Nebraska Thread

[Deeringfish]

Any chance we could have a thread that leaves the past two painful weeks behind and talks about UN?

I don't need it to be totally pollyanna but perhaps we could consider that we have done well in Lincoln before and that they are not having their best season and that we did beat a B1G opponent 20-0. The two team we lost to have very good records. The schedule gets theoretically easier as the season progresses.

Are there any ways that we match up well against them? Any possibility that their our O line can handle their D line better and give CT a chance think more clearly?

Seems like we are all in or all out this season.

 

[NJCat83588]

I don't need it to be totally pollyanna but perhaps we could consider that we have done well in Lincoln before and that they are not having their best season and that we did beat a B1G opponent 20-0.

Did NU have to give back a TD in the win over Minny?

More seriously, I am not very optimistic about the prospect of going to Lincoln this weekend and winning.

 

[shakes3858]

It was 27-0.

Nebraska has the worst passing defense in the country and 28th worst in yards per game. They're 50th BEST in points per game. I haven't watched any Nebraska football, but I'm guessing they go bend but don't break and give up yards, but keep you out of the end zone. I think the thing we need to do is to get into the endzone when we hit the redzone.

 

[Deeringfish]

Did NU have to give back a TD in the win over Minny?

More seriously, I am not very optimistic about the prospect of going to Lincoln this weekend and winning.

That's funny! Subliminally, I'm so discouraged I have diminished our excellent opening victory.

 

[Hungry Jack]

At some point this season, the Cats will put one together and upset a conference foe.

 

[rwesley264]

If the Cats can run the ball, they can win. The Huskers do not have the defense or the offensive line of either Michigan or Iowa.

This is definitely a potential win.

 

[KramerCat91]

NU is 32 in the computer rankings while Nebraska is 56. If our lines can hold their own this week unlike the past two weeks ....

 

[Cornicator]

If the Cats can run the ball, they can win. The Huskers do not have the defense or the offensive line of either Michigan or Iowa.

This is definitely a potential win.

Nebraska's run defense, is also in the top 10 nationally with Michigan and Iowa. Nebraska is running for 5.4 yards per carry and nearly 200 yards per game. Both averages are better than Iowa and Michigan. Nebraska's offensive line has also only allowed 8 sacks all season, in 250 attempts. That too is better than Michigan and Nebraska. I would argue Nebraska's ability to stop the run is on par with both the Wolverines and Iowa. And I would also argue Nebraska has a better offensive line than either of those 2 teams.

But the Huskers have a terrible pass defense. Its historically bad. They have also encountered terrible injuries all season long, and lead the league in penalties. They're beatable for a number of reasons. Iowa and Michigan can pressure the QB. Nebraska can not, especially without Freedom Akimodaluam. However, he may be back this weekend. Michigan and Iowa are also both much better in the secondary than Nebraska.

I don't believe Northwestern will be able to run the football successfully vs. the Huskers. They will need to throw the football... which has really been easy for virtually every Husker opponent.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

I don't believe Northwestern will be able to run the football successfully vs. the Huskers. They will need to throw the football... which has really been easy for virtually every Husker opponent.

Our pass offense v your pass defense = the resistable force vs the moveable object. Pass offense is our weakness

 

[Cornicator]

Mitch Leidner, not to be confused with Joe Montana, just eclipsed all his career passing records vs. Nebraska. He did throw 2 picks, including a pick 6, but still was 16 of 17 at one point. Thorson may reach new levels of awesomeness this weekend.

 

[villox]

Nebraska just unveiled alternative uniforms for this weekend. All I gotta say is, thank god for Under Armour.

 

[shakes3858]

Nebraska just unveiled alternative uniforms for this weekend. All I gotta say is, thank god for Under Armour.

Aren't those numbers illegal? They have to be a solid right?

 

[TheC]

Aren't those numbers illegal? They have to be a solid right?

We're playing this game under protest!

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

Mitch Leidner, not to be confused with Joe Montana, just eclipsed all his career passing records vs. Nebraska. He did throw 2 picks, including a pick 6, but still was 16 of 17 at one point. Thorson may reach new levels of awesomeness this weekend.

