Changes expected for first home game

IU head coach Terry Hoeppner silenced many rumors yesterday regarding the Hoosiers' home opener against Nicholls State University, a Lousiana-based school. \nThe Colonels were forced to cancel all athletic events last week because of Hurricane Katrina, but both schools remain optimistic Saturday's game will take place. \nHoeppner said transportation was the main concern for Nicholls State, which is located in Thibodaux, La. -- roughly 60 miles southeast of New Orleans. IU officials are working with the Colonels' staff to assist them with transportation, lodging and possibly even uniforms.\n"In spite of rumors to the contrary, I am confident that Nicholls State is coming in," Hoeppner said in a press conference Tuesday. "I offered (Nicholls State coach Jay Thomas) whatever we could do in terms of facilities and practice times. They could have come up early. It is just difficult to try to find transportation right now."\nNicholls State has experienced problems finding an available flight crew or bus to bring them to Saturday's game. Nevertheless, Hoeppner expressed his willingness to do whatever it takes to get the Colonels to Bloomington.\n"I had to get a crew down there, but there are FAA rules against so many people flying," he said. "It is a nightmare for them. We are going to show them some genuine Hoosier hospitality." \nThough no official decision has been released, Hoeppner said he and the Nicholls State staff are confident accommodations can be made.\n"We continue to remain optimistic that we can work some travel arrangements out for the football team," said Nicholls State Athletic Director Rob Bernardi in a press release. "We are working in conjunction with the Indiana officials in securing a charter flight, and we hope to hear something soon."\nHoeppner is so determined to make Saturday's game happen, he is even willing to lend IU jerseys to the Colonels. Nicholls State had sent their jerseys to Gullfport, Miss., to have names printed on them, but they have yet to return.\nDespite the confusion, IU sophomore receiver James Hardy said the Hoosiers are treating Saturday's game just like any other, and they will plan on playing their season opener this weekend.\n"We're just sticking to the game plan," Hardy said. "(Nicholls State) told us they were coming and we treat every day as if they are coming. For now, everybody's just getting ready for the game and we're watching tape just like we normally would."\nThomas said his football squad is also ready to go for Saturday and has not changed its normal routine.\n"After two days of quality practice, we are prepared mentally, as well as physically, to compete this weekend," Thomas said. "The team's focus after this past week's tragedy has been exceptional considering the circumstances."\nWhile Hoeppner said he understands the circumstances surrounding Saturday's game, he hopes the Hoosiers will still give their best effort.\n"It is truly hard to imagine what they are going through," Hoeppner said. "We are going to make them feel as welcome and as comfortable as possible. Yet, when the game is on, we are going to play a football game. They wouldn't want anything less than our best effort against them"