Indiana’s defense may be getting a lift at just the right time.
After smothering Howard in Week 2, the Hoosiers are now tracking the status of both starting cornerbacks, with Curt Cignetti sounding optimistic Monday about the chances that Jamari Sharpe returns in Week 3 against Western Kentucky. AJ Harris, though, remained less clear.
“They’re day-to-day but we’re optimistic,” said Cignetti. “Sometimes the best ability is availability. We do expect Sharpe back, and we’re ready to roll.”
Indiana has been working without Harris and Sharpe since both were hurt early in Week 1 against North Texas, and that absence has forced the secondary to lean on other pieces. Cignetti did not offer a similar update on Harris, and according to The Daily Hoosier, he left Harris’ name out of responses to two separate questions about the injured corners.
Even with the injuries, the Hoosiers’ defense looked sharp against Howard. Indiana held the Bison to 57 total yards and four first downs, while piling up five sacks and a pick-6 from linebacker Rolijah Hardy. It was a clean rebound after the defense had some rough moments in the opener.
If Sharpe and Harris are able to get back on the field Saturday, it would be a meaningful step for a unit that still wants to get as healthy as possible before Big Ten play begins. Both corners were limited in the opener, so any reps they can get now would help them settle back in before the schedule stiffens.
In their place, Ryland Gandy and Jaylen Bell have handled expanded roles. Cignetti made it clear he’s pleased with what he’s seen.
“I thought Jaylen Bell has been pretty consistent," said Cignetti. "I thought he played well against North Texas.
Ryland had a couple mistakes, but he’s certainly improved and he’s played a lot of football. I have a lot of confidence in both of them.”
That kind of depth has become a real asset for Indiana early this season. The defensive front and linebacker group bring plenty of proven production and leadership, and the back end has already shown it can absorb injuries without falling apart.
The challenge only gets tougher from here. Big Ten play is less than two weeks away, and Indiana still has Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and Washington on the schedule. Saturday’s meeting with Western Kentucky gives the Hoosiers a chance to test their depth again, while possibly easing both starting corners back into the mix.
Kick-off between Indiana and Western Kentucky is set for 4 p.m. ET Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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