Indiana at The Voice of College Football

Welcome to Indiana at The Voice of College Football Network, your home for In-depth discussion, debate, & analysis on all things Indiana. We have you covered from offseason all the way to game day. Join us as we embark on another season!Go Hoosiers!For business inquiries please contact: Markrogerstv@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indiana at The Voice of College Football is a news podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 129 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 82. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Indiana at The Voice of College Football, a news show with 129 episodes published.

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  Episode #128

  Talkin' Ball w/ @tbhoosiers / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 95

  Aug 19, 20261h 17m

  Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 95 — Talkin’ Ball with Tim (Kirkwood & Dunn) Host: Alec Keezer Guest: Tim (@TBHoosiers) Presented by FanDuel Intro & Kirkwood and Dunn (0:31–3:17) Alec notes Brad is in Greece and welcomes Tim. Tim describes Bloomington move-in week chaos (wrong-way traffic) and a stop at the Convenient Mart at 17th & Dunn. Alec praises Kirkwood & Dunn’s growth from no podcast to a leading Indiana football voice with memes, GIFs, and high output. Tim says they’re on “a forefront” of fun, trash talk, and chest-pounding rather than the official forefront. Texas/SEC respect debate (3:17–6:36) Tim reacts to a headline questioning why Texas isn’t getting more preseason love despite talent and All-Americans. He calls it clickbait: Texas went 9-3, lost at Florida, and nearly lost to Mississippi State. They are a top-7/title-contender team, but they were “ass” last year and don’t deserve first-place votes on reputation. First time in ~20 years no SEC team received first-place AP votes. SEC fans are spinning on schedules (LSU-Clemson) while Indiana plays Western Kentucky. Tim mocks Alabama beat writers claiming the healthiest roster ever before the Rose Bowl loss, then blaming a “gauntlet.” Indiana’s schedule gets heat while the AD who helped engineer the current era is overlooked. Scott Dolson extension (6:36–8:20) Quiet extension for AD Scott Dolson; reported as mid-pack Big Ten pay. Cignetti has cited Dolson and Pam Whitten as reasons he took the job and wants them locked in. Tim traces IU athletic history (Rick Greenspan era struggles, Fred Glass facilities lift) and credits Dolson with navigating the post-COVID landscape, alumni engagement, and NIL. Keeping him is a “real comeuppance.” Memorial Stadium renovations (8:20–14:23) Need for upgrades is obvious after last year’s atmosphere. Tim expects suites/luxury boxes and press-box gut first, not 20k-seat expansion. Possible east-side second-deck boxes or south-end-zone tweaks. Fan-experience items (bathrooms, etc.) also needed. Momentum is unprecedented (football engagement now exceeds basketball in dollars/volume). They must get shovels in the ground quickly after the season to lock in donations/NIL rather than wait until 2029. January timing is awkward, but post-last-home-game work on the press box is realistic. Cignetti as QB developer + Hoover/Mendoza (14:35–26:56) National media is lazy: they apply 2010–2020 criteria (high-school recruiting, returning NFL talent) and assume losing a Heisman/No. 1 pick means a drop. Cignetti/Shanahan have a decade-long track record of immediately getting the best season out of a new QB. Last year’s success was defense-first (best or second-best in the country), an upgraded OL, and a strong run game—not solely Mendoza. Hoover will have his best season; turnovers will drop. The question is how quickly the staff develops the same situational chemistry they had by the playoffs (slot fade to