BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Saturday night at Memorial Stadium was supposed to be a rare treat for Indiana and Illinois fans. Two previously downtrodden football programs coming off attention-grabbing seasons played against each other when they were both ranked for the first time since 1950.

No. 19 Indiana, a surprise College Football Playoff qualifier a year ago , lived up to the hype, coming up with exhilarating plays in all phases as it looked very much like a repeat CFP contender. No. 9 Illinois simply looked outclassed.

Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds blocked a punt and scooped it up for a touchdown, much to the delight of the red-clad, towel-waving fans packing the stadium.

Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. unbelievably stayed on his feet to gain extra yards on a 39-yard catch, then scored a play

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