Perhaps, and I hope so. OTOH, we don't know will show up on defense, Dr. Jeckyll (held McCaffrey in check) or Mr. Hyde (4th string Iowa RB with 200 yards and 4 tds). Mr. Hyde made this Iowa guy look like his cousin, CARLOS Hyde

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Any chance we could have a thread that leaves the past two painful weeks behind and talks about UN?

I don't need it to be totally pollyanna but perhaps we could consider that we have done well in Lincoln before and that they are not having their best season and that we did beat a B1G opponent 20-0. The two team we lost to have very good records. The schedule gets theoretically easier as the season progresses.

Are there any ways that we match up well against them? Any possibility that their our O line can handle their D line better and give CT a chance think more clearly?

Seems like we are all in or all out this season.

Does nebraska run two te sets? That seems to be the way to neutralize our finesse defense. Two te sets fed offensive tackles at walker and blew up our D as walker cant shed too well. If an ol isnt on walker then he will blow up nebby offense.
But mich and iowa two te blew us off the ball with brute strength.

 

[IdahoAlum]

I see the Huskers are favored by 7.5 to 8.

 

[scotthawk1964]

Perhaps, and I hope so. OTOH, we don't know will show up on defense, Dr. Jeckyll (held McCaffrey in check) or Mr. Hyde (4th string Iowa RB with 200 yards and 4 tds). Mr. Hyde made this Iowa guy look like his cousin, CARLOS Hyde

In Northwestern's defense, that 4th string RB has the most talent of all the Hawkeye backs, he has had trouble with ball security, which is why he did not play until Ferentz had no choice. If he secures the ball like at NW, he would probably be starting, or at least seeing significant reps..

 

[Hungry Jack]

In Northwestern's defense, that 4th string RB has the most talent of all the Hawkeye backs, he has had trouble with ball security, which is why he did not play until Ferentz had no choice. If he secures the ball like at NW, he would probably be starting, or at least seeing significant reps..

That guy was a 2 star / 77 composite on 247. Glades probably has a poster of him above his bed.

 

[swihawkeye]

Please beat Nebraska!!

 

[beatdahuskers]

Nebraska's run defense, is also in the top 10 nationally with Michigan and Iowa.
I don't believe Northwestern will be able to run the football successfully vs. the Huskers. They will need to throw the football... which has really been easy for virtually every Husker opponent.

UN's rushing defense looks good on paper because the best rushing team they have faced is Southern Mississippi. Here are their opponents and their national rushing offense rank:
BYU 103
South Alabama 114
Miami (FL) 102
So. Miss 59
Illinois 100
Wisconsin 90
Minnesota 86

 

[DrillCat]

I so hope we win this one. Winning at Neb can propel us to turn things around..
One thing that worries me the most is that Neb has been so darn unlucky lately and they are due for reversal of fortunes.
Pls not against the cats!

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

I so hope we win this one. Winning at Neb can propel us to turn things around..
One thing that worries me the most is that Neb has been so darn unlucky lately and they are due for reversal of fortunes.
Pls not against the cats!

Notre dame away turned things for us a bit last year.

 

[NorthgateCaveman]

Does nebraska run two te sets? That seems to be the way to neutralize our finesse defense. Two te sets fed offensive tackles at walker and blew up our D as walker cant shed too well. If an ol isnt on walker then he will blow up nebby offense.
But mich and iowa two te blew us off the ball with brute strength.

No two TE sets for Neb., but they run a FB often enough to present the same problems. They also give the FB the ball enough to slow you down one step. Thats the whole offense really is running enough motion (end around) and fakes that the defense has to be honest about who has the ball, then when you account for everyone, they'll run the QB.

 

[Deeringfish]

Keep it up I'm beginning to feel better.

 

[boilerball12]

Lowry and Gibson need to have big games and to not let Tommy Armstrong scramble and get by the DL and into the secondary. Armstrong is a true duel threat but in my opinion their most consistent WR- Jordan Westerkamp (we might remember him, think back to the last play in 2013). I feel Vanhoose will lock him down forcing Yearby and Armstrong to run the ball. Need a big game from our LB's along with Henry and Godwin.