Becker, drag to Cooper, etc.). Comfort by the Ohio State game is the checkpoint. Mendoza comp: Brock Purdy if he were 6-5. Accurate, sturdy/mobile enough for boots and draws, cerebral. “Quarterbacks don’t fail; teams fail quarterbacks.” Raiders surroundings (Lindenbaum, Gentry, Bowers) give him a chance to build. Running back room (26:56–30:03) Tim is not a Lee Beebe “stand” (UAB tape wasn’t Barry Sanders). Leans Turbo Richards (produced at BC, which is Purdue-level). Kalon Black’s pass-pro was a comfort last year; unclear if Richards or others match it on third-and-long. Expect rotation. Weight-room photos of Richards and Brock Shop look elite. Joe Brunner / OL (30:03+) Brunner at right tackle is a real concern. He has the size/length (6-5 to 6-7) for a premium tackle but never played the position at Wisconsin, which suggests it wasn’t working in practice. Defense (47:23–1:02:17) BTN’s Dave Revson called the DL the best he’s seen in 20 years. Tim: one of the best college DLs in the last 10 years and clearly the best in the Big Ten (Oregon comparison doesn’t hold on depth). Wyatt, Daly returning; Obianzor, Tucker, Landino look like beasts. Could be better than last year’s top-2 unit. Bigger impact: Kellen Wyatt (better pure rusher and size) over Stephen Daly, though Daly is further along in rehab. Health is everything. Alignments: more five-down-linemen looks and 4-2-5 with Byron Baldwin Jr. at rover than traditional three-LB sets. Highly matchup-dependent (more Daly vs. Michigan run game, different edge techniques vs. Nebraska). Haynes will mix stunts, drops, and games. Sacks leader: Wyatt if healthy. Expect the production flip from last year’s LB-heavy sacks (Hardy/Jones) to the DL winning one-on-ones. Interior guys (Landino/Tucker) won’t lead it. Freshman/soph impact: Baldwin already signaled for snaps. Curious about Henry Olinger (Ohio four-star). Savage and Jaden Williams mentioned by Cignetti; mental readiness (Haynes scheme, zone adjustments) matters more than physical traits. Aiden Fisher’s superpower was always being in the right spot. CB opposite Jamari Sharp (1:02:17–1:05:00) Ideal world: AJ Harris wins it (physical talent, Penn State flashes). Ryan Gandy has the experience edge (started and won a game last year) and may start the year. Harris will get plenty of run to rehab his play. Hoover camp / season outlook (1:05:00–1:09:27) No contrary reports; he’s on schedule. Staff will not publicly say they missed. Expect some early miscommunications. Hoover-or-die all year; they go as far as he takes them. Cignetti cares more about failures than successes. Toughest game: Ohio State (only one that could be in doubt during the game). At Washington is the next-most-likely loss (travel, decent mobile QB). Michigan could be an ugly 20-15-type game if Whittingham gets the crowd going and Underwood is merely “better than last year.” Why the media still won’t tell the truth (1:09:27–1:13:40) Not anti-Indiana bias so much as human reluctance to update a long-held belief. Generations marked Indiana as a W. The jump from “dog shit” to title contender in two years is too fast even with the evidence (returning elite defense, OL, coordinators, WR talent, QB-development track record). If the helmet said Georgia or Alabama it would be a runaway No. 1. Traitors (Australia S2) analogy: mountain of evidence ignored at voting time. 2027 recruiting / high school (1:13:40–end) Most excited for Mondrian — biggest IU recruit in any sport since Eric Gordon. Double-covered on tape and still wins. Planning to see him; also the Brownsburg vs. Lawrence North opener (Aug. 21) and possibly Grimsley vs. West Charlotte for Romier Harris-Dupree. Outro: Follow @TBHoosiers and Kirkwood & Dunn. Brad returns next week for the season preview. Go Hoosiers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #127

