It's always fun seeing the Old Oaken bucket game at Ross-Ade. Though we were favored and playing a bad IU team, never did I think we'd totally dominate the game on both sides of the ball like we did yesterday.

First good sign: We were in the no huddle offense from the start. The first drive put IU on it's heels. Much like the Motor City Bowl last year, the no huddle was working, and we kept at it.

Second good sign: Curtis Painter was hitting his receivers and the receivers were holding on to the ball. I've given a lot of crap to Painter this season (for good reason, I think), but I have nothing but praise for y'day's performance. This is the Curtis Painter we all expected ALL year. He stayed poised in the pocket, the offensive line gave very little opportunity to get any kind of rush, and the receivers were making plays.

Third good sign: The defense showed up. Excellent coverage by the secondary y'day. They've grown as a unit and put it all together. Nice containment of Thigpen and Lewis.

Fourth good sign: We didn't let off the throttle. Too many times, we get a decent lead and Tiller goes to the run too often. We passed and passed some more. Granted, IU's defense is horrible, but it was the Purdue game plan of old. And they worked it to perfection.

It's nice to at least get the Bucket back in what has been a disappointing season. Joe Tiller rides off into the Wyoming sunset with a "W" and a 10-2 record against our biggest rival. Kory Sheets sets Purdue rushing TD records for a season, and career. Painter ends up 2nd to only Drew Brees in career BT passing yards.

Many more questions next year with Danny Hope now in charge. Will Justin Siller be the answer at QB? Who will step up in the WR position after a couple of key senior losses? Will Jaceyn Taylor come back from injury and run as well at 2007? Can the young defense continue to develop? I'd say a 6-6 record next year will be a positive first step in the "Hope Era".