Checking out several looks at underclassmen that have a chance to win the Heisman Mendoza isn't even listed over players that haven't started yet. I understand IU will need another great year to get people to see IUFB differently. I think IUFB has the players and coaches to get the job done this year to change the mindset about IUFB.
It is evident people don't see IUFB as one of the powers yet
- Thread starter vesuvius13
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It will probably take more than a couple good seasons.
Biggest thing we need to do is get recruits and transfers to see us differently.. Although NIL helps get them to give us a look.
Biggest thing we need to do is get recruits and transfers to see us differently.. Although NIL helps get them to give us a look.
I've heard a handful of times from talking heads the following statements,
"they lost so much this off-season",
"their schedule is tougher adding Oregon and Penn St."
And,
"their O-line and overall talent can't compete with elite teams"
It rubs me the wrong way sure, hoping these takes make the locker room bulletin board and it adds fuel to the program this off-season.
Conversely, I don't mind playing the role of underdawg, will make next seasons rise and blowing out opponents that much sweeter.
"they lost so much this off-season",
"their schedule is tougher adding Oregon and Penn St."
And,
"their O-line and overall talent can't compete with elite teams"
It rubs me the wrong way sure, hoping these takes make the locker room bulletin board and it adds fuel to the program this off-season.
Conversely, I don't mind playing the role of underdawg, will make next seasons rise and blowing out opponents that much sweeter.
I honestly think that Indiana will be better in 2025 than they were in 2024.
People better get used to us. Cignetti, NIL and the portal have changed Indiana football.
"their O-line and overall talent can't compete with elite teams"
I think that's' partially correct. Of course we can 'compete'. But in some areas we are below elite teams in raw talent. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and the SEC equivalents, stockpile lineman on both sides and athletic backs and receivers.
But obviously we're not hopelessly down from any of them, and some positions we're likely better, and we're right there with everyone else in the power conferences. Then add coaching, and as proven last season we are likely able to beat anyone on a given day.
I think that's' partially correct. Of course we can 'compete'. But in some areas we are below elite teams in raw talent. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and the SEC equivalents, stockpile lineman on both sides and athletic backs and receivers.
But obviously we're not hopelessly down from any of them, and some positions we're likely better, and we're right there with everyone else in the power conferences. Then add coaching, and as proven last season we are likely able to beat anyone on a given day.
I am with you about IUFB beating anyone on the field. Doesn't mean IUFB will be undefeated this year, you never know with our coaches.
Indiana is one of the most mentioned schools on the Paul Finebaum show, usually
not in a good way but there is no such thing as bad pub.
Right. We are finally relevant!
Used to be when the topic turned to Indiana in the preseason or off season shows it was with knowing little smiles and then saying they believed Indiana might turn the page this year but the smirks gave it away.
'Indiana has a couple guys, they may surprise some teams and move up from our projected bottom of the B1G Ten. Certainly they think they can'.
Now it's, "Indiana, not as good as you think!'
I'll take that change, lol . And hopefully the team shoves that in their ear.
,
'Indiana has a couple guys, they may surprise some teams and move up from our projected bottom of the B1G Ten. Certainly they think they can'.
Now it's, "Indiana, not as good as you think!'
I'll take that change, lol . And hopefully the team shoves that in their ear.
,
Yea. I get it will take more than one year of doing well for the national media to believe in us. Is what it is.
We did have some good players graduate/go pro after this past season, though no bad portal losses so far knock on wood. It's going to take time to get high school recruiting up to speed so we can reduce our portal dependency and roster turnover. We brought in some nice players, but they are to some extent wildcards at this point. I'm not quite sure how good we will be next year, though I am optimistic.
All that said, I'd say we're looking better right now than we were this time a year ago. A year ago Cig was doing emergency surgery on a broken program. Today we've got a whole year of this program running at IU and we have a lot of players with a year of experience in this system. That should help quite a bit. We'll see.
Agree, the development with the same coaches/system should pay dividends forward this year.
The good news there is that we have all of the GA's that were here last season back for 2025... That's a Grassroots level coaching foundation... I Like It!
I personally don't care what the so called experts think about Indiana Football. All that matters is what the CFP committee think. And last year they saw that we belonged in the playoffs. Unfortunately what Coach Cignetti and staff have accomplished in a short period of time has made coaches take notice. It is going to be hard for IU to sneak up on anyone. They have already moved from the hunter to the hunted. They will have to bring their A game each and every week. I am confident that Coach C and staff will rise to the occasion.
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I agree they could be better than 2024, but still end up 9-3 or even 8-4.
I do happen to see a path to 10-2.
GoHoosiers
NIL and the portal were here before Cig. So unless there have been portal law changes or a big income change for players via NIL that I missed - the difference seems coaching. Cig and his staff.
We were 11-2 last year? The only two losses came to the two teams in the national championship game. That is an awfully high bar to reproduce in 2025.
I think 8-4 is a more realistic record for us. I don’t think we will be in the playoffs but should get a nice bowl game.
I think 8-4 is a more realistic record for us. I don’t think we will be in the playoffs but should get a nice bowl game.
At least it’s not “The University of Indiana” as often as it used to be referred.
I don't care what other fanbases, the national media, or the talk radio folks have to say about IU. The fact that they are talking about IU football in February is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself. Vegas has us at +/- 8.5 wins next season. Vegas knows right where to put those #'s so that most teams finish either right above or right below their projected totals. I went and did a little checking on +/- projections nationally and here's what I found:
What Cig did last year was historical and legendary. It was also way tougher to do what he did in year 1, than it is to maintain that level in year 2. Last year Cig cobbled together a team while also relocating his entire coaching staff and their families to Bloomington. In the midst of all that change, chaos, and upheaval, he had the greatest season in IU football history. He has kept the staff together, sans Tino, and his retention of the current roster has been fantastic. They have all been in place for a full calendar year now and that continuity, coupled with the culture Cig has created, makes me believe that the team will be better this season than last. Getting to 11 wins is another matter altogether however, and I'm not sure we get there even though we will be better. I'm guessing 10 wins personally.
- 10.5: O$U. Oregon, PSU, & ND
- 9.5: TX, TN, Clemson, & GA
- 8.5: Louisville, UM, Miami, Bama, LSU & IU
What Cig did last year was historical and legendary. It was also way tougher to do what he did in year 1, than it is to maintain that level in year 2. Last year Cig cobbled together a team while also relocating his entire coaching staff and their families to Bloomington. In the midst of all that change, chaos, and upheaval, he had the greatest season in IU football history. He has kept the staff together, sans Tino, and his retention of the current roster has been fantastic. They have all been in place for a full calendar year now and that continuity, coupled with the culture Cig has created, makes me believe that the team will be better this season than last. Getting to 11 wins is another matter altogether however, and I'm not sure we get there even though we will be better. I'm guessing 10 wins personally.
Forget play 13, lets win 13 
I'm somewhat happy with 13 wins
I'm somewhat happy with 13 wins
That's my gut, but then I feel guilty letting Cig down with my lack of belief and self-imposed limitations.
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