In-state rivals Indiana and Purdue meet for the 114th time Saturday. With the conclusion of the season in sight, each team carries a different attitude into the 87th meeting for the Old Oaken Bucket.
Indiana hopes to keep the Old Oaken Bucket in Bloomington for the second-straight season.
For Indiana, the end to a disappointing season is near. After a new coaching staff and new attitude, many were hopeful for changes on the field. As Colts (zero wins) and Hoosiers (one win) fans, there hasn’t been a lot to cheer about.
The trouble for most on the outside is that there has not been visible improvements. At just 1-10, the team has taken three giant steps back from last years 5-7 finish record wise. And like last season, the Hoosiers will point to the Purdue game for their only Big Ten win.
This is his first time IU head coach Kevin Wilson has been involved with the Old Oaken Bucket game. I’m sure he’s been told by faithful alumni that if you can only win one game a year, this would be it. The stakes are higher, fans are more into it. It’s clear Coach Wilson understands the meaning of a rivalry because while at Oklahoma, he had the Red River Rivalry against the University of Texas.
“You have the two institutions of the state. You grow up in the state and for the most part I’m assuming that the majority of the fans are pulling for one that the family has for decades or 100-plus years. It’s one school or the other. Again, to me, what makes a rival great is there’s a natural rub….”It’s family going against family and that makes for a little heated, bad blood rival. I’ve tried to tell our kids that not every school has that. I think we’re very lucky to have one.”
By now IU fans get it. They’re rebuilding, retooling and setting the limestone for the structure only Coach Wilson is picturing. They have had their issues but with the athletic department’s support, Wilson insists the program is on-schedule.
True-freshman Tre Roberson along with the dozens of other freshman that have played significant minutes and are learning on the fly. Instead of red-shirting like the previous coaching staff preferred, Wilson essentially wants the best guys to play, prove what they can do, and clean house of the players not buying in. All for the better.
2010 league-leading receive Damarlo Belcher was booted from the team a few weeks ago after repetitive violations of team rules. There have been others quietly leave the team like Kevin Bush, whose interest in playing faded.
The Bucket game for Indiana is a culmination of everything they have been through and a new beginning of what to look forward to. With the win, the cream and crimson can once again close their season on a high note; a victory, and most importantly, a victory against their rival.
The Hoosiers aren’t the only ones with something to prove. Purdue most notably, is playing for their sixth win thus becoming bowl-eligible.
Purdue has been quite mediocre in the three years with Danny Hope in charge. They have had setbacks like every other team, and finishing at the bottom of the pack is not acceptable at Purdue. Because the Boilers need the victory for their sixth win, a lot is on the line for Danny Hope. If they don’t beat IU, the only FBS team yet to beat another FBS team, Hope’s job is in jeopardy.
Joe Tiller built strong teams that competed atop the conference each season. Since his departure, their status in the league has been cruising downwards.
The mindsets are simple. For Indiana it’s about winning a big game, the Bucket game. Meantime, Purdue is focused on beating a team they should, winning on enemy territory, and becoming bowl-eligible.
Side note:
I absolutely hate the fact the game is being played over the Thanksgiving holiday for the second year in a row. The crowd was weak in West Lafayette last season, considering the circumstances. I wouldn’t be shocked this year in Bloomington if a weak crowd staggers into the stadium. It’s just not right to have the game when students are still out of town and unable to provide the quality college-like atmosphere. We saw it at Purdue last season and I’m afraid we’ll see it at IU this year and for seasons to come.
Good luck Boilermakers! It is time to add another “P” link to the bucket!