Friday, September 30, 2011

Talented Badgers Challenge Nebraska

Nebraska travels to Madison to take on Wisconsin Saturday night in a match up of top ten teams. The game is set to kickoff at 7:12 p.m. and will be televised nationally by ABC. Both teams are 4-0 in a game that introduces the Huskers to Big 10 Conference play.

The Badgers are coached by Bret Bielema, who is 53-16 in his sixth season as coach of Wisconsin. Nebraska leads the all-time series 3-2, with Nebraska winning 20-16 in 1973 and dropping a 21-20 contest in 1974. This will be a game that has all the buzz from around the country with national television coverage and ESPN hosting College Gameday Saturday from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

Wisconsin simply has a great offense. The catalyst is quarterback Russell Wilson (5-foot-11, 210 pounds, Senior). Wilson absolutely has no flaws to his game. He is a transfer from North Carolina State that has years of experience as an offensive leader. Wilson averages 27 yards a game rushing and can definitely hurt the Blackshirts with his running ability. As a former minor league baseball player he has tremendous athleticism. So far is 2011, Wilson averages 284 yards passing per game with 11 touchdowns and only one interception. He completes 75.8 percent of his passes (69 of 91). If Wilson plays well, Nebraska is in trouble.

The Badgers also run the ball extremely well. As a team the Badgers average 245.5 yards per game rushing. Two backs star for Wisconsin. Montee Ball (5-11, 210, Jr.) has nine touchdowns this season and averages  90 yards rushing per game. Sophomore James White (5-10, 195) adds 75 yards per game with three scores. Wisconsin will really attempt to run the ball to set up their passing game.

Wisconsin can also hurt the Huskers through the air. Receiver Nick Toon (6-3, 220, Sr.) has the physical tools to be a star. He has 21 catches this season for 88.2 yards per game and five scores on the year. Tight end Jacob Pedersen (6-4, 240, So.) has four touchdown catches as a favorite target for Wilson. Sophomore Jacob Abbrederis (6-2, 180) is also a solid complementary receiver for the Badgers. The receivers give Wisconsin a better balanced offense than the Badgers have had in many years.

The offensive line is a traditional strength for Wisconsin. From tackle to tackle, the Badgers average over 6-5 and 322 pounds. That is unbelievable size, yet they may be slow against a Nebraska defensive line with speed and depth.The offensive line is led by center Peter Konz, (6-5, 315, Jr.). Konz is a player that pro scouts are looking at for the future. Right tackle Josh Oglesby (6-7, 330, Sr.) may be big enough to block out the sun. If the line wins the battle at the point of attack it will be along night for the Big Red.

Wisconsin's defense has been less than impressive against lackluster opponents. The overall statistics are good with only 246.5 yards of total offense and 8.5 points given up per game, but UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois and South Dakota will not put fear into any major college football team. The Badgers are led by linebacker Chris Borland (5-11, 245, So.). Borland paces the team with 35 total tackles. Mike Taylor (6-2, 230, Jr.) is another linebacker with 30 tackles this season. The defense truly has not been tested by the soft schedule.

Special teams have been average for Wisconsin. Abbrederis and White are good return men, but kicking has only been passable. Freshman Kyle French (6-1, 190) is only 2 of 4 on field goals with a long kick of 29 yards. Punter Brad Nortman (6-3, 210, Sr.)  averages over 43 yards per punt. Nebraska does appear to be more consistent on special teams than the Badgers in 2011.


Nebraska will be pushed to the limit by Wisconsin. A solid offense with few weaknesses will make it tough for the Huskers to win away from home. By far, this is the best team Nebraska will see in the regular season. For the Big Red to win, they need to play an error-free game. That is a difficult task at the madhouse that is Camp Randall Stadium. As much as I would love to pick a Husker victory, I think the Badgers will win at home. Look for Wisconsin to defeat Nebraska 38-24. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze and check my post-game analysis in my next post.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Nebraska Keeps it Simple to Defeat the Cowboys

The Nebraska Cornhuskers utilized a stellar running game to improve to 4-0 on the season with a 38-14 win Saturday night over the Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie.

