I'm NOT done with this season and fully hope and expect IU to hit 6 games (if not 7) and go bowling still. I really do. But after 3 losses to 3 very good teams we weren't favored to beat, many of same pessimists are ready to fire coach, fire AD, call IU worst team ever, nothing changes, etc.
After this season, assuming Allen keeps the current recruits and adds another 6-7 in same caliber (or a few higher) which I anticipate, then that will be 3 years of recruits next year he'll have brought in.
Imagine what hope will be a better OL next season with some seniors flanked possibly by the 6'7-6'8 guys ready to step in and start at tackles (and move Cronk to Martin's spot at guard).
Then let's say Penix is starting QB, with 2 springs, 2 summers and one season under his belt, RS FR with confidence and the starting job. Throwing to good WR's (Westbrook back, Whop, maybe a David Bell, but Fryfogle & R Taylor back too). TE Hendershot improving along with other young TEs. Sampson James as lead RB, with Scott/Walker/Gest/Pechac behind him for great depth. That could be a really potent offense loaded with talent.
Next year's Defense is again losing people on the DL (but this DL is still not world beaters.) There are some very good DE's returning (year older/bigger) and some big boys coming in the recruiting class along DL that will be providing depth likely behind Jerome Johnson & 3-4 FR this year who will also be year older/bigger. But the LB's and especially DB's have a lot of athletes returning who've gotten a ton of playing time. That back 7 should have a ton of depth to rotate of players who are a higher caliber athlete than in IU teams past.
Then likely next year IU will NOT have to play as many FR, just the top ones ready to step in now on talent or those who warrant time up to 4 games w/out losing RS.
That is how teams are built over a few seasons, not the quick fix turnaround. IU has better athletes already right now in the pipeline. Give them the next 2 seasons and think we'll be seeing a really, really different caliber team on the field given current and future talent that will be here.
After this season, assuming Allen keeps the current recruits and adds another 6-7 in same caliber (or a few higher) which I anticipate, then that will be 3 years of recruits next year he'll have brought in.
Imagine what hope will be a better OL next season with some seniors flanked possibly by the 6'7-6'8 guys ready to step in and start at tackles (and move Cronk to Martin's spot at guard).
Then let's say Penix is starting QB, with 2 springs, 2 summers and one season under his belt, RS FR with confidence and the starting job. Throwing to good WR's (Westbrook back, Whop, maybe a David Bell, but Fryfogle & R Taylor back too). TE Hendershot improving along with other young TEs. Sampson James as lead RB, with Scott/Walker/Gest/Pechac behind him for great depth. That could be a really potent offense loaded with talent.
Next year's Defense is again losing people on the DL (but this DL is still not world beaters.) There are some very good DE's returning (year older/bigger) and some big boys coming in the recruiting class along DL that will be providing depth likely behind Jerome Johnson & 3-4 FR this year who will also be year older/bigger. But the LB's and especially DB's have a lot of athletes returning who've gotten a ton of playing time. That back 7 should have a ton of depth to rotate of players who are a higher caliber athlete than in IU teams past.
Then likely next year IU will NOT have to play as many FR, just the top ones ready to step in now on talent or those who warrant time up to 4 games w/out losing RS.
That is how teams are built over a few seasons, not the quick fix turnaround. IU has better athletes already right now in the pipeline. Give them the next 2 seasons and think we'll be seeing a really, really different caliber team on the field given current and future talent that will be here.