Defense and the Iowa game

[SnohomishRed]

Giving credit where it is due - The defense played its first complete game against Rutgers of the season. Rush and pass defense were sound, blitzes got home and the players were flying to the ball. It was great to watch and if not for a couple of turnovers I believe they would have pitched a shutout.

I have been highly critical of Banker and am still far from being a supporter but I am first and foremost a NU fan and I liked the way the defense played this last week. I somehow think Riley's trust in Banker was shaken after the Purdue fiasco and I think some changes have been made imo

On to Iowa - This game and type of opponent is what we felt Banker could be best at stopping. A pro style offense heavy run - this should be his cup of tea, so I am hopeful the defense will play well again, although it will be very important to shore up the D against QB scramble runs.

I also believe this lack of talent issue can be put to bed. Depth issues yes talent is still equal or better than any other team in West for sure. Do we have elite talent no but not terrible. I think Iowa will be facing the most talented Defense they have faced this year, maybe not the best defense but the most talented.

I think Iowa struggles in this game and if their QB is hurt or not 100% they will struggle a lot. I do not see them consistently running the ball on us and while they do have one good receiver their receivers will struggle to get consistently open. The wild card is their QB running on broken plays we could get hurt there.

I also think Iowa will be facing the best offense they have faced all year. The only other good offense would be Indiana which had their way with them running the ball. We have a better offense than Indiana especially when we commit to the running game.

I know there will be a host of Iowegians responding telling us how great they are and how crazy we are to think we can beat them. I do think if we play a clean game and as long as our defense continues to play as they have recently we are the better team. I think Vegas will think the same when the lines come out - I expect us to be favored or even at worst

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

Iowa's LBs are very good and great in underneath coverage

Tommy doesn't see this level of the defense very well ..
Tommy is going to have to be very good in the passing game and avoid turnovers
I think we sell out and run Tommy a lot this game

Vandenberg is a very good receiver ... they also use the tight end and backs
they are going to make our LBs cover their backs in space where they have struggled

 

[SnohomishRed]

The teams that gave their offense the most trouble - Pitt - Wisc and Maryland - all stopped the run game first - Their QB is not horrible passing the ball but if they have to pass I like our chances

 

[850FloridaRED]

Going to be 33 and windy according to Bill Ramby. So the running game is going to be huge.

Hopefully Langs finds more ways to use Carter.

 

[IAHawk2011]

Giving credit where it is due - The defense played its first complete game against Rutgers of the season. Rush and pass defense were sound, blitzes got home and the players were flying to the ball. It was great to watch and if not for a couple of turnovers I believe they would have pitched a shutout.

I have been highly critical of Banker and am still far from being a supporter but I am first and foremost a NU fan and I liked the way the defense played this last week. I somehow think Riley's trust in Banker was shaken after the Purdue fiasco and I think some changes have been made imo

On to Iowa - This game and type of opponent is what we felt Banker could be best at stopping. A pro style offense heavy run - this should be his cup of tea, so I am hopeful the defense will play well again, although it will be very important to shore up the D against QB scramble runs.

I also believe this lack of talent issue can be put to bed. Depth issues yes talent is still equal or better than any other team in West for sure. Do we have elite talent no but not terrible. I think Iowa will be facing the most talented Defense they have faced this year, maybe not the best defense but the most talented.

I think Iowa struggles in this game and if their QB is hurt or not 100% they will struggle a lot. I do not see them consistently running the ball on us and while they do have one good receiver their receivers will struggle to get consistently open. The wild card is their QB running on broken plays we could get hurt there.

I also think Iowa will be facing the best offense they have faced all year. The only other good offense would be Indiana which had their way with them running the ball. We have a better offense than Indiana especially when we commit to the running game.

I know there will be a host of Iowegians responding telling us how great they are and how crazy we are to think we can beat them. I do think if we play a clean game and as long as our defense continues to play as they have recently we are the better team. I think Vegas will think the same when the lines come out - I expect us to be favored or even at worst

The line will be Iowa -3. You are way off on that.

 

[Cornicator]

I'm slightly amazed by how people think Nebraska's play the last 2 weeks is due to some epiphany or revelation.

