How many of the injured defensive player will be back for the bowl game?

[CyCloned]

The defense really struggled at the end of the season, mostly because it lost what I thought were the 3 big erasers on that side of the ball. Klien is a good LB, but Knot was everywhere and was the guy that came out of nowhere to hammer the guy that looked like he was going for a long run. He also did a great job of getting everyone in the right place, something that is overlooked. Givens was a ball stealing machine and a great hitter. Watson was by far the best DB on the team and that was painfully obvious in the OU game, where his backup was absolutely abused. Having those 3 back would make ISU look like it a real defense again.

[megamanxzero35]

I think everyone but Knott.

[demoncore1031]

knott is possible but i highly doubt we see him. everyone else will be back

[InCytful]

I can't see Knott back for this, though the man is certainly tough enough. I think the rest will return.

[Clone5]

Watson is not the best DB on the team.

[swarthmoreCY]

Watson is not the best DB on the team.

You are only as good as your weakest link?

[Agclone91]

Watson is not the best DB on the team.

Who is better? And why are they not starting over him?

[Luth4Cy]

Who is better? And why are they not starting over him?

They aren't so much starting over him as they are starting with him. He definitely was effective this year. I think he takes a jump to be as good next season as Reeves was this year.

[Cycsk]

IIRC, these three are the ones whose substitutes had Austin surrounded, but let him get away for the 4th Q TD. I've got to think we might have stopped WV on that play if they were in there. Subs played well, but all three are a clear notch above their subs.

As for Klein, both he and Knott make each other so much better. Knott, without Klein, would have been a much less effective player.

[ISUFan22]

As for Klein, both he and Knott make each other so much better. Knott, without Klein, would have been a much less effective player.

Much like Moser and Paris from years back.

[khardbored]

Even if Knott is "able," I can't imagine he would risk his NFL career to play in a bowl game.

[Agclone91]

They aren't so much starting over him as they are starting with him. He definitely was effective this year. I think he takes a jump to be as good next season as Reeves was this year.

Fair enough. I guess I was thinking that he meant Watson wouldn't be our best corner next year, already accounting for Reeves to be gone.

[cyclonespiker33]

Even if Knott is "able," I can't imagine he would risk his NFL career to play in a bowl game.

I wouldn't be surprised if Jake wanted to play. I don't think anyone would let him though.

[d4nim4l]

None of them will play and will all want to transfer due to lack of playing time.