Lets get the clever photo out of the way.
Yes. I am serious this time.
I don’t get too serious often. Ask those who know me. Laid back? Oh they know that guy well. This, however, has been brewing since I was eight years old in 1976.
Working On A Dream. That is my Bruce Springsteen induced theme for tomorrow. If I am going to sit through cold, damp conditions at age 51, it better be worth it.
In 1976 my Dad and I sat and watched the #1 ranked Michigan Wolverines shove around the Indiana Hoosiers. Final Score: Maize and Blue 35 Cream and Crimson 0. I still remember that day. I hated it. I was glad to be watching a game with my Dad. We’ve seen many together. I hated the result.
In 1999 I witnessed the Indiana Hoosiers almost pull off a miracle finish against the Michigan Wolverines. An Indiana receiver had a chance to haul in a pass that would have won it. I have no doubt he is still haunted. I can commiserate. I missed a 44 yard field goal wide left in the first game of my senior high school season. Had plenty on it. The score was 0-0 after that missed kick in the 4th quarter. We lost 7-0. It will haunt me forever.
That 1999 season Michigan finished 10-2 and Indiana finished 4-7.
After that IU loss, it was tough to take I can tell you, I have avoided games in Bloomington when Michigan has come calling.
The Indiana Hoosiers have beaten the Michigan Wolverines one time in my lifetime. I got here in 1968. A 14-10 victory in the rain in 1987 was the last time the Hoosiers beat Michigan. That’s it so far. Until tomorrow.
I was a believer in this Indiana Football team from the beginning. My faith stems from the hiring of Coach Tom Allen. Thank you, Fred Glass.
In my prediction post in August I said these guys would win at least 8 games. I meant it.
Want some perspective?
In the Associated Press era, the Michigan Wolverines have been ranked in the polls a total of 862 weeks. Indiana? 56 weeks. Sixteen and half years to a year and four weeks. That is what we have before us tomorrow.
And it is time. I think the Hoosiers will win tomorrow and get that elusive 8th win. The last time Indiana won 8 games was 1993. I watched that team in the Independence Bowl.
It is time. I BELIEVE.
Speaking the rights.
Danny Johnson