  Fall Camping / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 94

  Aug 13, 202642 min

  Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 94 – Fall Camping Host: Alec Keezer (solo; Kirkwood & Dunn recording their own episode) Presented by FanDuel | IndianaVOCFB Show Open / Logistics (0:00–3:30) Solo episode after travel delays (United Airlines stranded host in New York; bag issues). Kirkwood & Dunn unavailable; recovery planned with Tim next week. Strong praise for Kirkwood & Dunn’s growth and recent Jermaine Wilson interview (high school coach of Manchon Sayles, Davion Chandler, Omar Cooper Jr., Donovan McCulley). Particularly useful notes on Chandler’s fall camp progress. Calls them “the hottest podcast in the game.” Upcoming: Tim (TB Hoosier) next week — all ball, no facilities talk. Potential “Tim and Brad Talk Bears” segment (both Bears fans). Adam Brenneman Take & Media Narrative (3:30–7:00) Frustration with Adam Brenneman’s recent comments: CJ Carr as Heisman sleeper (FanDuel +700), but Indiana can’t match last year’s level with Josh Hoover (vs. Fernando Mendoza) and may top out at 8–9 wins. Critique: Take lacks analysis (turnovers? scheme? etc.). Host notes prior access given to Brenneman and views the downplaying as unearned given roster/coaching staff messaging. Chat reaction and host view: Fuel for the team; “nobody believes in us” narrative persists even after adding Stephen Daly and Kellen Wyatt. Country repeating the same mistake. Exciting as a Hoosier fan. ESPN / Media Coverage Shift & Cignetti Film Session (7:00–13:30) Discussion of evolving national media tone (especially ESPN) toward Cignetti and Indiana — from skepticism through the national championship run to more positive coverage once access increased. Feels somewhat forced/“Red Wedding-y”; host keeps ESPN at arm’s length but appreciates useful content. Strong praise for the Reese Davis–Curt Cignetti film session (one of the best things ESPN has produced). Host still finishing it after travel. Key Mendoza points from Cignetti: elite arm talent, ability to make varied throws, quick reset, athleticism. Traits that also flashed at Cal. Indiana fans saw this all along; national narrative long undervalued him until the Miami run. Specific example: The EJ Williams throw vs. Iowa was not a practiced/called play — Mendoza saw it (after Whitmer showed a Herbert clip) and just let it rip. Undercuts “system QB / arm talent” doubts. Offensive System, RPOs & Mendoza/Hoover Discussion (13:30–21:30) Answer to chat (Rachel): Indiana’s RPO-heavy system reduces pure pro-style full-field processing. QB often reads one defender or counts the box, then decides run/pass/hand-off. Elite preparation and decision-making by Mendoza made it look easy; critics framed it as “throwing to open guys.” When asked to drop back and work the full field (e.g., EJ throw), Mendoza showed the full toolkit. Good college systems maximize skill players and attack defensive weaknesses via scouting + preparation. Mendoza’s superpower was preparation. Josh Hoover: Cignetti on film evaluation of processing. TCU asked Hoover to do a lot of “back-to” RPOs (turn back to defense). Indiana rarely (if ever) does that. Hoover sits in shotgun, counts, makes one key read, and distributes (Martin/Richard/Beebe; Becker/Marsh/Morris/Preston/Chandler/Bond, etc.). Hoover already has strong RPO footwork/timing from TCU (most RPOs in the country last year). Starts further along in scheme installation than Mendoza did. Host has zero concerns about Hoover operating the offense: “Josh Hoover is the guy.” Different strengths than Mendoza, but fully capable. Roe Hardy & Preseason Recognition (21:30–24:00) Long-time advocate for Roe Hardy (zero-star/all-state basketball background). True freshman starter, pick-six early, elevates in big moments (notably the Ohio State play that forced a missed FG). Cignetti gushing in film session and recent presser: still has another level as he matures and gains a third year in the defense. “Keep holding” Hardy stock. Indiana stacked on preseason award/watch lists (Jim Thorpe, Lou Groza, multiple All-America nods, Outland, etc.). Host notes it is finally matching the talent level that should have been recognized earlier. Pressers, Roster Notes & Defensive Line (24:00–37:00) Catching up on recent pressers via clips/quotes (Hoosier Review, Niziolek, Osterman, On3, etc.). Byron Baldwin Jr. : Long-time favorite of the host (written about since summer 2024). Tremendous ability; Cignetti says the only limit is consistency/determination — “he’ll be as good as he wants to be.” Highlighted the pre-Pons Oregon special teams tackle that set up the big moment. Was in line to start as true freshman before injuries. Joe Brunner : Praised Bloomington atmosphere after Wisconsin visit last year (echoed by Cignetti). Spoke to the team at flex; new transfers beginning to take leadership roles. Body profile leans tackle; staff notes on Adedamola Ajani (more comfortable at guard per Bostad). Defensive line identity (via transfers like Yelly and others): Brian Haynes wants pure attack/disruption. D-line creates chaos; linebackers clean up. Not gap-holding first. Tight ends: Cignetti named Barker, Shaw, and Gibbs as the three they will rely on (Thierry also working hard in practice). Gibbs (true freshman) notable given Cignetti’s usual caution with early elevating. Stephen Daly + Kellen Wyatt return : Transforms an already elite D-line into the clear best in the country. Wyatt was arguably playing at an All-American hybrid level; Daly led conference in TFLs with limited snaps. Both already know the scheme and culture. Depth so good that some projected contributors (and freshmen) are being pushed down; Tristan Abram entered the portal seeking snaps. NCAA eligibility frustration: Ongoing issues with fifth-year decisions for 2022 class and related lawsuits. Team proceeding as if Daly/Wyatt are eligible; host views ineligibility as the bigger surprise at this point. Close (37:00–end) Travel shortened the show. Massive shout-out to Brad for crushing his first solo episode last week. Next week: Tim (TB Hoosier / Kirkwood & Dunn). Full Kirkwood & Dunn episode dropping soon — go subscribe. Fantasy league still has spots (Yahoo); drafting ~Sept. 1. Reach out to join. Channel goals: chasing 1,000 YouTube subscribers before the season. Injury watch note across Big Ten (e.g., Oregon RB, Maryland pass rusher). Hope Indiana stays healthy through camp. Final emphasis: “Josh Hoover is the guy.” Unbelievably exciting time to be a Hoosier. Go Hoosiers. Key recurring themes : Chip-on-shoulder motivation from external doubt, confidence in Hoover and the RPO system, elite defensive line depth/production with Daly/Wyatt back, Cignetti’s player evaluation and culture, and the shift (but lingering skepticism) in national media coverage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #126

