Penn State pulled the trigger!

[Bash Riprock]

21 hours ago, Yuccaguy said:

so 2 seasons of Football prosperity, and you think IU is somehow a 'blue blood'?  

I didn't see that comment made, but since you bring it up, some questions for you?

• Was IU basketball really considered a blue blood before Bobby Knight?  (yes, i am aware they won 2 titles, and had some success under McCracken)
• Was Duke basketball considered a blue blood before Coack K?
• Was USC football a blue blood before John McKay?
• Was Ohio State football a blue blood before Woody?
• What kind of success did Wisconsin football have before Alvarez?

Maybe Cignetti knows he can build something great vs going somewhere that while has a heritage for football, hasn't exactly been sunshine and rainbows in Happy Valley over the past number of years.

 

[Bash Riprock]

Good article from CBS sports about Cignetti. 
 

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/curt-cignetti-doesnt-have-to-leave-indiana-to-reach-college-footballs-top-tier-hes-already-there/?fbclid=IwZnRzaANbXuVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqKsUc1PUs7WYr58bal3rOiXsTKI-xUnHGDWS8n3gGwP2dEn6nyib3DV9gsT_aem_VIYe-i2Fq90r0S6xaLv9SA

[Irishman]

13 minutes ago, Bash Riprock said:

I didn't see that comment made, but since you bring it up, some questions for you?

• Was IU basketball really considered a blue blood before Bobby Knight?  (yes, i am aware they won 2 titles, and had some success under McCracken) 
• Was Duke basketball considered a blue blood before Coack K?
• Was USC football a blue blood before John McKay?
• Was Ohio State football a blue blood before Woody?
• What kind of success did Wisconsin football have before Alvarez?

Maybe Cignetti knows he can build something great vs going somewhere that while has a heritage for football, hasn't exactly been sunshine and rainbows in Happy Valley over the past number of years.

 

1. I believe IU was considered a top prgram when Knight was hired. 

2. Nope

3. Definitely was

4. Definitely was

5. None. I often used that as an example even before IU hired Allen. Wisconsin and IU were regular lower half finishers in the conference. It was so bad that when AT broke the Big 10 rushing record, Bo Schembechler said hell anyone could have broken that record playing against teams like Wisconsin every year. That was also a knock against the conference's regular rotation of teams that got to avoid Ohio State and Michigan every so often. IU and Purdue made their first Rose Bowl appearances being in that roatation those 2 years. IU benefitted from the conference's rule regarding the last appearance in the bowl since Purdue and Minnesota had more recent appearances than IU who had never been. They finished in a 3 way tie for the conference that season. 

6. Penn State itself only reached the level it had under Paterno. 

27 minutes ago, Bash Riprock said:

Maybe Cignetti knows he can build something great vs going somewhere that while has a heritage for football, hasn't exactly been sunshine and rainbows in Happy Valley over the past number of years.

 

Seeing posts that Cig is picking up players who have decommitted from Penn State. hmmm

[Bash Riprock]

24 minutes ago, Irishman said:

1. I believe IU was considered a top prgram when Knight was hired. 

2. Nope

3. Definitely was

4. Definitely was

5. None. I often used that as an example even before IU hired Allen. Wisconsin and IU were regular lower half finishers in the conference. It was so bad that when AT broke the Big 10 rushing record, Bo Schembechler said hell anyone could have broken that record playing against teams like Wisconsin every year. That was also a knock against the conference's regular rotation of teams that got to avoid Ohio State and Michigan every so often. IU and Purdue made their first Rose Bowl appearances being in that roatation those 2 years. IU benefitted from the conference's rule regarding the last appearance in the bowl since Purdue and Minnesota had more recent appearances than IU who had never been. They finished in a 3 way tie for the conference that season. 

6. Penn State itself only reached the level it had under Paterno. 

Seeing posts that Cig is picking up players who have decommitted from Penn State. hmmm

I am going to politely disagree Irish.  Go look at at USC and OSU's records before McKay and Woody....definitely not programs of dominance.  Had some solid seasons, but nothing like they had after their arrivals.  Could say the exact same of Penn State before Paterno.  

If IU was truly a blue blood before Knight, then why did IU select a relatively unknown youngster with very little coaching experience from Army?

