Everything is new for Indiana as the Hoosiers get a new coaching staff and a new organization, so a level head is sorely needed.

Lucky for coaches Justin Goonan and David Fee, they've got one in Takura Suzuki. The Japanese national, who is studying art at IU, has been a godsend at scrumhalf.

"Taka played at a high level in Japan," said Goonan. "And he's very much a quiet leader for us. He brings a kind of even keel and level-headedness we need."

Pushed hard by Purdue of the weekend, IU found itself tied at halftime 17-17. But with the likes of Suzuki showing that leadership, IU ran away 45-17 winners.

"When the pressure's on, you don't even see him get flustered," said Goonan. "He just keeps the guys grounded."