  Big Ten Media Day Recap / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 93

  Aug 5, 20261h 46m

  Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 93 – Big Ten Media Day Recap Host: Bradley Loomis (solo; Alec Keezer on vacation) Presented by FanDuel | IndianaVOCFB 00:00–05:00 | Intro & Setup Solo show for Brad. Keezer on well-deserved vacation; returns next week (and the week after with special guests). Brad heading to Greece soon (back ~Aug 25, right before Week 0). Excited to “fast-forward” the offseason. Fall camp opens tomorrow (Aug 5). Expect caps/shorts (or half pads); pads status TBD. Jam-packed show: fall camp expectations, recent Indiana news, Big Ten Media Day later. 05:00–15:00 | Fall Camp Expectations & Roster Outlook On paper this team is as talented (or more) than last year’s national champions. Capable of 16-0, but history isn’t on their side (last 32-game streak was Nebraska 1970–72). “When you’re in the big show… you’re going to be tested.” Last year tested by Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State (Fielding FG miss), Miami, etc. Dominated in January playoff games. Dismisses excuses (older roster, easy schedule, no injuries) as “ludicrous.” Celebrate the accomplishment instead of coping. Offense high-level : QB Josh Hoover: Don’t need Superman. Cut turnovers, fit the system, be himself. Cignetti + Tino Sinceri proven developers (Mendoza, Rourke, prior Sun Belt POYs). Strong defense + run game takes pressure off. RBs: Three-headed monster – Martin, BB (back from ACL), Turbo Richard (BC leading rusher). Depth includes Cuono and others. Health is key. WRs: Loaded – Preston Marsh, Becker, Morris, Chandler Bond as potential second-year breakouts. Returner spots open (Morris/Chandler/Shaz Preston or a RB). O-line: Brad called it the top O-line in the country on Mark Rogers’ late-night show. Depth questions but confidence (Ajani emerged last year). Starters (Cignetti Easter egg at Media Day): Carter Smith LT, Drew Evans LG, Bray Lynch C, Ajani RG, Joe Brunner RT. Biggest storyline = Brunner acclimating to RT (body type fits; got spring reps). Continuity lower than the Evans-at-C version, but body types optimized. 15:00–25:00 | Defense, Portal News, Stephen Daly Return Defense expected better than last year. Loaded DL, Hardy + Jones back at LB, elite DB depth (Sharp, Farrell, transfers Zachman/Quan Sanks/A.J. Harris + Byron Baldwin/Rylan Gandy). Tristan Abram (DE, year-2 guy) entered portal ~6 days ago; off the roster. High on him coming in, but Burris Jr. won the competition last year. Wish him well. Biggest news : Federal court preliminary injunction grants fifth year of eligibility to 2022 HS class athletes who exhausted four seasons (NCAA appealing; compensates for initial 5-for-5 exclusion). Stephen Daly is back (eligible and joining the roster). Big Ten TFL leader last year. Former 100m champ, now ~270 lbs of freak athleticism. Number situation TBD (currently Burnham’s #8). Reality check: Tore ACL Dec 1 last year. Don’t rush him. Depth allows patience. Earliest realistic window ~Ohio State (Oct 17) or later (Nebraska/Rutgers/Purdue stretch, Big Ten title game at latest). Fully ready by Dec/Jan for title defense push. Luxury of having him without needing him immediately. Other potential 2022-class adds with remaining scholarship room: Kellen Wyatt (rumors swirling), Holden Stays (TE – would help youthful TE room with veteran presence/leadership), Johnny Brady mentioned as eligible. Could just be Daly. Stay tuned. Daly = extra push for December/January. Cignetti diamond-in-the-rough find from 0-12 Kent State. 