IU Opponents

[Bowlmania]

First, let me be clear I'm not pouring cold water on IU's fast start. The best any team can ever do is beat the teams they're scheduled to play and we're a perfect four-for-four to date. I was happy to be able to attend the UCLA game and be a part of IU's win in that iconic venue. I still think that was a key game and an important road win over a conference opponent with some good players. Our team looks disciplined, focused and fast, and Coach Cig and the staff are doing a nice job.

That said, all of this talk about a 10 or 11-win record and a berth in the CFP is very premature. The teams we've defeated have a combined record of 3-11. One of them, Western Illinois, hasn't won a game since 2021. Today's Sagarin ratings rank our strength of schedule nationally (including all D1 schools - - FBS and FCS) as 194th. We have yet to beat a very good team.

Our next opponent, Maryland, is the best team we will have played so far. They're 3-1, losing only to Michigan State on a last-second FG. Maryland's three wins include a W over a good Virginia team at Charlottesville.

This Saturday's game will be an important test and give us a much better idea as to whether IU is truly an upper echelon team.

Go Hoosiers!

 

[td75]

Ohio State has played Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall. Those three teams have combined for three wins total. I don't think Indiana is much different than many teams who are currently sitting undefeated.

Indiana has to prove itself every week going forward because the fanbase will continue to find reasons to question the worthiness of each win. Ohio State football fans don't do that, they have history on their side.

I hope Cignetti builds a program where these negative perceptions are shattered.

 

[IUgradman]

UCLA was viewed as a tough game that would show whether or not IU was for real. IU won easily.

 

[Bowlmania]

Ohio State has played Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall. Those three teams have combined for three wins total. I don't think Indiana is much different than many teams who are currently sitting undefeated.

Indiana has to prove itself every week going forward because the fanbase will continue to find reasons to question the worthiness of each win. Ohio State football fans don't do that, they have history on their side.

I hope Cignetti builds a program where these negative perceptions are shattered.

Look, most of us are IU fans. I bleed cream and crimson. I don't want to argue with another IU fan about how good (or not) we are. I'll just say that comparing IU to Ohio State at this juncture, in any way, shape or form, doesn't make for a compelling argument.

Indiana has to prove itself every week because we are the losingest program in NCAA Division 1 history and because this fanbase has suffered like few others. We have a history of losing games in the most gut-wrenching fashion. We (the fans) have been teased with some big upsets and even a few winning seasons (a very few - - just three since 1995). We even cracked the Top 10 nationally in 2020, only to have everything fall apart soon after.

I'll say it again. I'm thrilled that we're 4-0. I'll be even happier once we've defeated somebody good. I expect that to happen this weekend.

Go Hoosiers!

 

[Kelly_32]

Look, most of us are IU fans. I bleed cream and crimson. I don't want to argue with another IU fan about how good (or not) we are. I'll just say that comparing IU to Ohio State at this juncture, in any way, shape or form, doesn't make for a compelling argument.

Indiana has to prove itself every week because we are the losingest program in NCAA Division 1 history and because this fanbase has suffered like few others. We have a history of losing games in the most gut-wrenching fashion. We (the fans) have been teased with some big upsets and even a few winning seasons (a very few - - just three since 1995). We even cracked the Top 10 nationally in 2020, only to have everything fall apart soon after.

I'll say it again. I'm thrilled that we're 4-0. I'll be even happier once we've defeated somebody good. I expect that to happen this weekend.

Go Hoosiers!

F*ck the history. It doesn’t matter. You think CCC gives two shits about our history?

 

[TomEric4756]

First, let me be clear I'm not pouring cold water on IU's fast start. The best any team can ever do is beat the teams they're scheduled to play and we're a perfect four-for-four to date. I was happy to be able to attend the UCLA game and be a part of IU's win in that iconic venue. I still think that was a key game and an important road win over a conference opponent with some good players. Our team looks disciplined, focused and fast, and Coach Cig and the staff are doing a nice job.

That said, all of this talk about a 10 or 11-win record and a berth in the CFP is very premature. The teams we've defeated have a combined record of 3-11. One of them, Western Illinois, hasn't won a game since 2021. Today's Sagarin ratings rank our strength of schedule nationally (including all D1 schools - - FBS and FCS) as 194th. We have yet to beat a very good team.

Our next opponent, Maryland, is the best team we will have played so far. They're 3-1, losing only to Michigan State on a last-second FG. Maryland's three wins include a W over a good Virginia team at Charlottesville.

This Saturday's game will be an important test and give us a much better idea as to whether IU is truly an upper echelon team.

Go Hoosiers!