Edited October 14, 2025 by Bash Riprock

[Irishman]

8 minutes ago, Bash Riprock said:

I am going to politely disagree Irish.  Go look at at USC and OSU's records before McKay and Woody....definitely not programs of dominance.  Had some solid seasons, but nothing like they had after their arrivals.  Could say the exact same of Penn State before Paterno.  

If IU was truly a blue blood before Knight, then why did IU select a relatively unknown youngster with very little coaching experience from Army?

I can concede on osu and usc....

As far as Knight goes, Watson stepped down, but still helped with the search for the next coach. But Knight really was not that unknown. Young, yes, but was a rising star. He was 102-50 at West Point, with 4 NIT appearances. The NIT back then was as popular as the NCAA tournament. Add to it, while Knight wanted the job, Watson and the AD pursued him as well. 

[PDB26]

1 hour ago, Bash Riprock said:

I didn't see that comment made, but since you bring it up, some questions for you?

• Was IU basketball really considered a blue blood before Bobby Knight?  (yes, i am aware they won 2 titles, and had some success under McCracken)
• Was Duke basketball considered a blue blood before Coack K?
• Was USC football a blue blood before John McKay?
• Was Ohio State football a blue blood before Woody?
• What kind of success did Wisconsin football have before Alvarez?

Maybe Cignetti knows he can build something great vs going somewhere that while has a heritage for football, hasn't exactly been sunshine and rainbows in Happy Valley over the past number of years.

 

I don't know, USC's first two coaches were 126-41 and McKay was 127-40. I agree about Ohio State. 

To your last point, I get the sense he's a guy that doesn't care about sunshine and rainbows considering he took the IU job. 

I think Cignetti has to be Penn State's first call, and I think it's unlikely that he takes the job. I'd guess the only way he goes is if he thinks player acquisition, especially out of high school, will be easier or have a higher ceiling at Penn State. I don't think IU––anyone––can live in the portal forever, and this IU team is definitely on the old side.

Edited October 14, 2025 by PDB26

[Bash Riprock]

1 hour ago, Irishman said:

I can concede on osu and usc....

As far as Knight goes, Watson stepped down, but still helped with the search for the next coach. But Knight really was not that unknown. Young, yes, but was a rising star. He was 102-50 at West Point, with 4 NIT appearances. The NIT back then was as popular as the NCAA tournament. Add to it, while Knight wanted the job, Watson and the AD pursued him as well. 

ok...that's fair....much of the AI stuff I ran listed him as an "up and comer"....this Star article seems to align with your thoughts more as well as this 257 article.

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2021/03/26/indiana-basketball-looking-back-when-bob-knight-hired-iu-hoosiers-history/6996601002/

https://247sports.com/college/indiana/article/knight-time-in-an-unruly-era-indiana-basketball-looked-for-a-disciplinarian-and-found-a-legend-in-bob-knight-219346470/

It would be fair that Knight took IU to another level....a true blue blood program during his regime.

 

[Yuccaguy]

8 hours ago, Bash Riprock said:

I didn't see that comment made, but since you bring it up, some questions for you?

• Was IU basketball really considered a blue blood before Bobby Knight?  (yes, i am aware they won 2 titles, and had some success under McCracken)
• Was Duke basketball considered a blue blood before Coack K?
• Was USC football a blue blood before John McKay?
• Was Ohio State football a blue blood before Woody?
• What kind of success did Wisconsin football have before Alvarez?

Maybe Cignetti knows he can build something great vs going somewhere that while has a heritage for football, hasn't exactly been sunshine and rainbows in Happy Valley over the past number of years.

 

Look, Cignetti ain't going ANYWHERE.  Let me say that up front.  But all I am saying is if IU wants to stay relevant in FB.   They really need to think about the 'future'.  

I honestly believe that Franklin is the type of HC that would continue that move forward.  But I also don't think that he'd be willing to be an "assistant HC in waiting" at IU to be Cignetti's replacement.  

As a fan of Missouri also, I can see what they have accomplished in the SEC (a conference that honestly they NEVER should have joined), in many sports other than FB also.  Coach Drinkwitz has accomplished a heck of a lot at Mizzou to make them FB relevant within the SEC.  And HE specifically is a 'hot commodity' also.  