25:00–29:00 | Quick Basketball Pivot – Sam Alexis Same eligibility rule brings Sam Alexis back. Fits perfectly as backup 5. Allows Shirell to stay at 4 (pitch that got him here). Frontcourt: Iketolu + Shirell starters; Alexis provides needed size/depth. Better fit than a Keyshawn Hall-type addition right now. Continues D-Rock culture continuity (with Trent Sisley). Two-year plan: Make tournament (bare minimum with expanded field) this year, evaluate, reload, push Final Four/natty next year. Seat gets hot without substantial progress (Sweet 16 / B1G tourney title territory). Back to football. 29:00–45:00ish | Schedule Rundown & Minnesota Pick 12-0 “really on the table.” Only true matchup game = Ohio State. Doesn’t buy USC or Michigan highly. Early: North Texas (Taven Jackson revenge?), Howard (upset of all upsets if loss), Western Kentucky (good test for defense under Tyson Helton). Northwestern (home Friday night – should win), Rutgers (road – levels to this). Challenging 6-game stretch: @ Nebraska (blue blood environment even if underperforming post-Pelini; comparable to last year’s Penn State road test), Ohio State (home – B1G title rematch; questions on their D), @ Michigan (Bryce Underwood + first-year HC questions; Indiana knows what it is), Minnesota (home – Brad’s Big Ten surprise team). Minnesota: Loves the over 6.5 wins at +128 on FanDuel. Strong DL + RB/QB combo under P.J. Fleck. Back-to-back 8-win seasons; 6.5 feels disrespectful. Will challenge Indiana in November. Gamble responsibly. Later stretch includes Purdue (good potential Daly debut spot). Media Day / Cignetti & Culture Focus (later portion of show) New vibe: No longer hunters – they are the hunted. Replacing talent to the NFL is the cost of winning; they’ve done it before. Media still giving benefit of the doubt (5 first-place votes in B1G preseason poll; 3rd overall in 18-team league). Slightly slid by not being #1, but “spot the ball.” History/brand matters for benefit of the doubt. Cignetti masterclass in marketing/swagger (viral SEC call-outs, State Farm, video game, etc.). Players want to play for the bully who wins, not the picked-on kid. Train with no brakes / snowball building. Favorite Media Day quote (paraphrased): “Schematics are overrated. Blocking, tackling, running, throwing, catching – that’s the key to the drill.” Dumbs it down. Attack every day, get 1% better, watchdog for complacency. Standard/blueprint/workload/psychological expectation unchanged even with new faces. Expanded playbook, high standard of knowing it cold (summer installs + spring). Efficient practices (fewest padded sessions). Mental toughness + self-evaluation critical. Players (Carter Smith, Tyree Tucker, Isaiah Jones, Charlie Becker) talking extreme accountability, no skipped reps, stacking days/weeks/months/years. Experience from Peach Bowl, Ohio State, etc., carries over. Leadership vacuum from Fisher/Surratt/Black/Mendoza filled by these guys for a brand-new house. Cignetti background (IUP → Elon → JMU → Indiana) molded evaluation + culture. Comparison to Saban/Alabama – but Indiana doing it with fewer blue-chippers makes it scarier. NIL + portal evened the Power field; it now comes down to coaching. Indiana has the best HC/GM in the game. Only Georgia, Ohio State (and respectful nod to Clemson) can really talk. Closing Thoughts Potential to repeat (and even go undefeated again). Not putting self-imposed limitations, but 16-0 is hard. Expect ups and downs. IU got better today with Daly. Trench play (O-line + D-line) should be insane if healthy. Depth and development culture put guys in position to succeed (examples: Ajani, Ndukwe’s playoff emergence, Benson getting Chiefs reps after being beaten out). Snowball keeps growing. Gold standard of the 12-team playoff era. Brad itching for football; trip will help. Next show(s) with Keyser + guests while he’s gone. Preview Week 0 on return + FanDuel picks. Follow @Bradley_Loomis8. Like/subscribe. Go Hoosiers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #125

