Injured or Covid? Hadn't heard this.
A variety of reasons.
1. LOT Reggie Slater opted out to prepare for the draft. Will be a 1st or 2nd round draft choice.
2. OG Sam Stovall took a medical retirement. Good football player.
3. TE Trey Pugh, a dangerous jumbo athlete at 6-5 250 lbs. when healthy, can't get healthy.
4. Team captain and #1 WR Ben Skowronek did a Ben Arnold grad tx to ND.
5. New #1 WR Riley Lees may or may not play. He was out for the Iowa game.
6. 3 year starting DE Sam Miller was a Covid opt out.
7. Both starting DTs (Kent and Gold) are out due to injury.
8. Returning starter at S Travis Whillock was a Covid opt out.
9. #1 CB Greg Newsome hasn't played this year due to injury. Game day decision for Nebraska.
The defense seems to have responded well to the personnel losses. We'll see how long that lasts. Hopefully beyond this Saturday.
No way the offense can replace what Slater, Stovall, Pugh and Skowronek brought to the table.
GOUNUII