IU needs some Philly fire

There’s no place like home. And by home, I mean Philadelphia.

The Philly faithful might have endured a quarter-century without a major sports championship, but the city’s passionate, yet hostile, fans remained faithful throughout the drought.

And now Philadelphians got what they rightfully deserve – a title, thanks to the Phillies’ 4-1 series win against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Call me a homer. Call me biased.

As a St. Petersburg Times columnist claimed, Philly fans “allow their reputation to be lowered down to the level of knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.”

So yeah, you can call me that too.

I’m still proud to call the city of not-so-brotherly love my home.

In Bloomington though, the zest is the complete opposite. For one, love for football does not exist.

Don’t get me wrong. B-town had its share of glory days. From Bob Knight’s basketball to Jerry Yeagley’s soccer, IU once stood as one of the top athletic universities in the nation.

But the accolades vanish when a town so rich in history and tradition slips in support for its sports. 

Hoosier fans: Don’t designate IU as one of the worst FBS programs in college football. Emulate the Philly faithful. Stand by your team through the good, the bad and the ugly.

IU’s season is on life support. The Hoosiers are coming off an upset win against Northwestern and must win at least three of the final four games to become bowl eligible. And contrary to what most of you believe, they have a chance to play 13.
Want an improbable run?

Show some spirit. Show some pride. Better yet, just show up.

It has to start with Central Michigan on Saturday, and let me be the first to tell you: The Chippewas are no chipmunks. They might be a Mid-American Conference team, but they’re more deserving than average competition.

Quarterback Dan LeFevour is one of the most underrated signal-callers in college football. His collegiate career has seen him throw more than 8,000 yards and 64 touchdowns.

LeFevour led CMU to two consecutive MAC titles. And this season, it’s evident the Chippewas (6-2, 5-0) will contend with Ball State for the conference crown.

I know how disappointed you feel this season. We in Philadelphia had our heads down for 25 years.

It wouldn’t have been an aberration of judgment to think IU was going to the postseason again when this season began.

No matter how depressed, how discouraged, how dissatisfied you might be, you need to suck it up and spark a turnaround, just like the players.

I know, it’s not fair to solely blame the fans. After all, they’re not the ones grinding it out on the gridiron.

However, if there was any support, any life in the bleachers whatsoever, 2008 might have been different.

Bill Lynch’s squad has no one to play for but themselves, and that’s not the right motive.

This summer, I learned a thing or two about players competing for their fans. I had the privilege to cover the Phillies on a game-by-game basis for a local sports station.

Just being around Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, I got a sense of who they really are. Those guys played for the fans.

Philly’s time came Wednesday night. Now it’s your turn, Bloomington.

If a Hoosier comeback is at all possible, you will play a pivotal role.

Here’s a start – try throwing snowballs at Santa Claus. Then you’ll know what Philly fever is all about.