How other Big Ten players view IU football

Several Big Ten players were presented with the question, “Is IU still the laughing stock or the joke of the conference?” at Big Ten Media Day in Chicago in late July.

“Whenever our team goes into it, we think we’re going to win it. It’s a rivalry. Every rivalry, no matter what, sees the other players as a joke. It’s no disrespect, it’s just a rivalry.”

Ricardo Allen, Purdue cornerback

“Oh no, not at all, not at all. They’ve grown every year since I’ve been in college. A lot of people tend to look down on Indiana, but they have great athletes, a great team and a great head coach.

All it takes is a great leader to lead those guys, and they’ll follow. That’s what going on. You can see it in the way they’ve been playing lately, and they’re going to be a problem.”

Malcolm Harris, Penn State safety

“They’re not a laughing stock or a joke. They’ve never been. Maybe fans hold that opinion from time to time, but I know you can’t afford to have that opinion.

In 2009, we played them, we won by three and it came down to the wire. Even when we’ve won big against them, they’re a very dangerous offensive team and they’re really improving under Coach Wilson. I’ve never called Indiana a laughing stock. Especially as a defensive player, I got a lot of respect for Indiana.”

Chris Borland, Wisconsin linebacker

“No, not the way they’ve played last year especially. You look at their Ohio State game. They’ve played quite a few teams really hard and beat some teams people didn’t think they would have won.

I definitely say they aren’t, and some other teams would say that firsthand.”

Bruce Gaston, Purdue defensive tackle

“Absolutely not. I don’t think there are any teams in the Big Ten that are laughing stocks. I think every team has their own set of strengths. Indiana obviously last year gave us a great battle. I don’t think there’s any reason to call them a laughing stock.”

Jack Mewhort, Ohio State offensive lineman

“No, not at all. I think Coach Wilson is doing a great job. Ohio State will tell you they’re not a laughing stock; they took them to the wire. Their offense is very explosive. I think they’re on a great track to being a very good team in this conference.
It’s not a team you just chalk up a win, especially with their coach.”
Corey Lewis, Illinois offensive lineman

— Evan Hoopfer