Indiana football fans haven’t had much to cheer about in a long while. The Hoosiers have had just one winning record since 1995 and in that special 2007 season, IU played in the Insight Bowl. Five coaches later, and Indiana is hoping they have found their long-term solution.
There’s no reason for Indiana not to make some noise in the Big Ten each season. No, they’re not going to be like Ohio State or Nebraska but IU is hoping to take after Northwestern. And coincidentally, Kevin Wilson is one who helped lead the way at Northwestern in the last 90s. As the new-look Hoosiers get set to hit the field Saturday in the season opener against Ball State, there are at least five reasons for fans of the cream and crimson to be encourage.
1 – New coach, new feel
Kevin Wilson is making his head coaching debut. The outspoken hard-nosed football coach that is a no-nonsense guy and is willing to stand up for his players. He is not a cliche kind of coach, but one that depends production from his players. He has aligned himself with a great staff from various programs around the country and together they have the chance to do something very special. Wilson has spruced things up at practice and is treating the program with integrity. He doesn’t even open practice for anyone to watch (which is frustrating to media). He admittedly will learn some lessons as time goes on but he already walks the part.
2 – IU serious about football
On the same note, Coach Wilson carries a new mentality to Bloomington. First the North End Zone project, then a new academic center. Athletic Director then signed Wilson to a seven-year deal, indicating his dedication to the football team. No longer will it be treated as second-tier as IU is willing to put money in for a return on investment. And we’ve already seen that with facility improvements, weight room staff and a full-time nutrition.
3 – Better, more committed players
As the program elevates, as will the players. Like Tom Crean did for the basketball team, Wilson is doing with the football team – making it ‘cool’ for players in Indiana to play at the state school. Coach Wilson has talked many times about the impact the Colts and upcoming Super Bowl will have on future talent in the state. He is focused on locking down the state, getting the best, and then going elsewhere for a few additional spots. Coming in, he immediately said the speed and size wasn’t where it needs to be. He has upgraded it a bit, and guys like Matt Perez are getting bigger. (RB Perez can squat about 700 pounds).
4 – the Quarterback position is bright
Wilson is a strong offensive mind–that’s how he’s built his resume. He earned the Broyles Award in 2008 at Oklahoma, given to the top assistant in college football annually. Molding Sam Bradford into the nation’s top QB and the Heisman, future college quarterbacks are taking notice. Offense has always been the strong point for the Hoosiers but with that, Wilson has instilled a couple of strong defensive minds. Just this year, IU has three guys battling for the position- Edward Wright-Baker, Dusty Kiel and Tre Roberson. And competition is a great thing.
5 – Bowl games will become the norm
Most will think this prediction is bold but that’s just because the expectations are low. The top of the Big Ten is a bit down this year for example, allowing teams like IU to win a few upsets. After a getting comfortable, I expect the Hoosiers to make a run this year and years to come. Winning six games and becoming bowl-eligible will no longer become the top goal. Seven or eight games should become the norm.
Wilson understands fans love supporting winners and IU hasn’t won a lot in the history of the program. The team will give fans something to cheer about thus bringing better players to Bloomington where sellouts become the expectation…also meaning more money for the IU athletics budget.
I’m fired up for the college football season and anxious to see how the Hoosiers perform on the field.