FG hired an inexperienced HC in Wilson and he raised the bar but peaked at about the time he gained the experience to be an effective head coach. We watched patiently as Wilson developed as he changed the culture but even though he picked up the recruiting it never reached the high level it needed and looked to fall off somewhat. Was it time to change coaches? I was ok with the timing but not the way or result of the change. So now we're back to square one (last year)with an inexperienced HC and we're told to be patient...and I'm tired of being patient. If we go through a cycle of hiring unproven coaches at a low salary every 5 years and hope it works out I think we need more time and patience than I have available to give.
Wilson did the job of getting IU off the floor and in the middle of the pack, respectable and no longer being blown out. But he definitely peaked sadly in my view.
Allen has the vision, knowledge and enthusiasm to be a combo of Heoppner & Mallory. An optimist who has high accountable standards.
You get 4 recruiting classes like this year's on an 80 man roster and IU will be bowling for sure, maybe even on a bigger bowl stage.
Believe Allen has the temperment, Hoosier roots and focus to get IU where it needs to go. It will take patience but from day Bucket Game loss was over, I've seen him address issues and keep right on going.
-Special Teams flaws (cost us MD game in my view) - new Coordinator role, scholly on all-american kicker, like last year's punter.
-LB - recruited about 4 possible new players.
-QB - got a 4 star recruit (over TN, FSU) and may add a grad transfer.
-S/C - knocked it out of park with the new team hire there. Already paying off.
He & staff also used the not going to a bowl time extremely well to get a solid 2018 recruiting class inked, and then quickly transitioned into 2019 class mode and have been getting an early jump on that and 2020 classes now, so I see no let up in their efforts at all.
Proof of course will be on the field, but I'm setting 2018 year expectation of 7-5 floor, good bowl game and keep the momentum going. The schedule is much more favorable next season and I think the depth and improvement is going to surprise people next season. There is still strong talent on this team.