  Curt Cignetti runs College Football! / Indiana B1G Media Days Takeaways

  Aug 2, 202613 min

  Video Notes: Curt Cignetti Runs College Football! / Indiana B1G Media Days Takeaways Host: Alec Keezer (IndianaVOCFB / Voice of College Football, presented by FanDuel) Runtime focus: Big Ten Media Days breakdown (dropped Friday after reviewing footage) Opening / Framing Cignetti was the clear main event of Big Ten Media Days (last coach to speak, high anticipation, packed appearance, buzz around potential quotes). Strategic placement made him the conference’s de facto spokesperson. Peers showed clear respect for him and what Indiana has built quickly. He “owned the day” and “set the South ablaze” with unfiltered comments (especially SEC-related). Disagree with the take that success now lets him say whatever he wants: Cignetti has spoken this boldly since day one at Indiana (blueprint/plan comments in opening presser, “I win, Google me,” early Big Ten title prediction, “we want to be the best,” UCLA “kick somebody’s ass” remarks, etc.). Success has simply amplified the same style. Media is finally catching on that the electric, say-it-like-it-is personality was always there. Cignetti is a football lifer (dad coached, played growing up/college, coaching since age 22); peers recognize and respect that. Takeaway 1: Cignetti as the main event Covered in framing above. He has never minced words and continues delivering unfiltered Kurt Cignetti. Takeaway 2: “A whole lot of rat poison around” Host (and Brad) were frustrated Indiana was ranked No. 3 in the media poll coming off the national title. Still, widespread praise for the program, staff, players, Cignetti’s recruiting/developing, etc. This praise is a different form of “rat poison” (complacency risk) versus the usual underdog chip. Analogy to Thierry Henry: trash talk can fuel players; excessive praise can ease them into comfort. Refreshing that Cignetti spent significant time talking about staving off complacency. Takeaway 3: Clear higher expectations for (Adam Mola) Ajani Only player Cignetti called out by name. Not a public shaming of someone who can’t handle it; signals Cignetti sees high talent and is pushing different buttons to reach the next level. Projected OL starting lineup entering camp (per Cignetti): LT: Carter Smith LG: Drew Evans C: Bray Lynch RG: Ajani RT: Joe Brunner Differs from some prior speculation (Evans at center, Lynch at RG, Ajani at RT). Biggest camp storyline. Counterpoint: Tyree Tucker heaped praise on Ajani (grip strength, arm length, feet/footwork); teammates (Tucker + Mikhail Kamara) had told him last year he would play. Motivational contrast between coach and players is notable and exciting. Takeaway 4: Isaiah “Bones” Jones has evolved as a leader Not yet about on-field play (post-title), but as a media voice, leader, and focal point. Unquestioned leader of the defense. Cignetti compared him to Aiden Fisher (intentional). Discussed his role, helping young players improve, and levels of the defense. Only mom/dad call him Isaiah; everyone else says Bones. Excited for him with the green dot; expect another level. Takeaway 5: Tyree Tucker is an absolute star (in media too) Longest player breakout session found (~25+ minutes; nearly as long as Cignetti’s). Entertaining, emotional (talked about his mother a lot), funny, great storyteller, easy to listen to. Strong potential for a future media/podcast/analyst career after football if he wants it. Takeaway 6: Carter Smith is hungry Sounded like a player who hadn’t played in a year—itching to get back on the field. Missed spring reps (important for maximizing limited practice time) is less damaging for a veteran who’s been through multiple springs with Cignetti than for a newcomer. Reigning Big Ten OL of the Year still sounding this hungry is a big positive for Indiana fans; another level still available. Honorable Mention Listen to Cignetti’s short appearance on Pardon My Take that morning (quick, entertaining; host would have preferred longer but prioritizes Cignetti’s film study time for on-field success). Closing Observation Cignetti is operating at a high level as a media/narrative manager (“artist at the peak of his powers” — echoed from Crimson Cast). Biggest post-Media Days storyline is Big Ten vs. SEC, not “Can Indiana repeat?” He framed the us-vs-them narrative deliberately at the end of his presser so external noise doesn’t become a detriment to the team. Impressive understanding of how narratives spread and how to steer them. Host is grateful Cignetti is Indiana’s head coach. Show Notes / Upcoming Brad solo show Tuesday (9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT). Keezer back in two weeks with Kirkwood and Dungas (Aug 11). Working on a guest for Aug 18. Sign-off: Go Hoosiers. These notes capture the structure, key quotes/paraphrases, and emphasis of the episode. Cignetti’s personality, leadership expectations, roster/camp storylines (especially OL and defensive leadership), and media savvy are the through-lines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Episode #124