Its pretty simple:

The team is healthy. The D-line is now rotating a full 7 guys. The Linebackers can now institute the full blitz packages, and rotate effectively between 4-3 and Nickel situations. And the front 7 together can now effectively stop the run without needing additional safety help in the box. These guys did NOT play vs. Purdue:

- Kevin Maurice - DT
- Kevin Williams - DT
- Chris Weber - LB
- Byerson Cockerell - S
- John Rose - CB

The following guys were virtually inneffective vs Purdue after returning from injuries:

- Freedom - played at 75% - only played about 15 snaps
- Banderas - played at 75% - was forced to play the whole game without Weber behind him.
- Mike Rose - only played a handfull of snaps about 60% - barely played 10 plays

Add all that to a Walk ON QB making his 1st career start withouth Newby, Alonzo Moore, Nick Gates and Sterup at RG.... That whole week was a recipe for disaster.

Nebraska doesn't have a lot of depth. But they do have some good front line starters, especially on defense. The whole scheme is built around disruption at the line of scrimmage. This means the front 7 needs to stay fresh, sell out to stop the run, and they MUST pressure the QB. ... If they can't get pressure they will get torched. If you can't stay fresh, the energy spent stopping the run will eventually wear the starters down.

Freedom and Bando were back to 100% by Rutgers. Mike Rose's absence has allowed Marcus Newby to become a difference maker and gain experience. Mike Rose Ivey is now a back up. That's significant. Iowa is going to face a very healthy Husker team in 12 days. ... Should be fun.

I won't try to blow smoke up everyone's arse about Nebraska's return to dominant defense. But, I do think people should understand how this team was limited much of the season.

The key for Riley going forward is to build depth so this team can absorb injuries.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

The line will be Iowa -3. You are way off on that.

Nebraska -1 or pick em. Book it.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

The line will be Iowa -3. You are way off on that.

I will bet you up to $500 that Iowa closes at no more than a 2.5 pt favorite.

 

[huskerbaseball13]

Nebraska -1 or pick em. Book it.

I think you may be right...I could see it starting out as a pick em. It will be interesting to see the line movement.

 

[tro80]

Beathard is apparently very good at finding a crease and escaping the pocket. Given our inability to corral scrambling quarterbacks this year, that could be a real issue. If our outside rushers do not maintain discipline, and if our linebackers don't keep an eye on him, Beathard is going to have a big day.

 

[huskerbaseball13]

Beathard is apparently very good at finding a crease and escaping the pocket. Given our inability to corral scrambling quarterbacks this year, that could be a real issue. If our outside rushers do not maintain discipline, and if our linebackers don't keep an eye on him, Beathard is going to have a big day.

Yes that is a big concern. Our D Ends tend to lose contain. Will need to be better about that vs Iowa or Beathard will gladly take the easy 10 yards.

 

[EastCoastHusker_rivals79946]

Beathard is apparently very good at finding a crease and escaping the pocket. Given our inability to corral scrambling quarterbacks this year, that could be a real issue. If our outside rushers do not maintain discipline, and if our linebackers don't keep an eye on him, Beathard is going to have a big day.

I was impressed with Daniels the other night for Iowa. NU will have play their lanes/assignments for sure, because the weakside cut backs will be huge against this Iowa offense.

 

[IAHawk2011]

I will bet you up to $500 that Iowa closes at no more than a 2.5 pt favorite.

What does the closing line have to do with what Vegas thinks?

I realize Nevraska has been playing better lately, but pretty much every power rating site has Iowa anywhere from 5 to 8 point favorites. I could see adjusting Nebraska's rating up a bit because they have been playing well, but there's no way it opens at pick or even Iowa -1. The books would get hammered with Iowa money.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

What does the closing line have to do with what Vegas thinks?

I realize Nevraska has been playing better lately, but pretty much every power rating site has Iowa anywhere from 5 to 8 point favorites. I could see adjusting Nebraska's rating up a bit because they have been playing well, but there's no way it opens at pick or even Iowa -1. The books would get hammered with Iowa money.

Once again. Nebraska -1

 

[SiouxCityHawkFan]

Giving credit where it is due - The defense played its first complete game against Rutgers of the season. Rush and pass defense were sound, blitzes got home and the players were flying to the ball. It was great to watch and if not for a couple of turnovers I believe they would have pitched a shutout.

I have been highly critical of Banker and am still far from being a supporter but I am first and foremost a NU fan and I liked the way the defense played this last week. I somehow think Riley's trust in Banker was shaken after the Purdue fiasco and I think some changes have been made imo

On to Iowa - This game and type of opponent is what we felt Banker could be best at stopping. A pro style offense heavy run - this should be his cup of tea, so I am hopeful the defense will play well again, although it will be very important to shore up the D against QB scramble runs.

I also believe this lack of talent issue can be put to bed. Depth issues yes talent is still equal or better than any other team in West for sure. Do we have elite talent no but not terrible. I think Iowa will be facing the most talented Defense they have faced this year, maybe not the best defense but the most talented.

