BLOOMINGTON | Indiana started the season with promise after winning its first three games.

It fizzled out for the Hoosiers as they dropped eight of their final nine games, including a 38-21 defeat to Purdue on Saturday in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket.

Still, Indiana coach Bill Lynch sees progress in his program.

"On the outside all you see is what is played on Saturday and the final score," Lynch said. "That's obviously what we're judged on. If you're asking me about making progress, it's what I see every day in the halls of this complex, in terms of work ethic, accountability and leadership.

"All those things that you get tired of hearing me talk about, but those are the things that you build a program on. I know we are headed in the right direction."

Evans a key for 2010: Portage grad Albert Evans will be the only member of Purdue's secondary returning next season with any substantial experience.

All four starters this season -- safeties Torri Williams and Dwight McLean, and cornerbacks Brandon King and David Pender -- will graduate.

Evans, who was used as a safety in nickel defensive situations, was often referred to as a starter by coach Danny Hope due the amount of time he was on the field.

Next season, Evans likely will become a starter by everyone's account.

"I don't know if I'm looking forward to it, because the guys that are here -- Torri and Dwight -- have helped me so much, just from technique standpoint or learning my assignment," Evans said. "They've helped me so much I don't want to see them go.

"Now, I still have questions, but I can ask them, but next year they won't be here. Then, I'll have the other guys asking me stuff."

Evans had three tackles against Indiana, finishing the season with 30. He arrived on campus as a running back, but converted to safety and even played linebacker some last season.

"I feel I'm at the point where I can go out there and make a play, instead of being worried if I'm assignment correct," Evans said. "When I first moved positions I was worried about what my assignment was. Now, I can go out and try to read the quarterback and try to make some plays. That's the phase I'm at now."

E.C.'s Short may have a bright future: Kawann Short, an E.C. Central grad, had a big day against Indiana, finishing with four tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Purdue senior defensive tackle Mike Neal said Short is ahead of where he and former Boilermaker defensive tackle Alex Magee, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, were as freshmen.

Short started every game this season, playing the last two after having surgery to repair a chipped bone in his hand. He wore a protective wrap during the last two games.

"It wasn't really bad, just something I had to get done," said Short, who finished the season with 48 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two interceptions.

Coach Danny Hope touted not just Short, but the entire Purdue defensive line, which included Neal, a Merrillville graduate.

"They're the best defensive front four in the Big Ten in the 2009 season," Hope said. "I'm not surprised to see the success they've had the second half of the season because they're an exceptional front four."

C.P.'s Ernest wraps up sophomore season: Indiana sophomore wide receiver Matt Ernest, a Crown Point grad, did not record a reception against Purdue. He finished the season with seven catches for 69 yards and one touchdown, with the latter coming against Ohio State.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL | INDIANA-PURDUE NOTES