Indiana is a bad team? I thought they looked good vs OSU. Seems like Im not alone as this line has dropped. Indiana has been strong on defense. Certainly capable of winning Saturday. NU is still limping around even off a bye week. Top WR, top TE wont play and maybe it's top RB who has been the 2nd half hammer. Plus, it's QB was in a walking boot during the bye, said himself he wouldnt have played last week.
Knevel played two series and was visibly hobbled. It was very noticeable on the Reilly jet sweep toward the end of the 1Q. He especially had trouble with Smoot's inside move, a projected 1st round NFL DE for those not familiar with Illinois. I'm not sure a guy gets pulled for "poor performance" after two series where the ball was moved very well. That's just not the MO for the OL coach. So, while I agree that his performance wasn't great, I think it has much to do with the other guy across the line and not being healthy. Getting a healthier Knevel back is an upgrade.
I wouldn't have a problem lay 3 points given the 4th quarter trend, but not more than that. NU has been so close the last two games to jumping out on it's opponent early. But the self inflicted wounds are still there, so until they do that I'd call this game a dog fight.