Several things were impressive for the Big Red. First it was nice to see so much red in the stands at a Husker road game. The Nebraska offense lined up and physically pounded Wyoming in the fourth quarter behind a series of toss plays. Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck found a play that was working and ran it until his team scored in the fourth quarter to put the game away. The Huskers amassed over 300 yards rushing. Rex Burkhead was dominant behind an improving offensive line. Ameer Abdullah, Braylon Heard, Aaron Green, and Austin Jones all ran with power and speed. Brion Carnes got the final series at quarterback for Nebraska and ran an option play that would have made Tommie Frazier proud.

The passing game was effective with a deep play action pass to Kyler Reed and Kenny Bell was wide open on a scoring pass from Taylor Martinez. The Huskers limited penalties again and the defense gave up only 14 points on the road.

Again things are not ideal, the secondary gave up some plays in pass coverage and Wyoming dropped a likely touchdown pass early in the second half. Plenty of work to be done as Nebraska gets ready for Wisconsin.

The fans will have plenty to talk about. The best thing is that the Huskers are 4-0 and appear ready for a major test. The offense looks sharp and the defense will be coached up.

It is time for Big Ten Conference football. Let the games begin.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Huskers Roll the Cowboys in Laramie

Nebraska hits the road and takes on Wyoming Saturday night in Laramie. Both teams are 3-0 for a game that kicks off at 6:38 p.m. (CDT) and is set to be televised by Versus. The Cowboys will try to take advantage of playing at 7,300 feet above sea level in the Huskers first game away from Lincoln.

Dave Christensen is the coach for the Cowboys. In his third season, he is 10-15 as the head man for Wyoming. The offense has been balanced in the undefeated start for the Cowboys. Brett Smith (6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Freshman) is the quarterback. Smith averages over 265 yards passing per game with seven touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He completes 61.8 percent (68 of 110) of his passes so far in 2011. Smith is also a good runner. He averages over 51 yards per game with three scores. Smith's youth may hurt him, especially if the Husker defense disguises some of the coverages for the freshman quarterback. If Smith plays well, Nebraska will have to play a full four quarter game. If Smith turns the ball over the game may be over early in the second half.


Wyoming likes to run the ball  with three players. Smith is a quality runner, but he is by no means alone. Alvester Alexander (5-11, 204, Jr.) is the starter at running back for Wyoming. Alexander averages 45 yards per game with three touchdowns. Brandon Miller (6-0, 187, So.) averages 56 yards per game rushing while Ghaali Muhammad (6-0, 221, Jr.) leads the way with 66 yards per game. As a team, Wyoming averages over 226 yards per game rushing.

In the passing game, Robert Herron (5-10, 187, So.) paces the Cowboy receivers. He has 17 catches for 176 yards and two scores on the season. Each of those totals tops the Wyoming season statistics. Mazi Ogbonna (6-1, 200, Sr.) is the second option with 14 receptions and junior Chris McNeill (6-1, 180) adds 12 grabs for 139 yards this season. The Cowboys definitely show balance this season between running and throwing the ball. Five receivers average over 38 yards receiving per game this season. No one in this group is a major threat, but the Husker secondary must come ready to play.

Wyoming starts a veteran offensive line. Three seniors and a junior lead the Cowboys up front. On the left side, tackle John Hutchins (6-5, 295, Sr.)  and guard Brandon Self (6-3,301, Sr.) are solid players. As a team Wyoming averages over 6-4 and 297 pounds from tackle to tackle. Wyoming will have trouble matching the depth and quickness of the Husker defensive front.

Defensively Wyoming gives up plenty of yards. Opponents average nearly 415 yards per game of total offense, including 287 yards per game through the air. The spark on defense has been end Korey Jones (6-2, 225, Jr.). Jones is undersized, but his speed has led to four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss so far this season.  Sophomore Devin Harris (6-3, 225) leads the team with 23 total tackles from his middle linebacker spot. Freshman Blair Burns (5-10, 170) has a pair of interceptions as a cornerback. The secondary is young and susceptible to the big play.  The Cowboy defense will have a great deal of trouble matching up the Husker speed offensively.

