Our defense played well except for being unprepared for NIU's no-huddle, hurry up when they jumped in and out of it like they did (great game plan by NIU for an opener). We also had a couple of third quarter lapses against the KSU triple option but no defense can be judged vs the TO. Some can defend it, most cannot. Too bad players hate it because it is such a fun and effective offense. I suppose if everyone ran it then it would lose much of its effectiveness, though.
Our solid performance vs Clemson owes much to their OL problems. If you look at their recruiting, that is the one big difference between them and the other perennial playoff contenders. They have major offensive problems every time their QB is not NFL caliber.
(edit typo)