Indiana Football: 3 takeaways from overtime win over Purdue in Week 14

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 25: Purdue Boilermakers fans reach out to touch the Old Oaken Bucket following a 31-24 win against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Football in the state has a bright future

This game should put both Purdue and Indiana fans at ease as it concerns the state of their respective programs. The Boilermakers have been decimated with injuries this season, and still had an opportunity — slim as it was — to make it to a bowl game.

Not only were the Boilermakers seriously affected with injuries, they were very young this year as well. The benefit to the injuries were the young guys that got to play. Freshman like wide receiver David Bell stepped up, and played well. The offense won’t be Rondale Moore or bust. The play of quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Aidan O’Connell give Jeff Brohm a good problem to have next season at quarterback.

Indiana has experienced a revival in their football program. Head coach Tom Allen has recruited well in Bloomington. The crown jewel of their recruits, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was hurt during the season, but flashed when healthy. There are weapons at the skill positions for the Hoosiers. Stevie Scott, Ty Fryfogle and Whop Philyor lead the charge for Indiana.

What’s most impressive in Bloomington is their defense. They don’t have any stars, but play well as a unit.

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This game had some really good college football players, and — much to the delight of IU and Purdue fans — a few pro prospects potentially as well.

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