SOUTH BEND and BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- In the main thoroughfare area of the Indianapolis airport, there is a large sign reminding travelers in all caps: "IN 49 STATES IT'S JUST BASKETBALL, BUT THIS IS INDIANA." And yet ... The state that recently hosted the men's Final Four and prides itself on its rich basketball history and tradition feels a little ... different these days. The IU men's basketball team missed the NCAA tournament for the third straight season and has advanced past the first round just once in a decade. The Notre Dame men's basketball team didn't even qualify for the ACC tournament after winning just four games in conference play. But as you exit toward baggage claim, there's a can't-miss, floor-to-ceiling advertisement for Indiana football, with the IU logo and a NATIONAL CHAMPIONS sign next to a picture of receiver Charlie Becker and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza , their hands locked in a celebration.…