Reading this and I admit an initial feeling of IU may be a little “too nice” than the true top 20 type programs.
Saw ESPN post recruiting rankings and IU was not in top 50. I know it was only 18 so far with two more to follow, but was disappointing on paper we didn’t hit a few more signees out of the park.
The “nice” comment refers to Tom Allen genuinely being a. Ice person (which is actually a great thing not bad thing) but some of the staff hire since day 1 were of the personal friend mode or staff promotion (Coach T) and less along lines of Coach DeBoer type of hires.
Coach Allen HAS made changes (OC, S/C, etc) but just saying it feels like between the AD and Coach Allen’s limited time in D1 FB staffs, we are still building the reputation, there experience and perhaps the aggressive nature it may take at times to not only win some more recruiting battles, but also how to build a continuous staff that are experienced in X’s & O’s and in closing on high level recruits.
A little too nice? I think you have forgotten that Lee Corso was in his car in I-69, headed to Fort Wayne to recruit Rod Woodson when he heard on the radio that he had been fired.
Is that un-nice enough for you?
I would never want to “bend the rules” or be unethical, and the 20 guys we sign this year may be fine and truly contribute over time.
Just an observation that as much as I really like Tom Allen & How this season went, I can also acknowledge this takes time and he likely will need to continue to evolve too to take IU into the more consistent top 25 type of program for wins and recruiting.
A Gator Bow won will hep the cause, as will another good OC hire and closing out with two good recruits by Feb. (And Penix 15 lb stronger next year can help many coaches to look good if he can stay healthy.)