Talkin the group of the first six games on this '26 Hoosier schedule.
Placing a 85% probability that each of these games is in hand, up a minimum of 2 TDs, going into each fourth quarter.
Anybody know where the early line at Nebraska stands? 15.5?
Which gets me to my point.
This will setup a majority of these first six games played with vanilla base looks on both Offense and Defense, as IU strives to perfect their execution on the fundamentals.
Wrinkles to the call sheets and depth of the playbooks will continue to be installed and practiced week by week, so as to have them if game conditions warrant.
Bottom line.
I think this team and coaching staff will strategize to not show their fastball and best breaking ball to put on tape for Ohio St. staff to scout prior to Oct 17.
There's also a possibility that in the early B1G games that are trending into comfortably controlled territory, some intentional misdirects will be called or emphasized as to create a team that's very difficult to scout.
Nebraska in '24
Illinois in '25
What possible result in '26 could match or surpass that level of early to mid season domination? hmmmm
No line out yet for Nebraska. FPI would imply a ~11 point line (factoring in Nebraska at home). Of course both teams haven't played yet, but it's all we have right now.
If Nebraska is that ~#30 ranked team FPI thinks it is, then I don't think that game will be easy.
I don't think any of those first 3 B1G games will be utter cakewalks. You're talking about a really disciplined team with a style of play that doesn't lead to a lot of blowouts (Northwestern) and then two atmospheres that will be pretty juiced with teams that will conceivably be better than last year. Finals scores will likely be 2+ scores, but I expect some fight from all 3 of those opponents as we work our way up to hitting full stride. In fact, I think our offense might take a bit to get going...Howard game aside.