‘Time to Play Ball’ – IU Seeks To Win Back the Bucket
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As transfers from Texas Tech and James Madison, receiver Myles Price, tight end Zach Horton, and defensive lineman James Carpenter have never experienced Old Oaken Bucket rivalry intensity.
That will change on Saturday night when No. 10/10/10 Indiana (10-1) hosts Purdue (1-10) at Memorial Stadium.
“I'm slowly starting to realize how important this game is,” Carpenter says. “When I first got here in January, I didn't really know who the rivalry was. I didn't realize how important this game was.
“I know that there is some pretty deep hatred between the two fanbases. That's what college football is all about. We're pumped for this game. We're excited.”
Bucket insight has come from veterans such as center Mike Katic, who has played in three Bucket games, all Hoosier losses. IU hasn’t beaten Purdue since 2019. The 2020 game was canceled because of COVID.
“I've talked with Mike Katic a lot,” Carpenter said. “He’s told us about the rivalry, about the game, how important it is. We've had alums come here and the first thing they talk about is Purdue and how we need to get the Bucket back.
“It's hearing it word of mouth from other people. The more people I talk to, the more I see out there, I really feel it now.”
Horton shares that feeling.
“Since the first day I stepped on campus, even in recruitment, they talked about how much they hated Purdue. It’s exciting to be part of that. I’m looking forward to it a lot. It gives you another reason to play.”
Price’s rivalry experience comes from games against TCU and Texas.
“Those are fun,” he says.
Fun comes with this stick-to-the-process perspective.
“You treat it like any other game,” Price says. “Throw the records away. Nothing else matters but getting a win at the end of the day.”
Adds Carpenter: “The next game is the biggest game. We’re trying not to put extra emphasis on it and think about it too deep. But there is extra motivation because of the rivalry.”
As far as preparation, Horton adds, head coach Curt Cignetti has continued his “it’s an important game because it’s the next game” approach.
“Coach has talked about the Bucket, where it came from, how important it is and how much it means to IU,” Horton says. “With it being the Bucket game, you do have a little extra in your head.”
In a lot of ways, this will be a first for Horton and Carpenter. James Madison didn’t have a true rival, although Old Dominion and Appalachian State came the closest, Old Dominion because of campus proximity (both are in Virginia), Appalachian State because of the competitiveness of the series.
“This will be the first true rivalry game I’ve been a part of,” Carpenter said. “I’m excited about it.”
Horton said his last true rivalry game was in high school.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played in a game with meaning like this.”
Beating Purdue is crucial.
Price agrees with that sentiment.
“The only thing that matters is getting back to work and winning.”