Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

As the Indiana Hoosiers take the week away from the game field, we reached out to Indiana fans about the burning questions they had on their minds. I want to thank everyone for submitting their questions. Here we go!

From CaptainHoosier via Twitter: Do you think Dexter Williams or Jack Tuttle Deserves a Chance?

Dexter Williams absolutely should be playing plenty of snaps over the last four games of the 2022 season. There was a time to give Tuttle a chance (against Nebraska, Maryland and Rutgers), but that time is over. Tuttle has entered the transfer portal and while his is sticking around this year, he has no future with the program so these snaps have to go to Williams.

From Steve Appel via Twitter: If there were no buyout issues at play, would anyone really be arguing strongly not to make a (coaching) change given the current state of affairs?

Probably not, but there is a $25.5 million dollar buy out after this season and it does not dip below $20 million until Dec. 1 2024. So, unless there is a secret booster hiding Allen is here at least through next season.

From Keith @NuEastBeast via Twitter: Why has the strength program gotten a free pass?

Great question, Aaron Wellman replaced one of the best, if not the best, strength and conditioning coaches in the country in David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea. The lack of performance in certain areas and the injuries adding up will raise questions this offseason in that area,

From AdamB228 via Twitter: Do you think there is a possibility with consolidation if IUFB doesn’t get better we will get relegated from a Power Conference?

That’s the $100 million question. I believe it is a possibility and should be on the minds of every decision maker at IU. Loyalty means zero these days in college football. It’s all about the money and value a school brings to the conference. Unfortunately for IU, they don’t bring much value if their football program is a bottom feeder. Both the fanbase and the athletic department need to release that basketball, yes even IU basketball, does not move the needle as much as they think. There’s a reason why Kansas and Duke haven’t been gobbled up in these moves. Some people may be fine with football being relegated, but I don’t know if they release it will be an earth shattering move for ALL IU sports, including men’s basketball.

From DaddyHoosierXD via Twitter: Do you believe the Athletics Department and Indiana University are committed to having a winning football program?

They better be. See above.

From Colorado Kruggel via Twitter: Who do you think hits the transfer portal?

It’s hard to tell these days and I don’t have specific names, but history suggests second or third year players who want a shot at playing, players entering their final season and maybe some freshmen who think they need to play more.

From Derek Fields via Twitter: Can Indiana afford not pay the buyout and lose the fan support they gained?

Another great questions and involves some math. While IU is set to get an influx of TV money soon, that money has not hit the bank account yet. So one has to look at other numbers. IU would owe Allen $25.5 million if they fire him at the end of the season. They would also need to hire a new coach, which would probably be in the $20-25 million range. That’s $50 million just for the head coach. Memorial Stadium holds 52,929 people and is NOT sold out every game. If they did sell out every home game in 2023 at $53 a seat (on the high side) it would bring ing $16.8 million. So, it may be cheaper to wait.

From Justin Zirkle via Twitter: Why hasn’t the media been talking about this current recruiting class? And why aren’t these talent recruiting classes developing?

Well, in-season there are other things to cover and honestly there has not been much recruiting news to cover. IU’s 2023 class is 83rd in the nation. As soon as the season ends, I am sure the football coverage will shift to recruiting or lack there of.

As to your second question, to me IU has not used their rotations to their advantage, especially in a 2-10 season. The staff’s reluctance to play young players in blowouts certainly does not help. I also think that redshirting players, unless completely not ready or injured, is a thing of the past. This is also why qualifying for bowl games is very important, it gets the youth more practices.

From Samuel Kaufman via Twitter: What is Dasan McCullough’s potential if he becomes a full-time starter stat-wise?

Dasan has been fantastic this year playing all over the defense for the Hoosiers. The answer here depends entirely on what position he lands at as he develops into his body. If he is a linebacker, he could be an 80-100 tackle player. At the Bull, maybe he is a 10-12 sack kind of player. Where ever he plays, he will fill up the box score though.

The Huddle

IUFB Bye Week Mailbag