So we made it to a bowl game. Yes, you read that right. The IU Hoosiers knew what they needed to do and played how they needed to play to make themselves bowl eligible for the first time since 2007. Now, it is time take it a step further: get their first bowl win since 1993.
The New Era Pinstripe bowl, held in Yankee Stadium in New York City, was founded in 2010. Last year was the first year it featured a Big Ten team, where Penn State defeated Boston College on a final minute field goal.
So before we get to what the Hoosiers need to do to win this game, lets break down their opponent, the Duke Blue Devils. Coming into this game with a 7-5 record, they are not a team the Hoosiers should take lightly. The team had slipped their way into the rankings before losing four straight in December, but managed to win their final game of the season.
This final game was against Wake Forest, which was the only common opponent this season between Duke and the Hoosiers. Just as IU did, Duke barely slipped away against a less than stellar Wake Forest team. However, the Blue Devils will be looking to win their first bowl game since 1961.
Something that will be on their side? The fact that the group of seniors on this team has been to a bowl every year, but has yet to win one. Yes, you read that right too. The team has been to a bowl each of the last three years, but still has yet to come away with a victory. Obviously, they will be looking to change this. The Hoosiers are coming in with some of their own momentum, however.
After a daunting mid-season slide, the Hoosiers came back in no way other than IU fashion, to do what they had to do. It seemed impossible, at the rate they were going, that a bowl game was even on the radar anymore. You might recall my previous article, where I pretty much counted out a bowl game even happening. Well, I stand corrected. This team earned their way to this point in their season. And at this point, I can definitely call myself a proud Hoosier. However, IU is going to need more than their high powered offense to get them through this game.
That’s right, I said it. The defense is going to need to step up and play this game too. This Blue Devil team might not allow Sudfeld and his offense to put up 48 points like Purdue did. And the defense most certainly cannot give up 41 points like they did against Michigan.
All in all, the Hoosiers advantage comes from their end of the season push, and getting the win for their school. The Blue Devils haven’t won a bowl game under their current head coach. If we let them have their way, this will change. If we don’t, Sudfeld has the experience to lead his team to a victory.
Good luck. Go Hoosiers. And let’s get revenge on Duke Athletics for the loss that was blown out of proportion against our basketball team.
