The Nebraska Blackshirts are back. A 24-3 dominating performance against what was the hottest team in the Big Ten Conference shows what the 2011 Huskers are capable of. Michigan State played poorly, did not adjust well while the Pelini Brothers and Tim Beck put together a great game plan that the team executed almost perfectly.
Kirk Cousins sat in the pocket and got hit or pressured all day. The Spartan receivers never got open. Lance Thorell, Andrew Green, Justin Blatchford and Austin Cassidy each contributed when I had openly doubted their play all season long. The Spartans did not run well either in a game that Nebraska really dominated from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
Taylor Martinez executed the game plan, especially in the second half. Rex Burkhead looks like Jeff Kinney in 1969, 70 and 71. He is so much fun to watch play. The play calling was solid for Nebraska on both sides of the ball. The Huskers limited turnovers and penalties in a game where they needed to do both.
The Big Ten Conference is wide open, Nebraska has found a defense the last two and half games and will be tough to beat the rest of the way. Northwestern has a mobile quarterback with good passing skills, but a questionable defense. Penn State will be tough at Beaver Stadium, yet their offense has not been productive. Michigan has a great athlete at quarterback that will be a challenge. Iowa will be ready for the Huskers because of the rivalry even after the loss to Minnesota. Wisconsin has tumbled back to earth and the Ohio State win may be the spark to a magical second half of the year. These games will definitely be fun to watch.
The Huskers look ready. This is going to be a fun November. The best part... THE BLACKSHIRTS ARE BACK.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Nebraska Starts a Real Gauntlet Against Michigan State Saturday
The Nebraska Cornhuskers begin a really tough stretch of the schedule when they take on Michigan State Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game is set for an 11:00 a.m. kickoff and will be televised on ESPN. The Spartans come in ranked ninth in the nation while Nebraska is ranked 13th in a matchup of two teams with 6-1 records.
Mark Dantonio is 39-20 in his sixth season as coach of Michigan State. The Spartans are known for their defense, a unit that ranks with Louisiana State and Alabama as one of the best in the nation. The leader for the Spartan defense is defensive end William Gholston (6-foot-7, 280 pounds, Sophomore). Gholston has all the physical tools to be a star in the National Football League. He also is coming off a one game suspension where he threw a punch in the win over Michigan a few weeks ago. He has seven tackles for loss this season and will be a tough matchup for the Nebraska offensive line.
A pair of linebackers spark a defense that will blitz often and from anywhere on Saturday. Denicos Allen (5-10, 220 So.) leads the team with 11 tackles for loss on the season. Middle linebacker Max Bullough (6-3, 245, So.) has 45 tackles in 2011, the top on the squad. Both these men must be accounted for in the Husker blocking schemes on offense.
In the secondary, strong safety Isaiah Lewis (5-10, 195, So.) has a team high four interceptions. The defense is very solid on every level. The Spartans give up only 13.7 points per game, 134 yards passing per game and 88.9 yards per contest rushing. The Huskers will not see a better defense the rest of the season, including in a bowl game. Nebraska will have to use speed in the receiving corps, at running back and at quarterback to break a few big plays.
Offensively, Michigan State has a good leader in quarterback Kirk Cousins (6-3,205, Sr.). Cousins is a stationary drop-back passer. On the season, Cousins averages nearly 230 yards passing per game. He completes 66.7 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. Cousins is a veteran that makes good decisions. If he plays well, the Spartans will be tough to beat.
The receivers are talented for Michigan State. The big-play man is senior B. J. Cunningham (6-2, 215). He leads the team with 48 receptions and averages 103 yards receiving per game. Alfonzo Dennard is likely to shadow Cunningham all over the field. Keshawn Martin (5-11, 189, Sr.) is also a target. Martin adds his skills as the main punt returner.
The Spartans have a good back in junior Edwin Baker (5-9, 210). Baker looked very impressive in the win over Michigan. He averages 62 yards per game and Le'Veon Bell (6-2, 237, So.) adds 53 yards per game. The Huskers should be able to control the Spartans running game.
