Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Sure, there were flaws.

In just one minute and 28 seconds, the defense had let backup quarterback Noah Vedral and the Cornhusker offense drive the length of the field and put up an opening drive touchdown. The very next drive, Vedral did the same thing.

In barely over three minutes of possession and 10 plays, the Indiana defense had already allowed 14 points to a Husker offense that had scored 27 combined in its last three games.

There’s no doubt, that’s a flaw.

After amassing 299 yards against Minnesota in their previous game, Nebraska had totaled 313 offensive yards at halftime against Indiana. Despite injuries pushing Nebraska down the depth chart to their 3rd string true-freshman quarterback, they continued to move the ball against the Hoosiers.

Even after Indiana’s offense took a 14-point lead in the second half, the defense proceeded to rough the passer and have late hit out of bounds penalties on the same play, costing them 30 yards. Nebraska capitalized with another touchdown, this time by Wan’Dale Robinson.

Again, there were flaws. It’s well established. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and ill-timed penalties.

But here’s the thing about college football teams that become bowl eligible during their season: they’re flawed. And today, that’s exactly what Indiana’s defense was able to establish itself as. Just another one of those flawed, bowl eligible defenses.

“We still weren’t perfect, we’ve got a lot more room to get better… but I don’t care about all that right now,” exclaimed Coach Allen in his postgame locker room address to the team.

He doesn’t care because this time, things just may be different. This team just may be different. Because hidden in between some of those flaws is just a little bit of…dare I say, greatness.

Whether it was an aptly timed takeaway, a 3rd down stop, or clamping down at the games most critical moments, this team has just a little more of that “it” factor that has lacked from so many Indiana teams of the past.

Whether it’s a Cam Jones well-timed blitz or another Tiawan Mullen pass break up, this defense plays with a nasty edge to it.

And for the first time since 1993, the Indiana Hoosiers are bowl eligible in October. In back to back weeks, they have gone on the road and claimed Big Ten victories in games that most would agree, they never seem to find themselves on the right side of.

But this team is different. This team will be playing 13.

Even with their flaws.

The Huddle

“Flawed” Indiana Defense Secures Another Victory

Hoosier Huddle