Hoosier motivation: Do it for John

If the times are a-changing, then what was it like before the changing? What was it like when IU routinely lost early and often? What was it like to be on a team that had, for the last three seasons, won only eight of 35 games played? \nIU senior linebacker John Pannozzo knows. \nIn 2002, Pannozzo arrived as a true freshman and started at fullback. He blocked like a beast, caught like a captain and played like a professional. Despite a 3-9 record, including losses in the last six games of the season, Pannozzo emerged as a star. He led all first-year players in receiving yards. \nTwo losing and laughable seasons later, Pannozzo is a senior. Coach Terry Hoeppner landed on The Rock and decided to move him to the middle linebacker position. Pannozzo, the Heisman Trophy All-State running back at Poly Prep, didn't argue for one second. \nAnd now, after leading them all season, the man who commanded the Hoosiers in his actions and in tackles, will likely miss the rest of the season with a hand injury.\nThis season has been the closest Pannozzo has come to a bowl bid. But with three games remaining and two wins necessary for eligibility, the Brooklyn, N.Y., native will have to watch Saturday's game against Minnesota from the sidelines. \nPannozzo's 5-foot-11-inch, 235-pound absence leaves an enormous hole for the Hoosier defense to fill.\nThe timing, of course, could not be worse for IU. It is one of the Big Ten's weakest defenses against the run, facing a Golden Gophers squad that leads all Division I schools in rushing with 284.5 yards per game. Additionally, IU is ranked last in the conference with an average of 140 rushing yards per game. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney is third in the nation, rushing for a total of 1,260 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry so far this season. \nBut the sickness Gopher coach Glen Mason feels from last year's loss to IU might still plague Minnesota as the Hoosiers need the upset once again. In 2004, IU surprised its own fans when it defeated the then-No. 24 Minnesota team, 30-21, in Memorial Stadium. \nThis year, the Gophers are unranked. This year, they are 2-3 in the Big Ten. This year, they come in losing two consecutive games. This year, it is possible for the Hoosiers to extend that streak and win their seventh consecutive game against Minnesota in Bloomington. \nNow, two wins away from bowl eligibility and with two home games remaining, IU needs to play for more than just itself. \nSome players play for fame. Some do it for pride. Some do it for the fans, and some do it for their family. Some do it for the students, and some do it for their sanity. \nAt a time when IU needs veteran presence, the man who personifies dedication, hard work and leadership won't be on the field or in the huddle Saturday. Pannozzo has given his heart on every play, and unless IU obtains a bowl bid, the true freshman fullback turned linebacker will have seen his last snap. \nThe Hoosiers need to win Saturday for a lot of reasons.\nNone more important than John.