Michigan State has a typical Big 10 offensive line. They average over 64 and 301 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Michigan State has only allowed nine sacks on the season. The best player up front is left guard Joel Foreman (6-4, 315, Sr.). If the offensive line opens up holes in the running game, the Spartans will be in good position to win.
Michigan State is very average on special teams. Kicker Dan Conroy (5-10, 190, Jr.)
is 6 of 9 on field goals with two 50 yarders this season. Punter Mike Sadler (6-0, 182, Fr.) averages less than 40 yards per punt this season. The return men have not shown big plays so far in 2011. Nebraska has a huge edge in the kicking game.
The Huskers have a team that can win Saturday. I believe they will be playing well against a team that did not play well against Notre Dame. Many people feel the Spartans will be good enough to win, but I like the Huskers speed advantage and big edge on special teams. Look for Nebraska to defeat Michigan State 24-20 on Saturday.
Mark Dantonio is 39-20 in his sixth season as coach of Michigan State. The Spartans are known for their defense, a unit that ranks with Louisiana State and Alabama as one of the best in the nation. The leader for the Spartan defense is defensive end William Gholston (6-foot-7, 280 pounds, Sophomore). Gholston has all the physical tools to be a star in the National Football League. He also is coming off a one game suspension where he threw a punch in the win over Michigan a few weeks ago. He has seven tackles for loss this season and will be a tough matchup for the Nebraska offensive line.
A pair of linebackers spark a defense that will blitz often and from anywhere on Saturday. Denicos Allen (5-10, 220 So.) leads the team with 11 tackles for loss on the season. Middle linebacker Max Bullough (6-3, 245, So.) has 45 tackles in 2011, the top on the squad. Both these men must be accounted for in the Husker blocking schemes on offense.
In the secondary, strong safety Isaiah Lewis (5-10, 195, So.) has a team high four interceptions. The defense is very solid on every level. The Spartans give up only 13.7 points per game, 134 yards passing per game and 88.9 yards per contest rushing. The Huskers will not see a better defense the rest of the season, including in a bowl game. Nebraska will have to use speed in the receiving corps, at running back and at quarterback to break a few big plays.
Offensively, Michigan State has a good leader in quarterback Kirk Cousins (6-3,205, Sr.). Cousins is a stationary drop-back passer. On the season, Cousins averages nearly 230 yards passing per game. He completes 66.7 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. Cousins is a veteran that makes good decisions. If he plays well, the Spartans will be tough to beat.
The receivers are talented for Michigan State. The big-play man is senior B. J. Cunningham (6-2, 215). He leads the team with 48 receptions and averages 103 yards receiving per game. Alfonzo Dennard is likely to shadow Cunningham all over the field. Keshawn Martin (5-11, 189, Sr.) is also a target. Martin adds his skills as the main punt returner.
The Spartans have a good back in junior Edwin Baker (5-9, 210). Baker looked very impressive in the win over Michigan. He averages 62 yards per game and Le'Veon Bell (6-2, 237, So.) adds 53 yards per game. The Huskers should be able to control the Spartans running game.
Michigan State has a typical Big 10 offensive line. They average over 64 and 301 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Michigan State has only allowed nine sacks on the season. The best player up front is left guard Joel Foreman (6-4, 315, Sr.). If the offensive line opens up holes in the running game, the Spartans will be in good position to win.
Michigan State is very average on special teams. Kicker Dan Conroy (5-10, 190, Jr.)
is 6 of 9 on field goals with two 50 yarders this season. Punter Mike Sadler (6-0, 182, Fr.) averages less than 40 yards per punt this season. The return men have not shown big plays so far in 2011. Nebraska has a huge edge in the kicking game.
