By 5 a.m., a swarm of crimson-clad early risers wrapped around Kirkwood Avenue’s Upstairs Pub. The few drowsy souls motivated enough to make their way to Bloomington’s social hub did so with the intention of snagging a complimentary Homecoming T-shirt — one that depicted Indiana’s Hoosier the Bison throwing Michigan State’s Sparty the Spartan into a bottomless pit.
The mascot-ified parody of the film “300” was a creative way to depict an impending result every Hoosier fan knew. Indiana was going to beat Michigan State.
About three hours later, the tailgate fields began filling up. Droves of cars inched their way through long queues before pulling into their designated lots, giving way to tents, tables and cornhole boards.
As the sun rose, empty dishes of eggs, hash browns and donuts were replaced with plates of burgers, bratwursts and nachos. The back-and-forth barrage of cornhole bags was replaced with crowded sessions of football catch as the Hoosiers’ Homecoming matchup with the Spartans drew closer.
With an hour until kickoff, some fans began sauntering into Memorial Stadium to take their assigned seats. Others remained under tents and sat in comfortable lawn chairs, content hearing the excitement from the cheers of those within. A few dozen were treated to a cover band’s rendition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” on the lawns surrounding the outdoor practice fields.
For those who annually frequent Bloomington in the fall, the tailgating festivities are nothing new. The Indiana faithful have long since mastered the art of enjoying adult beverages underneath the waking birds in the trees above. Still, this time, things were different.
There was a sense of calmness in the brisk morning breeze. The typically seen basketball jerseys were replaced by T-shirts that read, “Football School.” Students milled around in groups wearing apparel with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti’s face on it.
For once, uncertainty over the Hoosiers’ gridiron matchup didn’t cloud the air surrounding Memorial Stadium. For once, basketball enthusiasm hadn’t already replaced pigskin misery. For once, Indiana football was something to be celebrated.
“It’s a more unique Homecoming given where the program is and what’s been accomplished so far,” one IU alumnus said, standing behind a table littered with hot dogs. “It’s definitely different.”
A more seasoned Hoosier fan added more insight.
“I’ve had season tickets off and on since ‘72 and I’ve seen a lot of bad football,” Greg Murray, another IU alumnus, said. “For one time, we’re a football school and not a basketball school.”
Last season, the unproven Hoosiers steamrolled through their Homecoming matchup with a 56-7 win over Nebraska. While the impressive performance was, well, impressive, it was early into Cignetti’s tenure. The Indiana fanbase hadn’t yet seen what the program’s new wave of leadership was capable of.
That’s since changed. After a trip to the College Football Playoff and a historic road win against then-No. 3 Oregon, the Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the country in The Associated Press’ Top 25 poll — the highest national ranking in program history.
“It’s just astounding,” Bill Benner, former sportswriter for The Indianapolis Star and an IU graduate, said. “I just keep shaking my head, trying to suspend my disbelief, because I really believe that they are for real.”
Indiana was a 27.5-point favorite against Michigan State according to FanDuel Sportsbook. There were no questions. The Hoosiers’ biggest obstacle was a half-hour weather delay that created a rather lengthy halftime. When Cignetti’s squad returned from its luxurious locker room vacation, it finished off a 38-13 victory over the Spartans.
The students who weathered the storm, including a 20-row section of towel-waving shirtless men, were treated to a fitting conclusion to the Homecoming festivities. Redshirt junior left tackle Carter Smith carried the Old Brass Spittoon, the trophy given to the winner of the annual matchup, and jogged to the student section before hoisting it up to share in celebration with the outstretched arms of fans above.
It was a celebration worth having. For the first time since 1969, Indiana took home the unique — and possibly unsanitary — prize in back-to-back seasons.
Just before I headed into the game, I stopped by a small tailgate on the north side of the stadium. There, an older fan named Dick told me he’d been going to games with his brother since the 1960s, when he was in junior high school. His brother died, but he’s continued to purchase season tickets every year.
It’s difficult for me to imagine what Indiana’s success since hiring Cignetti means to someone like Dick. Still, I can’t help but smile, knowing he watched what 55,164 others watched Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.
For once, Indiana football was the celebration.
Follow reporters Dalton James (@DaltonMJames and jamesdm@iu.edu) and Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa and qmrichar@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
