NW?

[lifer56]

Watching NW’s game last week vs. PU. Jftr, Minnesota played PU the week before that, so comparisons are inevitable.

NW offense is very conservative. Strong OL, and RB #6 is good. So is the second stringer. The QB is not a better passer than Minnesota’s, but their run game makes NW’s play action and short passes more effective. NW’s QB is also a little more mobile than Minnesota's.

D is a 4-3. Nothing spectacular, but lots more effective at stopping PU’s O than Minnesota was two weeks ago. Just basic, occasionally bringing a fifth rusher. Solid, sound, but nothing special.

Special teams do what they should. They faked a punt but it was unsuccessful.

All things equal, I’d say NW looks more solid than Minnesota. No flash; just really solid. The only things that stand out in addition to just being solid are the OL and RB #6.

Maybe playing at home with our backs against the wall will make a difference. If not, just more misery.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

NW is pretty predictable on offense. When they bunch receivers they run, when they line up not in a bunch they pass. When they throw, they throw to Wilde. Even when they play action pass, they line up in a bunch formation.

The key to this game is going to be relying on the keys and eye integrity. They are super simplistic on offense, which is why they only average 22 ppg. I believe their offense is susceptible to the blitz, their QB is not mobile, and will panic if Wilde is not open.

I would play a ton of man, maybe even put Ceyair Wright on Wilde and make them beat you in the run game, or with someone other than Wilde.

 

[salsa red]

NW is pretty predictable on offense. When they bunch receivers they run, when they line up not in a bunch they pass. When they throw, they throw to Wilde. Even when they play action pass, they line up in a bunch formation.

The key to this game is going to be relying on the keys and eye integrity. They are super simplistic on offense, which is why they only average 22 ppg. I believe their offense is susceptible to the blitz, their QB is not mobile, and will panic if Wilde is not open.

I would play a ton of man, maybe even put Ceyair Wright on Wilde and make them beat you in the run game, or with someone other than Wilde.

Stopping the run has been our problem all year. Butler needs to figure some things out or this is going to be a repeat of last week.

 

[cubsker15]

Purdue qb got hurt early. He's a good player and a huge part of their offense because the OL isn't very good.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Stopping the run has been our problem all year. Butler needs to figure some things out or this is going to be a repeat of last week.

Most of the teams Nebraska has played had a more sophisticated passing attack. NW is very simplistic. Nebraska should be able to play man without the threat of getting beat deep. I would expect a lot of players in the box, to stop the run as well as pressure the QB. I could be wrong, but when you only average 22 ppg, offense isn't how you are winning games.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

They run the ball. They are going to hand the ball off 35+ times.

NU will be lucky to get 50-55 snaps on offense. Which means even 5 wasted plays is killer.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

They run the ball. They are going to hand the ball off 35+ times.

NU will be lucky to get 50-55 snaps on offense. Which means even 5 wasted plays is killer.

Some of that is contingent on Nebraska having offensive success, they won't be able to run the ball 35 times if they are behind early, or if Nebraska is able to score on the possessions they have, it won't matter. Oregon only had 56 plays, but scored 34 points before Northwestern scored their 2 TDs in the final 6 minutes of the game.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

Some of that is contingent on Nebraska having offensive success, they won't be able to run the ball 35 times if they are behind early, or if Nebraska is able to score on the possessions they have, it won't matter. Oregon only had 56 plays, but scored 34 points before Northwestern scored their 2 TDs in the final 6 minutes of the game.

Maybe...but my guess is NW will just run the ball no matter what the score is...I think they have also adopted the "losing games is okay as long as the final score doesn't look super ******* bad" policy.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Maybe...but my guess is NW will just run the ball no matter what the score is...I think they have also adopted the "losing games is okay as long as the final score doesn't look super ******* bad" policy.

Hell if they want adopt that strategy down double digits and shorten the game, that will actually play into Nebraska's hands, less opportunities to make mistakes.

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

NW is pretty predictable on offense. When they bunch receivers they run, when they line up not in a bunch they pass. When they throw, they throw to Wilde. Even when they play action pass, they line up in a bunch formation.

The key to this game is going to be relying on the keys and eye integrity. They are super simplistic on offense, which is why they only average 22 ppg. I believe their offense is susceptible to the blitz, their QB is not mobile, and will panic if Wilde is not open.

I would play a ton of man, maybe even put Ceyair Wright on Wilde and make them beat you in the run game, or with someone other than Wilde.

We should be concerned about Wilde. But the interesting thing about player development, coaching or just opportunity to play is would Wilde even be getting on the field if we'd signed him out of HS? Side note, Alex Bullock is on track to match Wilde's receptions and yardage from last year.