Yes we’ll get a better view (v. The Terps) whether the O is the irresistible force and whether the D is the immovable object (HEP’s rock). I’ll say there is more evidence that the Hoosiers are real and not frauds.

 

[TomEric4756]

Yes we’ll get a better view (v. The Terps) whether the O is the irresistible force and whether the D is the immovable object (HEP’s rock). I’ll say there is more evidence that the Hoosiers are real and not frauds.

CCC’s relentless objective is to kick a$$ every game. He is batting 1.000.

 

[Bowlmania]

F*ck the history. It doesn’t matter. You think CCC gives two shits about our history?

Of course he doesn’t. He’s new here. But I do. I’ve lived and suffered through much of it.

I’ve spent a lot of money watching IU lose over the years. Cignetti is getting paid a shit ton of money to produce wins. I think he’s the guy and will ultimately get us to where we all want to be. But talking CFP one month into a guy’s first season following wins against three bad teams and one mediocre team is, in my opinion, ridiculous. I’ll join that conversation when and if we’re 7-0 after beating Nebraska.

 

[kmathum]

Of course he doesn’t. He’s new here. But I do. I’ve lived and suffered through much of it.

I’ve spent a lot of money watching IU lose over the years. Cignetti is getting paid a shit ton of money to produce wins. I think he’s the guy and will ultimately get us to where we all want to be. But talking CFP one month into a guy’s first season following wins against three bad teams and one mediocre team is, in my opinion, ridiculous. I’ll join that conversation when and if we’re 7-0 after beating Nebraska.

Coach CIG isn't talking CFP.

 

[YOTHN]

Coach CIG isn't talking CFP.

He was referring to the fan base, and I agree.

 

[Crossblock]

You can only play the teams that are on the Schedule and only prepare for and win the next game on the Schedule. Let's go out and get the Home Game against Maryland Saturday and prepare for the away game at Northwestern. If We can make it to the break at 6-0 with no significant season ending injuries, then We have something to talk about.

 

[YOTHN]

Yes we’ll get a better view (v. The Terps) whether the O is the irresistible force and whether the D is the immovable object (HEP’s rock). I’ll say there is more evidence that the Hoosiers are real and not frauds.

I don't think anyone is saying IU is a fraud, by any means. They've looked great!

But they still could be somewhere in between. Pretty sure that was the point trying to ve made, we just don't know yet. We could be really good and a 10-11 win team but talking 11-12 wins after what we've accomplished so far feels fraudulent.

 

[IUgradman]

The excitement we have stems from the fact that IU is playing the way a top ten team would against this same competition. Do you think Ohio State would win by larger margins?

 

[OpenWheels]

I disagree on tempering expectations. Why? Of course it's somewhat chance. But since most games each team has a chance, we know we'll win a lot of games. We already have 4. Plus because of the organization... We can already see that.

So many B1G games we've been in over the years both teams tried mightily to give the game to the other team. Usually Indiana couldn't take advantage and would lose at the end. Those should go our way much more often. If we don't win at least 8, it'll be a disappointing final 2/3 of the season. People talking nine and more is fine. Those folks aren't saying we will, just that we could. Of course we could. We have a good chance of that.

 

[kmathum]

He was referring to the fan base, and I agree.

He's the only one that matters.

 

[YOTHN]

I disagree on tempering expectations. Why? Of course it's somewhat chance. But since most games each team has a chance, we know we'll win a lot of games. We already have 4. Plus because of the organization... We can already see that.

So many B1G games we've been in over the years both teams tried mightily to give the game to the other team. Usually Indiana couldn't take advantage and would lose at the end. Those should go our way much more often. If we don't win at least 8, it'll be a disappointing final 2/3 of the season. People talking nine and more is fine. Those folks aren't saying we will, just that we could. Of course we could. We have a good chance of that.

It'll only be disappointing to the people who aren't staying realistic and prefer to get ahead of themselves. That's literally the point being made. Stay grounded.

 

[OpenWheels]

It'll only be disappointing to the people who aren't staying realistic and prefer to get ahead of themselves. That's literally the point being made. Stay grounded.

No, those 'tempering expectations' just keep raising the bar. Originally it was caution against those saying 6 wins, especially, gasp, 7 wins. Then 8 wins, now 'tempering expectations' apparently means 10 or 11 wins. Well of course. So somehow the lol about a bowl game preseason is gone, as is the lol about 7 or 8.

Eventually, once the final game of the season has been played, those advising caution will finally be able to predict the win total. You know, for fun.

