For this week's installment of Q&A(rgue), I called upon an old co-worker, Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal. I worked with Bozich for a little less than two years before coming to Seattle. He is one of America's finest sports columnists, especially when it comes to analyzing college athletics.

He is also an Indiana University graduate who has been covering the program for much of the past 37 years. In fact, Bozich started at Indiana in 1971, the same year as Bob Knight.

So he is the perfect guy to debate the subject that makes Cougar fans cringe: the possibility that Indiana will try to steal away wunderkind Tony Bennett.

1. Will Tony Bennett be the next coach at Indiana?

Brewer: I say no, and not because Indiana won't be interested in Bennett. Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid, but I buy into the thought that Bennett is one of those rare coaches who's more concerned with enjoying the journey than worrying about his next destination. I think he's more concerned with improving as a coach than getting the best possible job right now. And I think he wants to build the Washington State program into something much more stable before he seriously considers leaving. He is only 38. He could stay with the Cougars for 3-4 more years and still be a young coach -- and perhaps prove even more than he already has.

Bozich: Don't think so. But who knows? Secrecy -- and a 10-person search committee led by a quarterback who took Indiana to the Rose Bowl 41 years ago -- reigns in Bloomington. Bennett seems like a good fit, which means he won't get hired. (See Sampson, Kelvin, 2006 for details.) I asked five knowledgeable basketball folks in Birmingham about the IU situation last weekend. Nobody had any inside information. Names I got were all over the board -- Bennett, Sean Miller, Tom Izzo, Scott Drew, Bruce Pearl, Steve Alford and a cast of thousands.

2. Why is he/isn't he the right fit?

Brewer: If he wanted the job, Bennett would be the perfect fit. He grew up in Wisconsin, so he understands the Midwest. He has already been an assistant coach in the Big Ten, at Wisconsin. The only question is whether he would like the pressure to win it all at Indiana. Obviously, like every coach, he wants to win as many games as he can, but I think Bennett also enjoys being at a place where fans can still appreciate a team even if it doesn't compete for the national title every year.

Bozich: Would be a good fit because he wins and his style of play would win in the Big Ten. But ... I think Indiana is looking for somebody who has already proven he knows how to get to the Final Four.

3. If Bennett got the job, would IU fans accept his methodical style of play?

Brewer: I think they'd have some problems with it at first, especially if he lost a bunch of games 45-40. Hoosier fans are very finicky about their hoops, but they are also smart enough to accept any style of play -- as long as the coach wins about 75 percent of his games.

Bozich: Sure. If he beat Kentucky, beat Purdue, won a Big Ten title, got to the Final Four and won a national title.

4. After Bobby Knight's controversial dismissal, after the turmoil of the Mike Davis era and after the Kelvin Sampson scandal, how much luster has the IU job lost?

Brewer: This will be Indiana's biggest problem during its coaching search. The Hoosiers have a high opinion of themselves, and rightfully so, but right now, this is a very difficult job given the demands of the fans and the reality of how much suffering they've endured the past decade. It is starting to feel like the program is cursed.

Bozich: Lots.

Those banners in Assembly Hall are pretty dusty. One Big Ten title since 1993. One Final Four since 1992. Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Dominic James, Josh McRoberts, Tyler Zeller, Robbie Hummel and a bunch of other Indiana high school studs wanted no part of Bloomington.

5. How much will Sampson's sins -- and the possible repercussions -- hinder the Hoosiers' coaching search?

Brewer: I think it will make several coaches pause. Rick mentioned the likes of Tom Izzo and Bruce Pearl possibly being on the wish list. Why would those guys leave great jobs to go to a place with so much uncertainty right now?

Bozich: Not much. I don't think the penalties will be that harsh. They've already dumped Sampson, an assistant coach and cut a scholarship. Now you're two coaches past The Legend. The place is looking for somebody to embrace. New basketball practice facility is under construction. Great opportunity for somebody.

6. How successful could a new coach expect to be in Year 1 at Indiana? How long before the Hoosiers would be a legitimate national-title threat?

Brewer: The Hoosiers might have their worst team in quite a while next year. It will be tough for a new coach to step in and keep this team above .500. As far as the future is concerned, I think, if they hire the right guy, they will be back in the mix for a national title within four years. All it takes is a couple of good recruiting classes.

Bozich: Next year Indiana will be lucky to have a winning record, especially in the Big Ten. No D.J. White. No Eric Gordon. Maybe a transfer or two. And half of the four-player recruiting class has already opted out of their commitments.

A national title?

That's going to take time. At least five or six or seven years. Quinn Buckner, Scott May and Kent Benson aren't walkin' through that door.