Tennessee's recruiting is similar to Penn St. and Michigan. Tennessee's classes since 2016 were ranked 15, 15, 20, 12. Tennessee brings in like 10 4*'s a year and gets 5*'s here and there.
My point is IU isn't at Tennessee's level regarding Jimmy's and Joe's: it takes time. Despite this talent discrepancy, IU competed very well and was in a great position to win the game. In fact, we should have won! IU had a meltdown at the end, and I think one can argue that depth and talent played a part. The onside kick issue was definitely a coaching brain fart, but, we weren't exactly doing much on offense or defense at the end, either.
I don't like moral victories and am still pissed off we lost. But, I also realize this year was a big step in the right direction. IU just has to keep taking steps. I'm also glad that I am pissed off about IU losing football games. Even though we lost, this game was an exciting, entertaining bowl game in January on ESPN that a lot of people watched: can only help recruiting and exposure.
My point is IU isn't at Tennessee's level regarding Jimmy's and Joe's: it takes time. Despite this talent discrepancy, IU competed very well and was in a great position to win the game. In fact, we should have won! IU had a meltdown at the end, and I think one can argue that depth and talent played a part. The onside kick issue was definitely a coaching brain fart, but, we weren't exactly doing much on offense or defense at the end, either.
I don't like moral victories and am still pissed off we lost. But, I also realize this year was a big step in the right direction. IU just has to keep taking steps. I'm also glad that I am pissed off about IU losing football games. Even though we lost, this game was an exciting, entertaining bowl game in January on ESPN that a lot of people watched: can only help recruiting and exposure.