 

[YOTHN]

No, those 'tempering expectations' just keep raising the bar. Originally it was caution against those saying 6 wins, especially, gasp, 7 wins. Then 8 wins, now 'tempering expectations' apparently means 10 or 11 wins. Well of course. So somehow the lol about a bowl game preseason is gone, as is the lol about 7 or 8.

Eventually, once the final game of the season has been played, those advising caution will finally be able to predict the win total. You know, for fun.

You created a false enemy saying people said IU wasn't a bowl team. Secondarily who is predicting anything ya weirdo? We're saying based on who we have played, it's aggressive to assume we're an 11 win team. Our schedule has been dog crap and we've done exactly what we need to with that schedule, but that's established us as better than bad. Hence us not being ranked. Keep winning and that naturally will change.

 

[Kelly_32]

We could be 10-0 headed into Ohio State…

IU FAN: “Our schedule sucks. I’ll be on board if we can beat Ohio State.”

 

[hozo4ultimate]

First, let me be clear I'm not pouring cold water on IU's fast start. The best any team can ever do is beat the teams they're scheduled to play and we're a perfect four-for-four to date. I was happy to be able to attend the UCLA game and be a part of IU's win in that iconic venue. I still think that was a key game and an important road win over a conference opponent with some good players. Our team looks disciplined, focused and fast, and Coach Cig and the staff are doing a nice job.

That said, all of this talk about a 10 or 11-win record and a berth in the CFP is very premature. The teams we've defeated have a combined record of 3-11. One of them, Western Illinois, hasn't won a game since 2021. Today's Sagarin ratings rank our strength of schedule nationally (including all D1 schools - - FBS and FCS) as 194th. We have yet to beat a very good team.

Our next opponent, Maryland, is the best team we will have played so far. They're 3-1, losing only to Michigan State on a last-second FG. Maryland's three wins include a W over a good Virginia team at Charlottesville.

This Saturday's game will be an important test and give us a much better idea as to whether IU is truly an upper echelon team.

Go Hoosiers!

That's cool, but none of that matters. Maryland at home on Saturday and no reason to be concerned with any other part of the season or what other teams are doing. Coach Cig is doing things differently than most before him.

 

[NotThatJC]

That's cool, but none of that matters. Maryland at home on Saturday and no reason to be concerned with any other part of the season or what other teams are doing. Coach Cig is doing things differently than most before him.

This….go 1-0 this week!

 

[Bowlmania]

I don't think anyone is saying IU is a fraud, by any means. They've looked great!

But they still could be somewhere in between. Pretty sure that was the point trying to ve made, we just don't know yet. We could be really good and a 10-11 win team but talking 11-12 wins after what we've accomplished so far feels fraudulent.

Agreed. I'd just replace "feels fraudulent" with "is stupid."

 

[Bowlmania]

That's cool, but none of that matters. Maryland at home on Saturday and no reason to be concerned with any other part of the season or what other teams are doing. Coach Cig is doing things differently than most before him.

Agreed. Right now Maryland is all that matters.

 

[OpenWheels]

You created a false enemy saying people said IU wasn't a bowl team. Secondarily who is predicting anything ya weirdo? We're saying based on who we have played, it's aggressive to assume we're an 11 win team. Our schedule has been dog crap and we've done exactly what we need to with that schedule, but that's established us as better than bad. Hence us not being ranked. Keep winning and that naturally will change.

You're just making stuff up. Nobody was 'assuming' Indiana is an 11 win team.
And preseason people saying bowl team were being advised they had better be tempered in their expectations. Like I said, it just keeps going up. First it was beat UCLA and then we can believe, except now it's Maryland.
Nothing wrong with it if that's your MO. Nothing wrong with people looking at high possibilities either.

 

[TomEric4756]

Isn’t banter about how good IU is, much preferred over how bad?

 

[Bowlmania]

You're just making stuff up. Nobody was 'assuming' Indiana is an 11 win team.
And preseason people saying bowl team were being advised they had better be tempered in their expectations. Like I said, it just keeps going up. First it was beat UCLA and then we can believe, except now it's Maryland.
Nothing wrong with it if that's your MO. Nothing wrong with people looking at high possibilities either.

I know your response was to YOTIN but here's my two cents.

Prior to the start of the season, the sports books I saw had the O/U for IU's win total at 5.5. Anyone who ridiculed those predicting a bowl-eligible six-win team wasn't thinking clearly. Six wins didn't seem like a great reach.

Online college football sites and some print publications projected the first third of IU's schedule, which we've now completed, as the easiest portion of the schedule. Most sites I saw had us 3-1 at this point. We're 4-0. The UCLA win was a surprise to many. I struggled with a pick for that game but predicted here (the football forum) that IU would win outright and against the spread.