 

[Gladeskat]

That guy was a 2 star / 77 composite on 247. Glades probably has a poster of him above his bed.

I can't even make room for his wallet photo on my 2-star stud wall of fame next to Canzeri (Iowa single-game rushing record), Chad Greenway, and a dozen other Iowa zero-star and 2-star studs in the NFL.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Lowry and Gibson need to have big games and to not let Tommy Armstrong scramble and get by the DL and into the secondary. Armstrong is a true duel threat but in my opinion their most consistent WR- Jordan Westerkamp (we might remember him, think back to the last play in 2013). I feel Vanhoose will lock him down forcing Yearby and Armstrong to run the ball. Need a big game from our LB's along with Henry and Godwin.

Remembering how the Ball State QB killed us on scrambles scares me. Armstrong will take off and he can hurt us. I know we went after Westerkamp and he would look good in purple. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and I think there is a good chance he'll hurt us again. We need a big bounce back on D to take this one.

 

[Deeringfish]

Remembering how the Ball State QB killed us on scrambles scares me. Armstrong will take off and he can hurt us. I know we went after Westerkamp and he would look good in purple. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and I think there is a good chance he'll hurt us again. We need a big bounce back on D to take this one.

I don't think we had much film on Ball State's QB, wasn't it his first start? The hope is our guys are smart enough to pick up tendencies and tells, No?

 

[Cornicator]

UN's rushing defense looks good on paper because the best rushing team they have faced is Southern Mississippi. Here are their opponents and their national rushing offense rank:
BYU 103
South Alabama 114
Miami (FL) 102
So. Miss 59
Illinois 100
Wisconsin 90
Minnesota 86

They have future NFL players in the interior of their Dline. Their success stopping the run isn't a mirage. They stack the box, stay physical at the point of attack and have linebackers who run well in pursuit. Their safeties also play well in run support. Conversely, there isn't one single player in Nebraska's Back 7 who can defend a pass. Its actually quite amazing.

Now with all that said, Nebraska is getting healthy. Vs. Illinois and Wisconsin, the Huskers were without 7 starters and 10 players total from their 2 deep. Most of them should be back vs. NW.

 

[mybrotha]

Nebraska's run defense, is also in the top 10 nationally with Michigan and Iowa. Nebraska is running for 5.4 yards per carry and nearly 200 yards per game. Both averages are better than Iowa and Michigan. Nebraska's offensive line has also only allowed 8 sacks all season, in 250 attempts. That too is better than Michigan and Nebraska. I would argue Nebraska's ability to stop the run is on par with both the Wolverines and Iowa. And I would also argue Nebraska has a better offensive line than either of those 2 teams.

But the Huskers have a terrible pass defense. Its historically bad. They have also encountered terrible injuries all season long, and lead the league in penalties. They're beatable for a number of reasons. Iowa and Michigan can pressure the QB. Nebraska can not, especially without Freedom Akimodaluam. However, he may be back this weekend. Michigan and Iowa are also both much better in the secondary than Nebraska.

I don't believe Northwestern will be able to run the football successfully vs. the Huskers. They will need to throw the football... which has really been easy for virtually every Husker opponent.

Salient points my friend, however our receivers would first have to be able to CATCH the football. I would assume that we are least in the top ten in NCAA D1 dropped passes.

 

[GlideCat]

Remembering how the Ball State QB killed us on scrambles scares me. Armstrong will take off and he can hurt us. I know we went after Westerkamp and he would look good in purple. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and I think there is a good chance he'll hurt us again. We need a big bounce back on D to take this one.

Maybe if we have Walker shadow him, we can neutralize his running and get Walker back involved in the defensive game plan. Two birds with one stone.

 

[mikewebb68]

They have future NFL players in the interior of their Dline. Their success stopping the run isn't a mirage. They stack the box, stay physical at the point of attack and have linebackers who run well in pursuit. Their safeties also play well in run support. Conversely, there isn't one single player in Nebraska's Back 7 who can defend a pass. Its actually quite amazing.

