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.
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