It doesn't matter if fans are cocky. Not even a little. It is Pruitt's job to assure the team neither under nor over estimates IU. Both are dangerous. Both have cost UT games over the last 30 years.
IU more talented? If so... then folks need to stop panicking about the recruiting rankings. Over the last 4 years, IU has averaged the number 50 class. UT has averaged the number 16 class. IU has signed zero 4/5* players. UT signed over 30. So if those rankings mean anything at all... that is an overwhelming talent advantage for UT.
The best 4 teams IU played happen to also be the only teams they played who were bowl eligible. The lost to all of them- Michigan, PSU, Michigan St, and Ohio St. Sorry. Those teams simply aren't better than Bama, UGA, UF, and UK. The bottom 2/3's of their schedule is MUCH worse.