On special teams, Wyoming does not really stand out. Kicker Daniel Sullivan (5-10, 185, Fr.) is only 1 of  2 on field goals with his good kick from only 20 yards out. Punter Austin McCoy (6-3, 208, Sr.) averages less than 39 yards per punt. The biggest threat on returns is Dominic Rufran (6-0, 185, Fr.) who averages over 24 yards on kickoff returns.   


Wyoming has played powerhouses like Weber State, Texas State and Bowling Green. The Cowboys are making a major step up in competition as the Big Red comes to town. Wyoming is a very youthful football team that likely will have problems matching Nebraska at almost any position. The Huskers will give up a few points and may start slow, but then adjust and shut Wyoming down. Nebraska will dominate Wyoming late in posting a 52-21 win over the Cowboys Saturday night.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Sometimes You Like What You See

Nebraska is 3-0 on the 2011 football season. Things are not perfect, blocks are missed, the defender doesn't finish a tackle, or bites on a play-action pass. Then on a gray September Saturday a light shines on the Huskers and all is right with the world.

Let me explain. Option football is complex and simple at the same time. Offenses are looking for mismatches, getting an extra blocker on one side to spring a play, spreading the defense out and then going inside the vacated middle. Nebraska has the tools to be a good offense and it showed in Saturday's 51-38 win over Washington.

Tim Beck appeared to find an offensive rhythm calling plays. An option look play-action pass on the first play of the game looked beautiful to Husker fans. Visions of Turner Gill faking to Mark Schellen sliding a step or two with Mike Rozier available for a pitch and then a deep post pattern to an open Irving Fryar flashed through my mind. The Big Red hit a fullback trap for 36 yards. Overall 309 yards rushing with effective passing too. Only one turnover and fewer penalties than the opponent for the third straight week. These are good signs.

The defense has struggled with points and yards the last two weeks. A young secondary is growing up. Freshman Josh Mitchell is learning. Andrew Green is being tested, with some solid play and a few mistakes along the way.These youngsters are gaining experience. Leadership is needed from players like Jared Crick on the field and Alfonzo Dennard on the sideline to get through the rough patches.

A bobble on a punt and yet several good returns. Ameer Abdullah shines when he has the ball. Brett Maher has looked solid. So far Nebraska looks like a squad with talent on special teams. Potential is moving to results on the field.

Now the Huskers go on the road. Wyoming awaits. Somewhere Bob Devaney is smiling when the program he took from mediocrity to the heights of college football for most of 50 years is ready to meet opponents he knew so well like the Cowboys of Wyoming as well as Michigan and Michigan State.

No, things are not perfect, but for now, I like what I see from the 2011 Nebraska Cornhusker football team.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Nebraska-Washington Preview and Prediction

The closest thing to a conference game on the schedule this year is today when Nebraska takes on Washington at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The Huskers will have seen the Huskies three times in one calendar year by the time this game is finished. Television coverage is on ABC with kickoff set for 2:37 p.m. (CDT).

Fans will remember the two games last season when Nebraska rolled the Huskies in the regular season, but Washington returned the favor with a shocking loss for the Big Red in the postseason. Today both teams are 2-0 and neither team has had an impressive win so far. Washington has slipped by with narrow wins over Eastern Washington and Hawaii. The Huskers defeated Chattanooga and Fresno State to open the 2011 season.

Washington is coached by Steve Sarkisian, who is 14-13 in his third year as a head coach. He is known as a solid offensive mind that has teams that will put up some points. The team is led by quarterback Keith Price (6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Sophomore). Price has been slowed by some knee issues that have limited his running ability in the first two games, although he has been known for his skills outside of the pocket. So far this season  Price has completed 70 percent (35 of 50) of his passes with seven touchdowns and only one interception. He has averaged 208.5 yards passing per game. He is an accurate thrower that may give the Blackshirts some problems.

