Nov. 15, 2009.

Yup, it's been that long.

The Indianapolis Colts travel to face the New England Patriots on Thursday and the Colts' latest win against the Patriots is close to celebrating its ninth birthday. Seven losses stand between the Colts and a victory against the Patriots. So what's changed about sports in Indianapolis since then?

1. Peyton Manning still played for the Colts

It's true. Back in 2009, Manning tossed for 327 yards and four touchdowns — in addition to two interceptions — as the Colts completed a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Patriots, 35-34.

Only a few years removed from his Super Bowl victory, Manning and the Colts were on their way to a 14-2 regular season and eighth-straight year with at least 10 wins. Indianapolis lost in the Super Bowl to the New Orleans Saints.

2. Indiana Pacers weren't any good

Led by Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert, the Pacers weren't the entertaining franchise the team is now. On the way to a 32-50 season and a fourth-straight year without a playoff appearance, Jim O'Brien didn't seem like the answer at head coach.

Victor Oladipo was still in high school. Nate McMillan coached the Portland Trail Blazers. And Kevin Pritchard was McMillan's general manager. Indianapolis seems like a better fit for McMillan and Pritchard than Portland.

3. Butler Bulldogs men's basketball was prepping for a magical run

Brad Stevens and Butler, a perfect marriage. At least for a time. The 2009-10 season would end in the national championship game with a loss to Duke, and be just the first of back-to-back seasons that saw Butler reach the Final Four and come within a game of raising a banner.

That Gordon Hayward kid turned out pretty good, too.