  Media Days Madness / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 92

  Jul 29, 20261h 40m

  Media Days Madness / Indiana Hoosiers LIVE 92 Hosts: Alec Keezer & Bradley Loomis (IndianaVOCFB) Focus: Big Ten Media Days, FanDuel props, recruiting, preseason bracket, Super League talk, Big Ten team expectations heading into fall camp. Show Open & Media Days Context Streaming across YouTube (Indiana at the Voice of College Football), X (SIGs Inside + Brad’s account), Facebook, etc. Big Ten Media Days underway; Commissioner Tony Petitti spoke today. Indiana and Curt Cignetti are the main event later in the week (Thursday). Brad will solo the following week from his new apartment and plans to recap Media Days + preview the Big Ten/Indiana position-by-position into fall camp. Active chat encouraged. FanDuel “Versus” Win Totals FanDuel dropped head-to-head regular-season win props. Highlighted matchup: Indiana vs. Miami . Miami +120 Indiana +175 Tie +320 Both hosts lean tie (juiciest price; both teams projected as strong 11-1 or 12-0 candidates). Miami favored mainly due to ACC strength of schedule edge and roster upgrades (including taking a conference-winning QB). Other props noted (Alabama-Auburn, Alabama-LSU, Arizona-Arizona State, Army-Navy, BYU-Utah, Clemson-South Carolina, Duke-North Carolina, UCLA-USC, Ohio State-Penn State, Ohio State-Michigan, Minnesota-Wisconsin, Iowa-Iowa State). Duke -145 vs. UNC flagged as potentially valuable given UNC’s GM Michael Lombardi placed on leave amid an HR complaint. Encouragement to post actual tickets rather than just offline chirping. SMU Names Facility After Kevin Jennings SMU naming its athletic recovery center after current QB Kevin Jennings. Discussion of the irony risk if he gets hurt, NIL implications, and comparison to Colorado’s jersey retirements (Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders). Jennings credited with leading SMU to the playoff—more team impact than individual accolades alone. Recruiting Highlights (Class of 2028) Strong early start with Lucas Proc , QB from the Hunt School (NJ powerhouse that plays a national schedule). Highly touted rising junior, already a top-10 QB prospect in early rankings, early commit, works with respected QB coach Tony Rassippe. Hunt School pipeline noted (e.g., Luke Waffle as a recent elite edge). Cignetti stamp of approval carries weight. Follows the pattern of early junior QB commits (e.g., Jamison Purcell paving the way for the 2027 class and Manchun Sales). Ripple effects already visible: links to top prospects including a high-ranked RB visit expected. Indiana’s overall roster talent ranking improved from ~77th last year to top 60. National championship + development track record expected to elevate future classes; Proc could become one of the highest-rated commits in program history (hosts joke about their internal “star scale” adjusting upward for Cignetti’s evaluation). Brad’s Preseason 12-Team Playoff Bracket Field of 12 with seeding adjusted partly for matchup/seed purposes: Indiana (defending champs, reloaded; most equipped for a deep/16-0 run; favorable home games vs. USC/Ohio State) Notre Dame Miami Georgia (SEC winners expected, but not unscathed) Additional seeds/teams: BYU (Big 12 path via Texas Tech title-game rematch), Ole Miss (Chambliss/QB upside; “disrespected” after semifinal run; Brad’s current Heisman lean), Ohio State (tough schedule, defensive questions, still high), Texas, Oregon (talent high but coordinator turnover + tough slate; can afford losses), Oklahoma, USC, New Mexico Lobos (G5 pick—Jason Eck’s group, returners, Mountain West separation potential; fun non-con vs. Oklahoma). Discussion of levels, conference strength, and why certain teams (e.g., Utah post-Whittingham, Texas Tech, others) sit a tier lower. Indiana viewed as Natty favorites even if they drop one regular-season game. Jersey Sponsors & Market Notre Dame’s SoFi deal (~$18–20M) sets the new high-water mark. Ohio State previously in the $15–18M range. Speculation on Indiana