The receivers have big-play ability for the Huskies. Three players stand out for Washington. Jermaine Kearse (6-2, 208, Sr.) is a physical player that is a favorite target of Price. He leads the team with two touchdown receptions. Devin Aguilar (6-0, 195, Sr.) is the deep threat averaging over 23 yards per catch this season. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (6-6, 254, Fr.) has been a pleasant surprise for Husky fans at the tight end spot. He has four catches for 101 yards and a score on the year. His size may give the Husker defensive backs some issues if he gets in the open field.   

The Huskies have a great running back in Chris Polk (5-11, 222, Jr.) Polk was instrumental in leading Washington to the 19-7 win over Nebraska at the end of last season. In 2011 Polk has averaged 116 yards per game with one touchdown rushing. He has a fine backup in sophomore Jesse Callier (5-10, 200). As a team Washington has averaged 149.5 yards per game on the ground this season.

Size is plentiful for Washington on the offensive line. The Huskies average over 6-4 and 303 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The leader on the line is Senio Kelemente (6-4, 301, Sr.). Kelemente, a team captain is the only upperclassman starting for Washington. This group will need to play well if the Huskies are to pull off the upset.

Defensively Washington employs a 4-3 look with a solid player on each level of the defense. Up front, Alameda Ta'amu (6-3, 333, Sr.) is a major presence that can clog lanes in the running game. The Huskers must account for him if they are to be effective in the trenches. The Huskies have only allowed 43.5 yards rushing per game this season. The linebackers are led by Cort Dennison (6-1, 234, Sr.). His steady play keeps the Husky defense effective. Cornerback Desmond Trufant (6-0, 184, Jr.) leads the team with 15 total tackles and two interceptions this season. The secondary has given up an average of 403.5 yards passing per game against two pass happy teams. It is unlikely that the Huskers will put up those kind of statistics, but they can make it a tough day for the Washington defensive backs.

The Huskies have been solid place-kicking this season. Eric Folk(5-11, 185, Sr.) is perfect on four field goal attempts thus far including a 53-yarder. Punter Kiel Rasp (6-3, 225, Sr.) has averaged only 38.4 yards on eight punts this season.  Kevin Smith (6-0, 209, So.) is a fine return man, that also gets some looks at a receiver spot, while Callier shows his quickness in the return game as well.

Nebraska needs to play with more consistency. Washington will score some points and try to establish the running game. If the Huskers take care of the football they will win this game at home. The passing game will make the difference in the Husker offense this week. Look for Nebraska to post a 35-24 win over Washington.

Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze and look for my post game thoughts in my next posting.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Looks a Little Low to Me

Nebraska won 42-29 on Saturday night against Fresno State. Some things are clear to see and some are as clear as the Los Angeles skyline in a smog alert. On the good side, the Huskers won the football game. They put up 438 yards of offense and showed big plays with lots of speed on offense. Through two games, the Big Red have really limited the penalties. The coaching staff appeared to make adjustments where the defense looked better at times and the offense could not be stopped, especially after halftime.

On the other side, Nebraska looked slow in the secondary again. The defensive backs were off of receivers, especially in nickel and dime coverages . Corey Cooper, P. J. Smith, and Courtney Osborne appear to be in the doghouse because these players hardly see the field. Their athleticism is needed to cover receivers in the open field. Perhaps players like Dijon Washington and Antonio Bell can also assert themselves to be factors in the secondary. Alfonzo Dennard healthy and on the field would be a major plus too.

The Huskers did not win the battle on either side of the line in impressive fashion Saturday night. Special teams had a major error on the first touchdown. These problems need to be handled or it may not be the kind of season a team with a top ten ranking is projected to have. Allowing any running back 169 yards against the defense is not acceptable. Robbie Rouse is not the best back the Blackshirts will see this season. Wisconsin and Michigan will show that to the Huskers as we go deeper into the season.

Quickness abounds in players like Kenny Bell, Jamal Turner , and Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah appears to be a solid runner that comes straight up the field. He is looking like the kind of player Husker fans will grow to love. So there is plenty of hope on the horizon, but the time to step up is in the next few weeks. Washington is a better team than what the Huskers have faced so far. Wyoming may pose a threat when the Big Red goes on the road. Wisconsin looks like an impressive team as well. The tests will be tough every week.

