My long time Indiana fan side keeps intruding into my head telling me 'I just hope we don't get whomped... '
That's tough to get over after so many years....
I was confident going into the OSU game last year (B1G Championship). I'm not quite there with this team. That's not fair to this team, but I don't think I'm being unrealistic either.
My IU family & friends ALL think we're going to get stomped. I think the crowd will be loud but fragile.
OSU is the best team in the country imo, and it appears IU doesn't quite have that secret sauce like last season (and may never again). Of course losing Mendoza was significant, but I think Ponds and Fisher were the biggest blows; IU's D has had problems getting off the field, as evidenced by the Nebraska game.
All that said, I'm not crazy enough to doubt Cig. I envision a first play, RPO/play action deep ball to Becker or Marsh. I'd love to see IU put OSU on its heels from the get-go. I know CCC is a conservative, run-first guy, but this team seems to have more big-play potential that last season's squad.
Anyhow, as I see it, two losses and IU still gets a CFP invite. Even if the Hoosiers fall tomorrow, I don't envision a scenario in which IU loses more than two (barring significant injuries).
Yes, last season spoiled the shit out of me.
If we lose this and to a team not deemed a very strong one, we could easily be out.
So a must win, or win out after a loss.
Solid chance with two losses, but it depends on how we look in them and how many 2 or fewer losses in lesser conferences, especially the SEC.
OSU is worse than last season, and it might be a lot.
Don't put P or Texas on a pedestal I always say.
