IUProfessor

Would people prefer to land Queen if it means we're starting Reneau and Derik together next year? Or would you rather miss on this recruitment if it frees us up to play a 4 out, 1 in style?

Tj Otzelberger

I don't mean this snarkily, so this is an honest question: who outside the IU ecosystem is saying May is the new face of college coaching? He may well turn out to be a great coach, but the analytics don't really support that lofty of a billing. Personally, I still think TJ Otzelberger is pretty clearly the best candidate.

Agreed, it's a tough situation. I don't know where I come down on it myself, other than that that baggage certainly doesn't make him a "perfect" candidate.

I'm not necessarily saying I would oppose the hire myself. I'm just pointing out the fact that Beard isn't a the no-brainer choice you are suggesting. Personally, I'd think there's a pretty good case that either TJ Otzelberger or Shewberry would be a better choice for this position than Beard, even setting aside the DV issue.

I can't believe this is a legit question. But considering that IU is first and foremost an institution of higher education, and the state flagship at that, I don't think it's unreasonable for one to believe that an individual who was so recently charged with such a serious crime shouldn't be leading the most University's most visible public-facing unit. Saying that Beard shouldn't be considered doesn't mean one isn't serious about winning. Especially considering there are a variety of other strong potential candidates out there.

He's not a perfect candidate. A perfect candidate isn't one who was fired by his alma mater for some pretty disturbing domestic violence allegations. Even if you don't believe those allegations are disqualifying, they at a minimum render the "perfect" adjective misplaced. Now, if you'd said he was a perfect candidate if IU is serious about winning at all costs, then your point would be stronger.

Still no updates on X or Reneau yet? Or did I miss it?

I will say that the cupboard of established, successful P5 coaches who might be interested, and who would fit the bill, is looking a little thin right now. Shaka Smart probably would come. I'd bet Pearl would come if offered, but again he might not fit the bill. Maybe Mick Cronin, if he's ready to get back to the Midwest? Beyond that, you might be looking at someone like Dennis Gates, who has lost a bit of luster this year. And even then, he wouldn't be that exciting (based on record to date). T. J. Otzelberger might be interesting down the road, but needs to prove himself a bit more before landing a job like IU. So, even if IU decides to move on from Woodson, unless you're convinced Dusty May is the guy, it might be better to wait another year or two.

For mostly doing things that would now be legal in the NIL era. Not saying that makes it OK, but the ground has shifted considerably in this regard in the last 5 or 6 years.

Agreed. Results on the court alone dictate he gets one more year, IMO, but these discipline issues make the calculus more difficult. That having been said, I also didn't see the 12 (?) game losing streak coming the Romeo year, or the bottom falling out the way it did down the stretch Archie's last year. It's not crazy to think something similar could occur this year, which would increase the pressure to make a change. Last thought - while I agree Woodson is not likely to just retire on his own, I do wonder if he'd bristle at being given some ultimatums this off season, and refuse to agree. I could definitely see him being too prideful to agree to some conditions that Dolson might put forward.

How did this one turn so suddenly?

For sure. He also had prior success in college at the P5 level. Like I said, not a perfect analogy. Still, I think the broader point remains. Woodson has proven to be a good enough recruiter he could still turn this around (rather quickly) if he seriously reflects on the shortcomings in his scheme, roster construction, etc. thus far. Is he willing to do so - that is the question.

It occurred to me this morning that while not a perfect analogy, you can draw some parallels between IU basketball under Woodson and Michigan football under Harbaugh. Both starred at their schools under legendary coaches, went on to respectable professional careers, and then had some level of success coaching professionally, before returning home to try to revive their alma maters. Both had some immediate success turning things around, but fell short of the desired goals. Then things started to slip. It took Harbaugh a few more years, and almost losing his job after a disastrous COVID year, to take a long look in the mirror, but then he changed schemes, assistants, culture, etc. I'm not sure if Woodson is at a similar point yet, but it certainly appears that things aren't going as planned, and IU is reaching a critical juncture under his leadership. Will he be willing to holistically reevaluate what's working here and what isn't, and adjust accordingly? Three years ago today, only a fool would have thought that Michigan football would go 40-3 over the next three years and win a national championship (Connor Stallions or not). IU certainly could have the same sort of turn around under Woodson, but it'll take a lot of hard work, and some real introspection.

If we can't beat a not-so-great OSU club at home after the drubbing on Wednesday night, it's hard to see a realistic path to the Dance. So this is a really big game.

I don't think you can rely on Newton to play meaningful minutes next year. I'd recruit a grad transfer type for one year as a back up at CG.

I was thinking Cupps with the CG and Galloway backing him up. Edit: But you're probably right. 7 man class adding Daquan Davis then.

Not to be greedy, but how about a six man class of: Salon McNeeley Tiller Queen Portal CG Portal 3/4

Any word on how this or the other visits went?

To expand upon a post I made on the Kansas post-game thread, win the next 3 then go 10-8 in the B1G here on out and you finish 20-11 (12-8) heading into the BTT. If one of those wins is Purdue, and you avoid a bad loss, that's probably firmly on the bubble. Go 11-7 in the B1G and win 2 in the BTT, and that's 23-11 (13-7) on selection day and you're in. If you look at our remaining schedule, it isn't crazy to think they could go 14-7 from now until the BTT: Morehead State North Alabama Kennesaw State @ Nebraska Ohio State @ Rutgers Minnesota Purdue @ Wisconsin @ Illinois Iowa Penn State @ Ohio State @ Purdue Northwestern Nebraska @ Penn State Wisconsin @ Maryland @ Minnesota Michigan State Hold serve at home, and win @ Nebraska, Penn State, and Minnesota, and that's 22-9 overall heading into the BTT. Trip up at home vs. anyone but Purdue, and you're still at 22-10 and right in the mix for a bid.

Win the next 3 then go 10-8 in the B1G here on out and you finish 20-11 (12-8) heading into the BTT. If one of those wins is Purdue, and you avoid a bad loss, that's probably firmly on the bubble. Go 11-7 in the B1G and win 2 in the BTT, and that's 23-11 on selection day and you're in.

Woodson sent him to check back in at 5:00 left, but it took over a minute to get a whistle.

I thought the game was lost by not attacking McCullar more, especially once he picked up his 4th. He played with 4 for 8 or 10 minutes it felt like. Get him out, and IU wins.

This strikes me as the key point in this entire debate. By year three this is Woody's roster, for better or worse.

Any updates on X's status? Game time decision?