Written By: Zach Greene

Amidst a drastic change in the college football landscape, the Indiana Hoosiers gear up for a crucial clash against Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket. It’s a rivalry that has been played annually (outside of 2020) since 1925 and is always the final game of the season (as it should be).

The impact of this week’s rivalry game can not be overlooked for Hoosiers fans. With much uncertainty in the college football landscape and the Hoosier program, IU will look to pull themselves out of the dog house. With a win the Hoosiers can take the air out of the tires of the start of the Ryan Walters Era at Purdue and send IU into the new Big Ten with the Bucket and a little momentum.

Next season, the conference will add four powerhouse schools in USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. With a win on Saturday, the Hoosiers will go into the offseason with momentum and energy that carries into the offseason which should be very busy.

Much has changed since the addition of head coach and former Illini defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. Coming into the game with the 3-8 record along with the Hoosiers. This is what stood out to Allen on Purdue.

“Well, different offensive system, different defensive system, so schematically quite a bit different. Obviously, they've always thrown the ball well. They're running the ball really well lately. Last two games in a row they've been over 300 yards rushing, which is very impressive. They've got two talented running backs and their O-line is being very effective in what they're doing. They've made adjustments throughout the season.” Allen explained as Walters takes over for Jeff Brohm who left to take over Louisville.

Both programs appear and seem to be a turning point in this wild state of college football. The importance of the history of the game is a key that Allen has focused on this week bringing in former players to talk with the players.

“Every single day this week we are going to have an alumni video speaker that is going to challenge our guys about the bucket, and then with a video, as well. So just constant every single day just to continue to educate our guys and make them understand how big this game is.” Allen said.

The bucket game is pivotal for the Indiana Hoosiers program and this university. As it comes at a crucial moment in a shifting college football landscape. A win will create engagement with the alumni base as it needs to recognize the evolving nature of the sport, especially with new powerhouse schools joining the conference. Beyond a traditional matchup, the “Bucket” game represents a turning point for the program and university, with a win carrying significant implications for momentum, recruiting, and program trajectory in the competitive college football landscape.

The Hoosiers have are just 1-4 against Purdue with Tom Allen and have not won the Old Oaken Bucket since 2019. The Hoosiers aim to change that in West Lafayette on Saturday.

The Huddle

As College Football Sets to Change, Bucket Week Provides Normalcy and Rivalry

Hoosier Huddle