As for "Happy Valley".  Their issue is simple...  Joe Pa ain't walking through that door.  Times have changed, the landscape has also.   Just as with IU Basketball, the days of R.M. Knight are gone.  Deal with the situation TODAY and stop thinking 'past glory' is an advantage.  

I give you North Carolina Basketball as an example also.  

[Komets2727]

12 hours ago, Yuccaguy said:

Look, Cignetti ain't going ANYWHERE.  Let me say that up front.  But all I am saying is if IU wants to stay relevant in FB.   They really need to think about the 'future'.  

I honestly believe that Franklin is the type of HC that would continue that move forward.  But I also don't think that he'd be willing to be an "assistant HC in waiting" at IU to be Cignetti's replacement.  

As a fan of Missouri also, I can see what they have accomplished in the SEC (a conference that honestly they NEVER should have joined), in many sports other than FB also.  Coach Drinkwitz has accomplished a heck of a lot at Mizzou to make them FB relevant within the SEC.  And HE specifically is a 'hot commodity' also.  

As for "Happy Valley".  Their issue is simple...  Joe Pa ain't walking through that door.  Times have changed, the landscape has also.   Just as with IU Basketball, the days of R.M. Knight are gone.  Deal with the situation TODAY and stop thinking 'past glory' is an advantage.  

I give you North Carolina Basketball as an example also.  

I generally agree with most of your takes, but not on Franklin. Guy is a stooge, great recruiter, terrible coach. Freezes in the big moments. I rate him higher than that clown at Michigan, Sherrone Moore, but that ain’t saying much. 

[Bash Riprock]

15 hours ago, Yuccaguy said:

Look, Cignetti ain't going ANYWHERE.  Let me say that up front.  But all I am saying is if IU wants to stay relevant in FB.   They really need to think about the 'future'.  

I honestly believe that Franklin is the type of HC that would continue that move forward.  But I also don't think that he'd be willing to be an "assistant HC in waiting" at IU to be Cignetti's replacement.  

As a fan of Missouri also, I can see what they have accomplished in the SEC (a conference that honestly they NEVER should have joined), in many sports other than FB also.  Coach Drinkwitz has accomplished a heck of a lot at Mizzou to make them FB relevant within the SEC.  And HE specifically is a 'hot commodity' also.  

As for "Happy Valley".  Their issue is simple...  Joe Pa ain't walking through that door.  Times have changed, the landscape has also.   Just as with IU Basketball, the days of R.M. Knight are gone.  Deal with the situation TODAY and stop thinking 'past glory' is an advantage.  

I give you North Carolina Basketball as an example also.  

Hey YG....no disagreement with your thoughts.  I was just thinking about the blue blood comment...and agree IU isn't a blue blood at this time in football.  But as we all know, most if all blue bloods today didn't start out as blue bloods, and it took a coach to get the ball rolling, change the culture and move them into blue blood status.  I also think that blue blood status can also be lost.  (over time)

When it comes to Franklin, I am not sure how I feel.  Definitely a good coach....but is he elite?  As an IU fan, before Cignetti would have jumped over the moon if they got Franklin....now, admittedly I am spoiled.  

[Coach Nowlin]

The Term BLUE BLOOD is pointless now, no such thing

MONEY vs NO MONEY 

that is the zero sum game now

Kids are not choosing to go schools because of this mythical made up term, they are going because that is where the money is 

[Coach Nowlin]

Of course, unless you are talking about Purdue Basektball 🙂 

Then you get paid less it seems but you prioritze winning first, money second 

sorry couldn't resist 

[Yuccaguy]

5 hours ago, Komets2727 said:

I generally agree with most of your takes, but not on Franklin. Guy is a stooge, great recruiter, terrible coach. Freezes in the big moments. I rate him higher than that clown at Michigan, Sherrone Moore, but that ain’t saying much. 

I am not trying to make any aspersions... But can YOU make the same assumptions on the HS level within IN?  2025 has been EYE-OPENING in the Fort Wayne Area this year with regards to those who have traditionally TRAMPLED over their opponents without any effort, yet come up short at big occasions?  

Yet, this season they are just middling?  Are you ready to join a chorus that will be calling for "change"?  I wouldn't be...  James Franklin style.  I am fine with the tone, tenor and overall reach of the program over the years.  

