2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: Overview

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Welcome to the annual Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff for Indiana football. The Hoosiers are coming off a 4-8 (2-6) season that saw some improvements but was ultimately disappointing. 2023 brings in many new faces on the field as well as on the sidelines for the Hoosiers as IU tries to get back to a bowl game for the first time since 2020. While there may not be a ton of momentum on the field for IU, there is reason for excitement as the season draws closer. These are some of the things to look forward to this season.

1. Bob Bostad Taking Over the Offensive Line

Probably the biggest reason for optimism in Bloomington is the fact that Bob Bostad will be coaching the offensive line. The position has been a major hindrance to IU’s success or lack thereof over the past two seasons. Bostad comes to Bloomington with high regards after coaching at Wisconsin. His impact was seen in the spring as practices became more physical and featured more “live” drills with the defensive line.

2. Matt Guerrieri Calling Defensive Plays

Head coach Tom Allen relinquished the defensive play calling just a year after taking in back over in 2022. The good news is that the Hoosiers defense was better when Allen was in more of a CEO role and Kane Wommack was calling an aggressive defense. Guerrieri is an aggressive play caller as well which comes with big plays on defense, however they will sometimes fall victim to the explosive play.

3. Top-20 Transfer Class

The Hoosiers rebuilt much of their roster through the transfer portal. As of publishing the Hoosiers have brought in 22 transfers including potential impact players at nearly every position. The transfer class is ranked 16th in the nation and tops in the Big Ten. If the Hoosiers fail to qualify for a bowl game, it will not be because of a lack of effort to rebuild the roster.

4. IU Football in Indianapolis

The Hoosiers will travel up the road to play Louisville at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 16th. It is a chance for the central and northern Indiana alumni to catch their Hoosiers closer to home against a Power Five opponent in a climate-controlled stadium.

5. New Places to Watch Big Ten Football on TV

The home of Big Ten football on TV is changing. While games will still be on Fox, FS1 and Big Ten Network, the conference says goodbye to ESPN and hello to CBS and NBC. Not only is the financial windfall from this deal significant for all Big Ten teams, but it will also give games a new home and put more eyeballs on Big Ten programs. Also hearing the CBS theme for an IU game will be awesome.

6. A Real Quarterback Competition

The Hoosiers will have a real quarterback competition entering fall camp. It started in spring practice between incoming transfer Tayven Jackson and redshirt freshman Brendan Sorsby. Both had their moments in spring practice and looked solid in the spring scrimmage. However, neither separated themselves enough to be named the starter. This battle will spill into fall camp and knowing the history of Allen publicly naming starters, will likely not be announced until late in fall camp if at all.

7. Spittoon and Bucket Games

Trophy games are a big part of why college football is so beloved. The Hoosiers play for two, the Old Brass Spittoon (Michigan State) and the Old Oaken Bucket (Purdue). The Hoosiers won the Old Brass Spittoon for the second time in three years in 2022 and will host the Spartans at Memorial Stadium.

The Hoosiers have not won the Old Oaken Bucket since 2019 and will have to travel to Purdue to re-claim the trophy in 2023. It is the most anticipated game every season and one of the measuring sticks of the program is how it performs against the Boilermakers.

8. Tailgating

The smell of charcoal and meat on the grill sets off all types of excitement for college football fans. Tailgating is always fun in Bloomington and is a chance to reconnect with friends and enjoy the fall season in southern Indiana.

9. Friday Night Lights

I get it, it’s high school football night. Friday night games are not always a fan favorite. It’s hard to get a long tailgate in pregame due to work and it is a night that is usually reserved for high school games. The Hoosiers will host Indiana State on Friday, September 8th and it’s a perfect game for Friday night. It puts the Hoosiers on TV in a situation to come out with a win when the only other college game that night (right now) is Rhode Island against Stony Brook. All eyes will be on Indiana-Indiana State. Not only that, it gives fans a free Saturday to watch football (and do other things).

10. Hoosier Huddle’s 10th Season!

2023 marks the 10th season of Hoosier Huddle coverage of IU Football. We love covering the team and sharing the passion of college football with our readers. We have met great friends and created many memorable moments. We appreciate our readers and listeners and look forward to another season of bringing you Hoosier football coverage.

What are you excited about? Drop your answer in the comments section.