Coming out of nonconference play and into the Big Ten slate, Nebraska’s defense hadn’t been perfect – see the fourth quarter against Colorado, for example – but overall through three games, Erik Chinander’s unit had been able to hang its hat on two things: stopping the run and making big plays.
The trouble against the run in Big Ten play has been well documented. NU is allowing 267 rushing yards (5.9 per attempt) per game against league foes. But the lack of big plays – primarily turnovers and sacks – has been equally as glaring.
What started off as a group that produced a steady stream of takeaways and big plays has seen the tap go dangerously dry as a potent Indiana offense comes to town this weekend.