Grind City Football: Potter’s Indiana vs OSU report
Michael WallaceBy Jason Potter
Grind City MediaIt was early in the first quarter of Indiana’s game against Ohio State in the fall of 1976. Ohio State scored a touchdown on their opening drive but failed the point after attempt. Indiana quickly answered with a touchdown of their own to take the lead, 7-6. Indiana’s coach Lee Corso immediately called a timeout. This moment needed celebrating. He huddled his team on the sideline, positioned them with the scoreboard in the background, and summoned a photographer to capture the image for posterity.
By Corso’s research, it was the first time in 25 years that Indiana had managed a lead against Ohio State. “Twenty-five years! The goal of a lifetime!” Corso proclaimed. Indiana went on to lose 47-7.
I went back to my alma mater of Indiana Thursday to watch my Hoosiers begin another season as they faced off once again with the mighty Buckeyes of Ohio State, this year riding into Bloomington ranked #2 in the country. As with the start of any new campaign, the hopes of the Hoosier faithful were high. Around campus, bold predictions could be heard…maybe 7-5 this season? Maybe 8-4? A New Years Bowl Game? Though hope springs eternal, I wasn’t used to this much enthusiasm around Indiana Football. Traveling with my wife and meeting a couple of my old college friends, it felt like the makings of a big night.
Thursday morning, the vibe on campus was electric. The tailgating lots across from the stadium opened for business at 8am. By 9am, the bars on Kirkwood Avenue were beginning to fill up, wit music blaring and people dancing like it was spring break. Eleven hours to kickoff.
I was there that time people were waiting in line to go to an IU Football game!
Mid afternoon we headed down to the stadium to take the scene in. This was the most anticipation I’ve ever witnessed for an Indiana game. ESPN was even on site with College Game Day (with Coach Corso!). I joked with my friends that what we were experiencing was the Hoosier Bowl. After an afternoon of laughs and fun at the tailgate, it was time to file in. It was a sellout crowd of over 53,000 at Memorial Stadium, a rare occurrence for our program.
Indiana came out strong, asserting that they belonged among the big boys of college football. Indiana Wide Receivers Simmie Cobbs and Luke Timian looked like they might someday play on Sundays. At the conclusion of the first quarter, Indiana brought their former coach to the field for a special tribute. Corso, surrounded by former players, was shown on the video board and the stadium roared in appreciation. I got a photo of it, this time. Indiana 7, Ohio State 3.
Indiana brought their former coach, Lee Corso, to the field for a special tribute.
The evening was a perfect reminder of Coach Corso’s lesson, one we should all try better to keep in mind. To me, it’s central to the IU Football experience. There’s happiness to be found in the little moments in life. A day with friends and family in a place you hold dear can’t be quantified, and shouldn’t be. It should be lived in, photographed, enjoyed, and savored for what it is. Special. Fleeting. Impossible to recapture as it once was, but able to be appreciated for what it becomes with hope remaining that something new will take its place one day and that we may gather around it together again while we still can.
Indiana went on to lose 49-21.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Memphis Grizzlies. All opinions expressed by Grind City Media are solely its own and do not reflect the opinions of the Memphis Grizzlies or its Basketball Operations staff, owners, parent companies, partners or sponsors. Its sources are not known to the Memphis Grizzlies and it has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.
Published on Sep 01, 2016
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