The Huskers have a team that can win Saturday. I believe they will be playing well against a team that did not play well against Notre Dame. Many people feel the Spartans will be good enough to win, but I like the Huskers speed advantage and big edge on special teams. Look for Nebraska to defeat Michigan State 24-20 on Saturday.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mission Accomplished
Nebraska did exactly what they needed to do Saturday afternoon. The Huskers went on the road, dominated a team that they are better than and got some game action for some young players. Tests await starting with an early wake up call Saturday against Michigan State.
The Huskers ran well and had several big plays. Nebraska again had few penalties and yesterday did not turn the ball over. That is what good teams do. The Big Red will face a hot Michigan State team Saturday morning. A good defense and solid running attack will challenge Nebraska. Time to put the chin straps on and get ready for some tough games as the weather gets chilly.
The backs ran well yesterday and the defense did enough. Minnesota has a long way to go. Put this one in the rear view mirror and it is time for Nebraska and its fans to make Memorial Stadium a loud house. The Spartans need to have a tough road environment if the Huskers are to defeat the team playing the best football right now in the Big 10.
This is going to be fun the rest of the way. A young Nebraska team is growing before our eyes. Time to be ready to take on the big boys.
The Huskers ran well and had several big plays. Nebraska again had few penalties and yesterday did not turn the ball over. That is what good teams do. The Big Red will face a hot Michigan State team Saturday morning. A good defense and solid running attack will challenge Nebraska. Time to put the chin straps on and get ready for some tough games as the weather gets chilly.
The backs ran well yesterday and the defense did enough. Minnesota has a long way to go. Put this one in the rear view mirror and it is time for Nebraska and its fans to make Memorial Stadium a loud house. The Spartans need to have a tough road environment if the Huskers are to defeat the team playing the best football right now in the Big 10.
This is going to be fun the rest of the way. A young Nebraska team is growing before our eyes. Time to be ready to take on the big boys.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Nebraska to Dominate Minnesota as Husker Fans Take Over Twin Cities
Nebraska faces Minnesota Saturday on the road. The game between the Cornhuskers and the Golden Gophers is set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff that will be regionally televised by ABC.
Minnesota is 1-5 this season and to be honest does not appear to be a very good football team. Coach Jerry Kill, in his first year as coach at Minnesota is trying to build the team back to the glory days of the 1930's, 40's and into the early 1960's when the Gophers won a total of six national championships with great players like Bronko Nagurski, Bobby Bell and Carl Eller. Today the Gophers are a shell of that former rich history, but Coach Kill has been a winner in his previous stops at both Southern and Northern Illinois Universities. Kill has had a history of health problems that include issues with seizures that have limited his time with the team this season. This may have impacted the team chemistry in 2011.
The Gophers are paced by quarterback MarQueis Gray (6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Junior). Gray is a former receiver that has been moved to the quarterback position. A good athlete, at this point in his career Gray is a better runner than a passer. Gray has also dealt with injuries that have limited his effectiveness in 2011. Gray averages over 74 yards rushing per game and is the teams top threat running the ball. He also averages 125 yards passing per game with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Gray completes just over 48 percent of his passes. The Husker defense must keep Gray contained as a runner because that is where he is most dangerous. Max Shortell (6-6, 226, Fr.) also has seen extensive action at quarterback and may spell Gray at times Saturday.
The Minnesota running game has been beset by injuries. As a team the Gophers average 144 yards rushing. Senior Duane Bennett (5-9, 205) leads the way with 263 yards on the season for a 42 yard average. Freshman Donnell Kirkwood (5-10, 215) will split time with Bennett throughout the game. He averages 25 yards per game, but leads the team with three rushing touchdowns. Nebraska should be able to control this group fairly well.
The Gophers have struggled in the passing game and their receivers statistics point that out. Only two receivers have more than eight catches midway through the season. The top receiver is Da'Jon McKnight (6-3, 211 Sr.). He has 25 catches for 316 yards and a touchdown. McKnight is the key to the Gophers passing game,so look for Alfonzo Dennard to draw that assignment. Malcolm Moulton (5-11, 186, So.) adds 13 receptiona and has the teams biggest play with a 59 yard pass reception earlier this season. The receivers are the least dangerous Nebraska has seen so far in 2011.