Now with all that said, Nebraska is getting healthy. Vs. Illinois and Wisconsin, the Huskers were without 7 starters and 10 players total from their 2 deep. Most of them should be back vs. NW.

On BTN tonight that the rushing defense numbers are skewed by the fact that, since you are last in the nation in Pass D, teams simply pass against you and don't run. How do you respond to that comment? Having said that, this is a bad matchup since, as pointed out, passing is not our strength. But I am encouraged by the Leidner stats, since he did absolutely nothing against us.

 

[mikewebb68]

I don't think we had much film on Ball State's QB, wasn't it his first start? The hope is our guys are smart enough to pick up tendencies and tells, No?

Correct, it was his first start.

 

[ScarletNCream]

On BTN tonight that the rushing defense numbers are skewed by the fact that, since you are last in the nation in Pass D, teams simply pass against you and don't run. How do you respond to that comment? Having said that, this is a bad matchup since, as pointed out, passing is not our strength. But I am encouraged by the Leidner stats, since he did absolutely nothing against us.

Every game we've played this year has felt like the opposing offense spent 2-4 series beating their head against the wall trying to establish the run and then said, "What's the point, when we can pass it much easier."

Our defense sells out to stop the run on 100% of plays which puts a ton of pressure on our DBs which they haven't been able to handle yet to this point.

 

[Cornicator]

On BTN tonight that the rushing defense numbers are skewed by the fact that, since you are last in the nation in Pass D, teams simply pass against you and don't run. How do you respond to that comment? Having said that, this is a bad matchup since, as pointed out, passing is not our strength. But I am encouraged by the Leidner stats, since he did absolutely nothing against us.

Nebraska's opponents have more rushing attempts for 2 yards or less than any other team in the Big Ten.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Nebraska's opponents have more rushing attempts for 2 yards or less than any other team in the Big Ten.

That figure will be enhanced playing vs. NU.

 

[kaTNap]

Every game we've played this year has felt like the opposing offense spent 2-4 series beating their head against the wall trying to establish the run and then said, "What's the point, when we can pass it much easier."

Saturday won't be like that. We'll spend the whole game beating our head against the wall trying to establish the run.

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

Saturday won't be like that. We'll spend the whole game beating our head against the wall trying to establish the run.

I dunno. We threw several times on first down against Iowa, and that didn't seem to pan out so well.

 

[BretEpic]

If the Cats can run the ball, they can win. The Huskers do not have the defense or the offensive line of either Michigan or Iowa.

This is definitely a potential win.

Nebraska has questions everywhere on defense. DE, DT alongside Collins, LB, CB, S not named Nate Gerry. They do have some players still, but not the caliber of the last two foes. That said, it's in Lincoln, so the Cats will need to run the ball effectively.

If they make a sustained effort to run the football, and not start drives off with two plays of nada, they can win quite convincingly. The Husker's lofty run defense ranking is a product of teams throwing the ball all over. Operate like a run-to-pass offense and you can still have success.

Nebraska's line is not as good as others, but they have solid skills at WR and RB. Harris would be huge in this game. I think the defense plays a better game, but the Huskers will have some big plays.

Thus keep the Nebraska offense off the field, run the ball at a depth lacking defense and then cause miscues when they sell out. The Huskers have had poor decisions all year long.

I have no confidence in the coaching staff to try and run the ball however. I see them throwing the ball far too often early, and the Huskers seizing on this somehow despite their woeful coverage. I think Thorson is the future still, but his present is making mistakes like a RSFR. He needs to use his feet to an advantage, and still make reads. He seems to struggle with both... He's playing like a pocket passer, and he's neither suited nor successful at that. Not all on him, but one should hopefully always adapt to use their strengths.

 

[BretEpic]

Saturday won't be like that. We'll spend the whole game beating our head against the wall trying to establish the run.

They are more likely to establish a running game than a passing game. That's why you run...