options (Lilly noted for aesthetics/local fit; other big names floated). Big 12 schools (e.g., Texas Tech) stuck with far smaller deals (~$1M) under existing agreements—viewed as a major self-inflicted limitation if Super League/promotion dynamics accelerate. Super League / CFP Evolution Conversations between SEC and Big Ten are real and ongoing (Petitti acknowledged frequent talks). Not purely “breakaway” framing—more about transforming the CFP/logistics and capturing more of the value the two conferences already drive. Hosts see movement possible in 12–24 months and view it as largely inevitable/positive. Extended brainstorming on relegation/promotion structure, feeder leagues (MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, etc.), regional (North-South or East-West) alignments, and how “relegation bowls” could restore meaning to late-season games. Jersey sponsorship money and existing media deals (e.g., Big 12) would need renegotiation. Comparisons drawn to European club soccer structures. Cleveland.com Big Ten Media Poll Indiana ranked 3rd (behind Oregon/Ohio State) with some first-place votes. Hosts call it fair externally but incorrect—Indiana reloaded best among the top group (coaching continuity + roster). Playoff Expansion Talk Petitti discussed a potential 24-team field effectively eliminating the Big Ten championship game. Hosts tie this back to Super League / Power Two dynamics. Big Ten Team Expectations Speed-Run (2026 Season) Framed as reasonable goals rather than strict mathematical win totals (can overlap). Rough order follows media poll positioning: Ohio State / Oregon : National championship Indiana : Make playoffs / contend for Natty (internal bar higher) USC : 10 wins / make playoffs Michigan : ~8 wins; solidify Underwood as future star / stay in contention for next year (young roster) Penn State : Bowl eligibility + prove Matt Campbell’s style translates Washington : Look promising / ~7 wins / avoid coaching hot seat issues Iowa : Maintain ~8 wins (hosts push for a higher bar of 9) Illinois : Bowl + a defining win Minnesota : Big win (Washington/Michigan/Penn State tier); Drake Lindsey leap + retain him. Sleeper path noted (manageable slate outside the top tier) Nebraska / Wisconsin : Bowl eligibility (Wisconsin also floated as possible Notre Dame upset candidate in Lambeau) UCLA : Bowl / turnaround under Bobby C (who has already guaranteed a Big Ten title) Northwestern : Signature/upset win (Colorado or others) to energize new stadium Maryland : Bowl + keep the QB and build around him Michigan State : Show life/progress under Pat Fitzgerald (potential to exceed low external expectations) Rutgers : Show pride, recruit the state, be fun on offense Purdue : Extremely low bar—“don’t even show up.” Recent results against Power opponents noted as dismal. Closing Segments Fantasy: Spots still open in the Indiana Voice of College Football Yahoo College Fantasy League (target ~20 teams; unofficial draft around Sept. 1). Upcoming shows: Brad solo next week; Kirkwood & Dunn the week after; return of both hosts later in August amid fall camp. Basketball note: Indiana basketball won gold at the FISU America Games (U.S. representatives). Freshmen combined for 50% from three—encouraging. DeVries confirmed a roster spot was left open for potential eligibility cases (Keyshawn Hall, Sam Alexis, or similar via ongoing lawsuits/rules). Promo: Subscribe goals (chasing 1,000 before the season), socials (Alec Keezer, Bradley_Loomis8, VOCFB, Indiana VOCFB), Cignetti Media Day reaction expected Thursday. Final FanDuel nod: BYU +550 to win the Big 12. Go Hoosiers. Overall tone : High energy, optimistic on Indiana’s trajectory (roster, recruiting, coaching continuity), analytical on betting props and conference landscape, speculative but enthusiastic on structural changes (Super League/relegation). Heavy emphasis on Cignetti-era culture and avoiding self-imposed limits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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