Nebraska can improve if players get after it in practice and compete for time on the field. Leaders need to come to the front and hold the squad to a high standard. The goals are still within reach, yet the effort now has to be shown for the 2011 Huskers to be a quality football team.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Nebraska takes on Fresno State

Tonight Nebraska hosts the Fresno State Bulldogs in game number two of the 2011 college football season. The 1-0 Huskers meet the 0-1 Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln for a 6:05 p.m. (CDT) kickoff. The game is set to be telecast on the Big 10 Network.

Fresno State lost their opener last week by a score of 36-21 against the Golden Bears of California. The Bulldogs are coached by Pat Hill, with a record of 108-72 in 15 seasons as the head coach of Fresno State. The Bulldogs are aptly named because of their scrappy style of play. They will take on any team anywhere and show up ready to play. Coach Hill instills a never give up attitude in his teams. Often they may not be the biggest dog in the fight, but they will battle any opponent until the final whistle.

Derek Carr (6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Sophomore) is the quarterback for Fresno State. His older brother David was a standout for the Bulldogs at quarterback as well. David Carr became the overall top pick in the National Football League draft by the Houston Texans after his collegiate career. Derek has some physical skills, but has very little game experience. Last week, Derek was 21 of 33 with one interception (63.6 percent) against Cal. He threw for 142 yards and one touchdown. He needs to play very well for the Bulldogs to make this a game in the second half.

The Bulldogs have a good running back in junior Robbie Rouse (5-7, 185). He led the team with 86 yards rushing and one touchdown last week. Rouse is a small back that the defense must be ready for. No other backs appear to pose a threat to the Husker Blackshirts.

The receivers are paced by Devon Wylie (5-9, 185, Sr.). He is a slot receiver that has good hands and some quickness. Rashad Evans (5-9, 190, Jr.) is also a favorite target of Derek Carr. The receivers must create space against the Nebraska secondary to make plays. This group was not overly impressive last week in the opener against Cal.

The offensive line is the strength of the Bulldogs. From tackle to tackle, Fresno State averages over 6-4 and 310 pounds. The right side is young, but the left side is anchored by senior tackle Bryce Harris (6-6, 300) with 26 career starts and junior guard Matt Hunt (6-2, 315). Center Leslie Cooper (6-4, 320, Sr.) also provides good leadership up front.

Defensively Fresno State can give up some yards. Cal gained 413 yards against the Bulldogs, including 266 yards through the air. Defensive tackle Logan Harrell (6-2, 275, Sr.) is the key for Fresno State to stop the Husker running game. The linebackers are a solid group for the Bulldogs. Kyle Knox (61, 220, Sr.) has a great deal of experience, while junior Travis Brown (6-2, 235) is a play-maker for the Bulldogs. The secondary played poorly last week and could be exploited if the Huskers open up the passing game. Isaiah Green (5-10, 180, Sr.) is the most consistent man in the Fresno State defensive backfield.

The Bulldogs are very good kicking the football. Kevin Goessling (6-0, 210, Sr.) may be the best kicker the Huskers face all season. Punter Andrew Shapiro (6-0, 190, Jr.) also performed well last week. The return men did not look consistent last week in the loss to Cal.

Nebraska needs to play better on the offensive line than they did last week. The Huskers are playing a team that is a major step up compared to last week's big victory. Fresno State may have some problems putting up points and the Big Red offense should be able to attack the Bulldog defense through the air. Nebraska needs to find a better rhythm offensively to put this game away. I think they will play well. Look for Nebraska to defeat Fresno State by a score of 34-13 Saturday night in Lincoln.

As always, thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze. Check back on Sunday for post game analysis.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Working for a Living

The 2011 Nebraska football team opened the season yesterday with a 40-7 win over Chattanooga. After looking at the game, it is clear that the Huskers have plenty of work to do if they are going to meet their goals for the season. Bo Pelini says Nebraska football is about winning championships, but right now questions abound about what we know and do not know for the rest of the season.

