Weighing Pro's and Con's of the 2010 Schedule

Here is my take on the 2010 schedule as of now.

Pro's- Looking at the schedule, the non-conference schedule seems pretty weak. However, given the state of IU football it is extremely important that we get back to a bowl game next season. This schedule will set us up nicely to go 4-0 in non-conference play and then we will only have to win 2 big ten games to become bowl eligible. Before we went to the insight bowl our recruiting class only had 5 three star recruits. After the bowl game appearance our recruiting class jumped to 13 three star recruits providing our roster with some instant impact players and quality depth that will improve the football team for years to come. By making a bowl game next season and increase the quality players in the next years recruiting class, we can stock up some much needed talent before our schedule add's teams like Mizzou, USF, Virginia, Navy etc...

Con's- It might be a little bit harder for fans to get pumped up for the Towson, Arkansas State and Akron games. Top recruits like to see big games scheduled on a teams schedule to get them more media attention and more nationally viewed games. One of my other concerns is that it won't prepare us as much for big ten play then other BCS schools would. We play three straight weaker opponents and then have to play Michigan and Ohio State back to back to kick off big ten play. Less attendance will lead to lower football revenues and it seems like a daunting task to sell out games against weaker opponents.

This season will be detrimental in allowing the coaching staff to sell the idea of IU being a program on the rise to future recruits. It is extremely important to have a bowl game appearance next season so we can get a boost in recruiting before our schedule gets tougher in the future. We played a lot tougher this season than the last season and we are getting close to turning the corner in this program and another bowl appearance could get the wheels on the bus rolling again.

What do you guys think of the 2010 schedule? Is it too easy? Just what the doctor ordered?

Polk to play in Texas vs. Nation game

Per IUhoosiers.com

Safety Nick Polk will participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Texas vs. the Nation Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 6. The fourth annual contest will kick off at noon MST at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
Polk joins teammate Jammie Kirlew on the Nation squad. Florida Atlantic head coach Howard Schnellenberger will coach the team.
The Milwaukee native closed out his Hoosier career with 40 starts, 31 at free safety and nine at wide receiver, and appeared in 43 overall games. He posted 179 tackles, 131 solo, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his three years on defense. Polk caught 33 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown in his lone season at wideout.
He finished the 2009 campaign with 53 tackles, 42 solo, in 11 starts. Polk added two interceptions, two tackles for loss, four pass breakups and returned one kick for 29 yards.

After seeing how much Saffold's stock has risen since he played in the East-West Shrine game this could be a very good opportunity for Polk to increase his draft stock as well. Stay tuned for both Polk and Kirlew's performance in the game.

Saffold Draft Stock Up

Remember a few days ago when I said that Saffold's draft stock most likely went up after his performance in the East-West shrine game? Well here are some pieces that Chris Korman from The Hoosier Scoop found on reactions to Saffold. Don't be surprised if you see Rodger creeping up into the later 2nd round or 3rd round projections now.

Link

This, from Sporting News’ Russ Lande:
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana. "Saffold arrived in Orlando with questions about his quickness, athleticism, intensity and strength. From Day 1, he shined on the field. He showed the quickness and athleticism to slide to the corner and cut off edge rushers, keeping his knees bent and blocking with good leverage. Saffold proved he has what it takes to play left tackle in the NFL. He certainly moved into third-round consideration, and he could go as high as the second round with a string of good pre-draft workouts."

This, from NFL scouts polled by realgmfootball.com:
Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana–“he pulled up his draft grade at least 2 rounds with us” and “surprised me with his strong footwork”.

And the Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows:
T Rodger Saffold, Indiana. "I watched him whenever he was on the field because of the high marks he received in practices and because the 49ers need a tackle. He definitely has quick feet. He was able to slide well and reach the second level quickly on running plays. However, he seemed to get off balance too much in pass protection, which allowed his opponent to pull him forward and then get past Saffold on the edge. Saffold also was called for a false start."

Tracy Porter on Dan Dakich Radio Show

Here is a link the the conversation Dan Dakich had with Tracy Porter after the thriller NFC Championship game.
Link

Tracy Porter Interception vs Minnesota Vikings

Just in case you missed it, here is the crucial INT made by former Hooiser Tracy Porter in the final minute of play against the Vikings in the NFC Championship game. Porter finished the game with 8 solo tackles, 1 pass deflection and an interception returned for 26 yards.

Former Recruit Commits to Michigan

Former IU commit Jibreel Black has committed to the University of Michigan today. (Link)

Jibreel who originally committed to IU, de-committed and verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati. Since the head coach Brian Kelley left to become the Notre Dame coach, Black opened up his recruitment again. He took visits to UC, MSU, UM and had one scheduled for IU next weekend but has decided to commit to the Wolverine program. Jibreel was a 4 star recruit on scout.com. 

More Shrine Game Analysis

Here is what SI writer Tony Pauline had to say about Rodger Saffold's performance at the shrine game. It seems like the consensus is that the game definitely improved Saffold's draft stock.

"Saffold was another impressive lineman who really improved his draft
stock. He blocked with great fundamentals, showed solid footwork in pass protection and was much stronger than people thought. He was impenetrable all week and solidified himself as a top 100 selection."

Link