[Yuccaguy]

2 hours ago, Bash Riprock said:

Hey YG....no disagreement with your thoughts.  I was just thinking about the blue blood comment...and agree IU isn't a blue blood at this time in football.  But as we all know, most if all blue bloods today didn't start out as blue bloods, and it took a coach to get the ball rolling, change the culture and move them into blue blood status.  I also think that blue blood status can also be lost.  (over time)

When it comes to Franklin, I am not sure how I feel.  Definitely a good coach....but is he elite?  As an IU fan, before Cignetti would have jumped over the moon if they got Franklin....now, admittedly I am spoiled.  

I am also, Cignetti is something SPECIAL to IU.   They pulled a diamond out in the rough, and are now getting the fruits of his knowledge and leadership.  

[Yuccaguy]

One last thing.  I am ready for postseason HS football.  Coming over here and talking about other things is killing me.   

 

[PDB26]

On 10/14/2025 at 10:11 AM, Coach Nowlin said:

Some noise coming out from Not So Happy Valley, wonder if it was true that Adidas pulled the trigger.......  

I don’t buy it. I suppose Penn State, for some reason, could have agreed to a on-field performance clause that would allow Adidas to cancel the deal, and they fired Franklin in order to prevent Adidas from enforcing that clause.

I think the report is especially dubious because Franklin is obligated to mitigate Penn State’s damages. He’s a known quantity and great recruiter. Some program will come along and make him a highly paid coach, soon. Depending on his salary and length of contract, Penn State’s total obligation could be reduced to zero.

It’s already rumored that MSU is sniffing around, and there are plenty of programs that could use him. 

[Coach Nowlin]

7 hours ago, Yuccaguy said:

I am also, Cignetti is something SPECIAL to IU.   They pulled a diamond out in the rough, and are now getting the fruits of his knowledge and leadership.  

first time I really heard of him, IFCA clinic, he spoke, I listened, and texted all my Purdue peeps, "UH OH, IU got it right and its not even close, runaway "   Then next night Walters spoke, same thread... "PU IS IS DEEP TROUBLE compated to the DUDE IU just got " 

[Irishman]

Cig is OFF the table gents...posting on the IU topic now. 

[Impartial_Observer]

21 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

first time I really heard of him, IFCA clinic, he spoke, I listened, and texted all my Purdue peeps, "UH OH, IU got it right and its not even close, runaway "   Then next night Walters spoke, same thread... "PU IS IS DEEP TROUBLE compated to the DUDE IU just got " 

[PHJIrish]

On 10/15/2025 at 7:33 PM, PDB26 said:

I don’t buy it. I suppose Penn State, for some reason, could have agreed to a on-field performance clause that would allow Adidas to cancel the deal, and they fired Franklin in order to prevent Adidas from enforcing that clause.

I think the report is especially dubious because Franklin is obligated to mitigate Penn State’s damages. He’s a known quantity and great recruiter. Some program will come along and make him a highly paid coach, soon. Depending on his salary and length of contract, Penn State’s total obligation could be reduced to zero.

It’s already rumored that MSU is sniffing around, and there are plenty of programs that could use him. 

Iowa could use James if Ferentz retires.  They think 9-3 records are just fine out there.

7 hours ago, Irishman said:

Cig is OFF the table gents...posting on the IU topic now. 

It's proof that IU is now a football school too!  It sure took 'em awhile to get there!

[Impartial_Observer]

8 hours ago, PHJIrish said:

Iowa could use James if Ferentz retires.  They think 9-3 records are just fine out there.

It's proof that IU is now a football school too!  It sure took 'em awhile to get there!

No pressure on the new BB coach. 

[PDB26]

16 hours ago, PHJIrish said:

Iowa could use James if Ferentz retires.  They think 9-3 records are just fine out there.

It's proof that IU is now a football school too!  It sure took 'em awhile to get there!

Obviously things had run their course at Penn State, and I’ve been critical of Franklin’s in-game prowess in the past, but are there more than three or four other Big Ten programs that for sure wouldn’t be improved under him? 

8 hours ago, Impartial_Observer said:

No pressure on the new BB coach. 

Was thinking the same thing this morning. In the shadow of both Knight and Cignetti.