First, Nebraska is a very young football team, particularly on offense. Freshmen and sophomores are all over the line and in the backfield. With inexperience, comes mistakes. The learning curve is steep especially with Big 10 Conference play looming less than four weeks away. The speed appears to be better than the recent past, but intricacies like timing on option plays lacked in the opener. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck looked like he was searching for a rhythm offensively that never truly came into focus on Saturday. The line did not appear to block really well at the point of attack. The Mocs stacked eight and nine men in the box, which should have opened up things in the passing game. Quarterback Taylor Martinez needs to be crisper on his passes as his throws were behind a few receivers for what could have been big plays. The team is learning and things will improve later in the season.

The defense was solid. I have concerns about youthful mistakes in the secondary, and a lack of speed at the safety spots, but the talent will come to the top. I question the ability to play straight man to man defense against speed when the Huskers look a little slow at some positions in nickel and dime coverages. The defensive line looks to be as deep as any in the country. Cameron Meredith showed he can be an impact player when healthy. Carl Pelini and John Papuchis have so much depth up front that opponents will wear down against fresh Husker defenders late in games.

The kicking game was impressive. Brett Maher stepped to kick and punt very well. Ameer Abdullah showed flashes that he will grow as a quality return man.

True positives were shown in Nebraska committing only three penalties. The Huskers again had some big plays on offense and defense. The coaching staff will work on consistency. The ability is there. The fans and coaches can see it.The season is full of challenges against better teams than what the Huskers faced yesterday. Now the team has to really go to work. 

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Nebraska Starts the Season Dominating the Mocs

Nebraska opens play today as a member of the Big 10 Conference at home against Chattanooga. The Mocs are coached by Russ Huesman, who is 12-10 as he enters his third season as head coach. The Mocs are a member of the Football Championship Series or the FCS (formerly Division I-AA). The game is set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff (CDT) and will be televised by the Big 10 Network (check local listings for your channel).

Chattanooga has a solid quarterback in B. J. Coleman (6-foot-5, 220 pounds, Senior). Coleman is a transfer from Tennessee that throws the ball very well. Last season he averaged over 272 yards passing, completing 56 percent of his passes. In 2010, Coleman had 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has good size with a solid arm, but is not a real threat outside of the pocket. Coleman must play well for the Mocs to stay competitive.

The receivers are the best unit for the Mocs offensively. Joel Bradford  (6-0, 165, Sr.) is the top receiver. He set a school record with 1,284 yards receiving last year. He had 81 catches with eight touchdowns and averaged over 116 yards receiving per game in 2010. He is the go to guy for Coleman.  Jeff Veres (5-11, 195, Jr.) is a good receiver that moves back to a flanker spot after being the team's kicker in 2010 because of injuries. The Mocs must make their living offensively through the air  

The running game averaged 152 yards per game in 2010. J. J. Jackson (5-9, 200, Jr.) leads the way. A year ago Jackson had 226 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Chris Awuah (5-9, 200, Jr.) will back up Jackson. Thomas Green (6-0, 220, Sr.) is a pure blocker at fullback that will not carry the ball. This running game will not challenge the Blackshirts.

The offensive line is young and small. From tackle to tackle, the Mocs average over 6-3 and 267 pounds. The Husker defensive front will dominate this offensive line. he Mocs are strongest on the right side with Adam Miller (6-4, 275, Jr.) at tackle and Austin Wilson (6-3, 265, Jr.) at guard. Both of these lineman have some starting experience. The matchup here gives Nebraska a major advantage.

Defensively the Mocs gave up over 162 yards per game rushing, over 207 yards passing and 31.2 points per game in 2010. This is not a group the Husker offense needs to fear. Defensive end Joshua Williams (6-2, 235, Jr.) has some quickness, while nose tackle Nick Davison (6-0, 285, Sr.) is a good leader.

The linebackers are young, but senior Ryan Consiglio (6-1, 220) is the best defender. He averaged 10 tackles per game last year on the strong side. In the secondary, safety Jordan Tippit (6-0, 205, Sr.) and Chris Lewis-Harris (5-11, 175, Sr.) at corner need to make plays. Overall this is a small young defense Nebraska can exploit.