I think Iowa struggles in this game and if their QB is hurt or not 100% they will struggle a lot. I do not see them consistently running the ball on us and while they do have one good receiver their receivers will struggle to get consistently open. The wild card is their QB running on broken plays we could get hurt there.

I also think Iowa will be facing the best offense they have faced all year. The only other good offense would be Indiana which had their way with them running the ball. We have a better offense than Indiana especially when we commit to the running game.

I know there will be a host of Iowegians responding telling us how great they are and how crazy we are to think we can beat them. I do think if we play a clean game and as long as our defense continues to play as they have recently we are the better team. I think Vegas will think the same when the lines come out - I expect us to be favored or even at worst

First of all I think this game is a 50/50 close game and I wouldn't be shocked at all if Nebraska won. That said here we are at what will be the final game of the season of which Nebraska is 5-6 and you feel like they have the best offense AND the best defense Iowa will have faced all season?

 

[huskerbaseball13]

First of all I think this game is a 50/50 close game and I wouldn't be shocked at all if Nebraska won. That said here we are at what will be the final game of the season of which Nebraska is 5-6 and you feel like they have the best offense AND the best defense Iowa will have faced all season?

Definately not the best defense you have seen...with that said, our scheme is designed to stop teams like Iowa. But yes, this Nebraska team will be the best offensive team you have seen all year. Not saying NU is a juggernaut on offense, but Iowa's schedule was not loaded with good offensive teams.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Early line was Iowa -3...that was as of Thursday last week. I have not seen one since.

 

[SiouxCityHawkFan]

Definately not the best defense you have seen...with that said, our scheme is designed to stop teams like Iowa. But yes, this Nebraska team will be the best offensive team you have seen all year. Not saying NU is a juggernaut on offense, but Iowa's schedule was not loaded with good offensive teams.

I think Indiana has the best offense in the B1G. Nebraska does have a good offense. The biggest handicap for your offense is Armstrong throws way to many balls up for grabs. I am sure you know that though. I do think has the ability to run the ball enough and Beathard can definitely throw well enough to score points with the way the Husker secondary has played.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I will bet you up to $500 that Iowa closes at no more than a 2.5 pt favorite.

That line will pull in a lot of "favorites"

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

What does the closing line have to do with what Vegas thinks?

I realize Nevraska has been playing better lately, but pretty much every power rating site has Iowa anywhere from 5 to 8 point favorites. I could see adjusting Nebraska's rating up a bit because they have been playing well, but there's no way it opens at pick or even Iowa -1. The books would get hammered with Iowa money.

the closing line is the best indication of what the market thinks and is the most predictive. Who do you think is better at picking football games, Billy Walters or the sportsbooks?

 

[SnohomishRed]

First of all I think this game is a 50/50 close game and I wouldn't be shocked at all if Nebraska won. That said here we are at what will be the final game of the season of which Nebraska is 5-6 and you feel like they have the best offense AND the best defense Iowa will have faced all season?

I did not say the best defense - I said the best offense and best defensive talent

 

[SiouxCityHawkFan]

the closing line is the best indication of what the market thinks and is the most predictive. Who do you think is better at picking football games, Billy Walters or the sportsbooks?

The line is for nothing more then getting equal money both sides of it. It has nothing to do with who Vegas thinks will win.

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

Iowa's LBs are very good and great in underneath coverage

Tommy doesn't see this level of the defense very well ..
Tommy is going to have to be very good in the passing game and avoid turnovers
...
they are going to make our LBs cover their backs in space where they have struggled

I agree with both main points here. I also think their secondary is looking for picks more than most that Tommy has faced. Tommy got away with a few bad decisions early on because the opposing secondaries weren't very good or weren't really looking for a pick.

Our secondary has really only struggled on two type of pass patterns - long and short. (Kind of a joke there.) I'm not too worried about Iowa on the long pass. I don't think Beathard is that accurate on the long ball and Greg Davis isn't apt to push vertically regardless. But Beathard does throw a nice short ball with touch and an idea of what is open when. That's where I'm worried about our linebackers and corners getting eaten up. I'd love to see some zone blitzes to disrupt those short crossing patterns, but unfortunately I don't think any of our d-line are really built (arm span, athleticism) for that. Maybe Freedom.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

The line is for nothing more then getting equal money both sides of it. It has nothing to do with who Vegas thinks will win.

That's pretty much exactly what he said.

