Carmoni Green, what are you doing?

Again, I emphasize, what were you thinking Carmoni Green?

Clearly one of the biggest early season miscues, Carmoni Green's muffed punt against Rutgers mystified many watching the game, including myself.

So for those of you who didn't watch the game (I'm sure there were more than a few of you) here's the setup:

Down 21-10 late in the third quarter, Illinois’ defense, who had been gashed all game by Rutgers rushing attack, had forced a three and out deep in their own territory. This set Illinois up with potentially great field position.

Now I don't want to bash on Green too much because I like him as a player, and I think his ceiling is pretty high as a burner on the outside. However, why he was out there to field the punt I don't understand, especially if he didn't understand the rules dictating the situation.

First of all, he lets the punt go, which was a mistake to begin with seeing as how he could have called for a fair catch and Illinois would have started at the 30 down by two scores. But then he makes an even bigger error in judgment when he unbelievably dives at the ball with two Rutgers players waiting to down the ball beside him. To no surprise, he coughs up the football and Rutgers recovers.

It's just completely baffling. Take a look.

I'm not one to get too worked up about any specific play, but this one miffed the hell out of me. Green is a true freshman who should never have been put in that position. He impulsively jumped at the chance to make a play and it bit us hard, as Rutgers scored on the following possession. A possession they should never have had, might I add.

Not our best look.