Chattanooga struggled on special teams in 2010. Freshman Nick Pollard (6-0, 180) is untested and punter Mike Hammons (5-10, 180, Sr.) averaged only 38.4 yards punting last season. Bradford is solid in the kick return game for the Mocs, but again Nebraska possesses a huge edge in special teams.

Nebraska holds all the cards in the game against Chattanooga. The Mocs will struggle and the Huskers will roll in all parts of the game. The Big Red starts slow, but gains momentum in posting a 52-17 win against Chattanooga. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze. Look for my post game analysis in my next post.

Finally Prediction Time

Two quick pieces today before kickoff. First is the overall season prediction. You can have some fun and see how close I am come bowl season.

Nebraska starts with a big win over Chattanooga. The Mocs just do not match up with the Big Red. This will be a game where we find out how talented the young Huskers are (Nebraska 1-0).

Week two will test the Blackshirts when Nebraska hosts Fresno State. A young hotshot quarterback with good bloodlines will keep the Huskers at bay for a while, but the Big Red will open it up in the second half for a nice win (Nebraska 2-0).

Week three sets up the only rematch from 2010 when Washington travels to Lincoln. Coach Bo Pelini will have the team ready for everything as the Huskers will have something to prove after the Huskies topped the Big Red in the last contest. Look for the Big Red to win a game that will be decided in the fourth quarter (Nebraska 3-0).

Week 4 sends the Huskers to Laramie to take on the Wyoming Cowboys. Nebraska passes the road test with flying colors and the Big Red is undefeated in non-conference play (Nebraska 4-0).

The Big 10 Conference opens the Big Red action in week 5 at Wisconsin. The Badgers appear to be the biggest test on the Husker schedule. Wisconsin will be sky high and Camp Randall Stadium will be a hornet's nest. A young Nebraska teams loses at Madison (Nebraska 4-1).

Bo Pelini wants a piece of Ohio State. The Buckeyes will be back at full strength after early season suspensions. No one likes Bo when he is angry, and this Husker team responds well after the first loss of the season. The Big Red shows the Buckeyes Memorial Stadium is a tough place to play in defeating Ohio State by a touchdown (Nebraska 5-1).

Minnesota hosts the Huskers next, and the Golden Gophers wilt against a great defense. Nebraska dominates Minnesota in front of a lot of Husker fans in Minneapolis (Nebraska 6-1).

Michigan State comes to Lincoln with a veteran quarterback and lots of talent. The big difference is the Huskers win the game on both sides of the line. The Spartans fall by 10 points because the Huskers are the better team in the trenches (Nebraska 7-1).

Northwestern is next. A solid quarterback with little running game and no defense is the test here for the Huskers. The Big Red finds an offensive spark and wins a wild game where lots of points are scored by both teams (Nebraska 8-1).

Penn State on the road is a team that almost no Husker fan likes to face. Nebraska turns the ball over too many times and in front of a very hostile crowd, falls by 13 at Happy Valley (Nebraska 8-2).

The Huskers face a huge make or break game at Michigan. Shoelace is a great athlete, but somehow, the Huskers win this game at the end by two points with a defensive stand. Somewhere, Bob Devaney is smiling as the Wolverines fall (Nebraska 9-2).

Iowa wants an upset in Lincoln. NO WAY. In the best performance of the season, the Big Red rolls the Hawkeyes by 20 at Memorial Stadium (Nebraska 10-2).


The Huskers qualify for the Big 10 Championship game. Wisconsin finds out it is tough to beat a good team twice. By this time in the season, the Huskers are balanced offensively and defensively. The Badgers fall 24-19. (Nebraska 11-2).

The Rose Bowl awaits Nebraska fans again. Stanford is the opponent. The best quarterback in the nation is the test. A shootout is the outcome where the Huskers finally play well in the fourth quarter in a 42-38 victory (Nebraska 12-2, rated sixth in the nation).

There you have it. The breakdown of Chattanooga will be here quickly. Thanks for reading Going Deep with Doze.