Prior to the season I viewed the UCLA game as key, and still believe it was an important win as I stated in the first post in this thread. We took care of business. That said, it's become clear that UCLA is not a very good team. Hawaii nearly beat them in their season opener. Their OL is very thin which has Garbers running for his life and becoming turnover-prone. Their defense has been impacted by injuries to at least three starters.

You wrote that "it just keeps going up." I'm not sure what "it" is. There's no question that UCLA was a test that we easily passed. It's also clear that Maryland will be the best team we will have played to date. As I said earlier, I believe we'll have a much better idea as to whether IU will ultimately prove to be one of the best teams in the conference after the Maryland game. I don't what's controversial about that. I'll add that we won't know for certain if we're one of the best teams until we play the best teams, including Michigan and Ohio State.

I just spent 10 minutes looking at some threads that were started before the season. You predicted 7 or 8 wins, including a bowl game. Seems very reasonable. I didn't predict a win total, as I honestly didn't have a good feel for how this vastly overhauled roster would perform under a first year (at IU, except for Bostad) coaching staff. With four wins under our belt, I'm feeling very confident that this will be a bowl season, and potentially better than that. Can't wait for the Maryland game and those that follow.

Go Hoosiers!

 

[OpenWheels]

..

Go Hoosiers!

I was just in the mood to be contrarian. Nothing wrong with having interest to see what holds up and what doesn't as we play stronger teams.
My own preseason predictions appear to have been on the low side. I didn't expect us to come out with this much firepower and organization. Very cool. Still waiting to see if any B1G team can choose to just run the ball. And a couple teams have had some successful drives passing. So I don't have a feel for how we'll perform on defense against better teams like many are saying. But early returns indicate we'll do just fine.

 

[mattndallas]

So you're saying it's premature to look towards the Michigan @ Indiana game as a defacto play-in game to the Nat'l Playoff? 😄

 

[OpenWheels]

So you're saying it's premature to look towards the Michigan @ Indiana game as a defacto play-in game to the Nat'l Playoff? 😄

The question is whether Michigan will be able to be called a 'good win' .

 

[newIUfan]

For what it is worth the ESPN Matchup Predictor at this point has the Hoosiers favored in every game going forward with the exception of Ohio State.

 

[Walt542]

It'll only be disappointing to the people who aren't staying realistic and prefer to get ahead of themselves. That's literally the point being made. Stay grounded.

Why stay grounded? We are just fans who have suffered through some very bad football. Now we are seeing some very good football. So some us like to enjoy the ride for all it is worth and dream about 11-1 and maybe a spot at the playoff table. If that does not happen no harm is done to anyone. Maybe a little disappointment? How can anyone that is an IU fane be disappointed with this team wherever they end up? As for me, I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest and Dream of a (and plan to go to) a playoff game!

 

[MMM1992]

Indiana has a favorable schedule but the road games will be difficult. Aside from Michigan, the Hoosiers will hold serve at home. I’m thinking a 9-3 or 8-4 record.

 

[vesuvius13]

The excitement we have stems from the fact that IU is playing the way a top ten team would against this same competition. Do you think Ohio State would win by larger margins?

No I don't think OSU would win by more point than IU has.

 

[td75]

Indiana has a favorable schedule but the road games will be difficult. Aside from Michigan, the Hoosiers will hold serve at home. I’m thinking a 9-3 or 8-4 record.

Indiana's road games are UCLA, Northwestern, MSU, and OSU. We spanked UCLA and should thump a lousy Northwestern. MSU will be tough but just lost to Boston College. The MSU game is pretty winnable. OSU is the game where we will be a decided underdog.

 

[TomEric4756]

So you're saying it's premature to look towards the Michigan @ Indiana game as a defacto play-in game to the Nat'l Playoff? 😄

Quite. The scenarios are long and windy at this point. Michigan could pick up a second or third loss by then (Oregon, Illinois), and drop to also receiving votes.

 

[Bowlmania]

We could be 10-0 headed into Ohio State…

IU FAN: “Our schedule sucks. I’ll be on board if we can beat Ohio State.”

No one who knows anything about the game is taking that position.

The point was that our schedule to date has been weak. That shouldn't be a revelation to anybody. CCC himself acknowledged the soft schedule earlier this week: "I don't think we've probably played the most difficult schedule up to this point. I’m not trying to shortchange anybody we've played. The tests are going to become tougher week in, week out." Cignetti noted that Maryland will be the best team we've played so far and that they present a "tremendous challenge."

This is a huge game against a good team. A 5-0 start would be our first since the Rose Bowl season of 1967 and only the third in program history.

Go Hoosiers!