The Big Ten Universities Conference starts play this weekend and the big issue is, of course, the fact that Indiana is no longer serving a punishment and is eligible for the playoffs.

It all seemed like a bit of a wasted opportunity last season as IU finished top of the standings, but could not move on to the conference playoffs. Maybe their chance was missed?

Not so fast. IU graduated only two regular starters and with a solid recruiting group, and several players who played in high school but took a break freshman year, coming to training, numbers are way up.

“Playing well in the CRC 7s was important for us, and the guys are really excited about being eligible for the postseason this year,” said assistant coach Dan Fitterling. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm in the program right now. With Indiana producing so many good high school players, we want to make sure those players know they can come to Indiana and play.”

All of those young players means plenty of depth, but they will have their work cut out for them in a squad that includes the likes of Bryce Campbell, Jake Hidalgo, Teddy Terezis, and Tyler Graham - all players who featured heavily in the 2014 dispatches.

IU visits Illinois in a game that has been moved to Sunday due to weather. Meanwhile, Minnesota visits Michigan State.