB from disaster, but most schools are in that scenario.
The conference schedule is daunting, but IU is more competitive and other than OSU, if something happens to PSU, MSU, UM, Rutgers, Maryland QB's, look out.
I truly believe (hope / pray) that IU can legitimately win 6 or 7 games and be a solid bowl team. Who they are going to beat I have NO IDEA. But I have faith... (or is that hope and prayers) ;-)
Go IU football.