 

[IAHawk2011]

Early line at LV Super Book opens at Iowa -2.5. Like I said, not even close to being Nebraska favored/pick 'em.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

Early line at LV Super Book opens at Iowa -2.5. Like I said, not even close to being Nebraska favored/pick 'em.

We will see in 2 Friday's

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

Early line at LV Super Book opens at Iowa -2.5. Like I said, not even close to being Nebraska favored/pick 'em.

You have already stated Iowa will be "5 to 8" favorite, and minutes later you state 2.5. Hmmm.

 

[IAHawk2011]

You have already stated Iowa will be "5 to 8" favorite, and minutes later you state 2.5. Hmmm.

Earlier in this thread I said Iowa would be a FG favorite. Reading comprehension is your friend.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

What does the closing line have to do with what Vegas thinks?

I realize Nevraska has been playing better lately, but pretty much every power rating site has Iowa anywhere from 5 to 8 point favorites. I could see adjusting Nebraska's rating up a bit because they have been playing well, but there's no way it opens at pick or even Iowa -1. The books would get hammered with Iowa money.

Derpy derpy herky herky. I can read just fine.

 

[IAHawk2011]

Derpy derpy herky herky. I can read just fine.

You clearly can't. Read it again, then go back to the beginning of the thread and start again. Do you understand the difference between a power rating and a line? I'll be here to walk you through it if you need some help.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

You clearly can't. Read it again, then go back to the beginning of the thread and start again. Do you understand the difference between a power rating and a line? I'll be here to walk you through it if you need some help.

I understand just fine. I have stated what the line will be around kickoff. Feel free to keep being a typical douche Herky.

 

[IAHawk2011]

I understand just fine. I have stated what the line will be around kickoff. Feel free to keep being a typical douche Herky.

You clearly don't, because you attributed something to me that I never said. You said Nebraska would be favored by one. You were not even close. I said Iowa would be favored by 2.5. I was off by a half point. You were very, very wrong. It's ok to admit that.

 

[22*43*51]

Hey, point spread nerds.

Get a room.

 

[ssmill777]

First of all I think this game is a 50/50 close game and I wouldn't be shocked at all if Nebraska won. That said here we are at what will be the final game of the season of which Nebraska is 5-6 and you feel like they have the best offense AND the best defense Iowa will have faced all season?

I sure wouldn't think our defense was better than - say Wisc. But I do believe we will be healthier and play harder for this game than any other game this yr. I believe the guys want to go to a bowl game, and not back into one at 5-7, and I believe the new coaches and the players are finally on the same page. Not perfectly, but definitely better. I think it took longer for the coaches to figure it out than the players with the schemes.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

You clearly don't, because you attributed something to me that I never said. You said Nebraska would be favored by one. You were not even close. I said Iowa would be favored by 2.5. I was off by a half point. You were very, very wrong. It's ok to admit that.

I am guessing you won't be around until kickoff. We shall see.

 

[huskerbaseball13]

Earlier in this thread I said Iowa would be a FG favorite. Reading comprehension is your friend.

And last week you said Iowa would be a 5-7 point favorite....now it's a FG? What will it be next week?

 

[IAHawk2011]

And last week you said Iowa would be a 5-7 point favorite....now it's a FG? What will it be next week?

You got me on that one- I'll admit when I'm wrong. At that point in time I was not aware than Nebraska played Rutgers and then had a bye before the Iowa game (which is complete BS and a whole other issue).

 

[Redscarlet]

You got me on that one- I'll admit when I'm wrong. At that point in time I was not aware than Nebraska played Rutgers and then had a bye before the Iowa game (which is complete BS and a whole other issue).

That is why ESPN had a poll on how has the most Knowledgable fan base in College football.
We're #1.....

Iowa fans go watch rassling instead on watching College football on Saturday afternoon.RollingLaughRollingLaugh

 

[lonehawk]

"Nebraska is the best offense and defense IOWA will face all year". WOW!!!! I live in Lincoln and have watched every play of both teams. This game is a toss up. Like every game has been for iowa all year. That is some serious kool-aid of a comment.

 

[Redscarlet]

"Nebraska is the best offense and defense IOWA will face all year". WOW!!!! I live in Lincoln and have watched every play of both teams. This game is a toss up. Like every game has been for iowa all year. That is some serious kool-aid of a comment.

We're not the best offense Indiana is but we're next in line.

Best defense... I will go Pitt... But one thing you don't understand we haven't had our best players playing together because of injury all year.... But we will be the healthiest we have been all year.

Did you play Pitt at home? The game is in Lincoln.