Minnesota has one of the youngest offensive lines in the country. Two freshmen and a sophomore will start. As a group, The Gophers average nearly 6-5 and 302 pounds from tackle to tackle. Senior center Ryan Wynn (6-5, 305) has been the most consistent offensive lineman for the Gophers this season. The lackluster play up front for Minnesota has been the key factor to the Gophers struggles in 2011.
Defensively Minnesota is a team in trouble. The Gophers have given up 166 yards rushing, 247 yards passing and 35 points per game defensively. That is a bad mix for Minnesota fans, but should make for a comfortable afternoon for supporters of the Big Red. Two players deserve mention for the Gophers on defense. Safety Kim Royston (5-11, 200, Sr.) leads the team with 51 total tackles. Middle linebacker Gary Tinsley (6-1, 232, Sr.) is a smart player that usually finds his way to the football.
On special teams, Minnesota has a big-play threat in kickoff return man Marcus Jones (5-8, 170, Fr.). Jones has a 92-yard kickoff return for a score and the Husker coverage units must must always be aware of Jones on the field. Kicker Chris Hawthorne (6-4, 198, So.) is 6 of 9 on field goals with a long of 47 yards. Punter Dan Oreseke (6-3, 206, So.), averages just under 42 yards per punt. Special teams is the best part of the Gophers team this season.
Nebraska has a major advantage at every position on the field against Minnesota. The Huskers need to take the field with swagger and take care of business. I think Nebraska will show some early rust but then take complete control after halftime in a 52-21 win over Minnesota. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze and look for my post game thoughts in my next post.
Minnesota is 1-5 this season and to be honest does not appear to be a very good football team. Coach Jerry Kill, in his first year as coach at Minnesota is trying to build the team back to the glory days of the 1930's, 40's and into the early 1960's when the Gophers won a total of six national championships with great players like Bronko Nagurski, Bobby Bell and Carl Eller. Today the Gophers are a shell of that former rich history, but Coach Kill has been a winner in his previous stops at both Southern and Northern Illinois Universities. Kill has had a history of health problems that include issues with seizures that have limited his time with the team this season. This may have impacted the team chemistry in 2011.
The Gophers are paced by quarterback MarQueis Gray (6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Junior). Gray is a former receiver that has been moved to the quarterback position. A good athlete, at this point in his career Gray is a better runner than a passer. Gray has also dealt with injuries that have limited his effectiveness in 2011. Gray averages over 74 yards rushing per game and is the teams top threat running the ball. He also averages 125 yards passing per game with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Gray completes just over 48 percent of his passes. The Husker defense must keep Gray contained as a runner because that is where he is most dangerous. Max Shortell (6-6, 226, Fr.) also has seen extensive action at quarterback and may spell Gray at times Saturday.
The Minnesota running game has been beset by injuries. As a team the Gophers average 144 yards rushing. Senior Duane Bennett (5-9, 205) leads the way with 263 yards on the season for a 42 yard average. Freshman Donnell Kirkwood (5-10, 215) will split time with Bennett throughout the game. He averages 25 yards per game, but leads the team with three rushing touchdowns. Nebraska should be able to control this group fairly well.
The Gophers have struggled in the passing game and their receivers statistics point that out. Only two receivers have more than eight catches midway through the season. The top receiver is Da'Jon McKnight (6-3, 211 Sr.). He has 25 catches for 316 yards and a touchdown. McKnight is the key to the Gophers passing game,so look for Alfonzo Dennard to draw that assignment. Malcolm Moulton (5-11, 186, So.) adds 13 receptiona and has the teams biggest play with a 59 yard pass reception earlier this season. The receivers are the least dangerous Nebraska has seen so far in 2011.
Minnesota has one of the youngest offensive lines in the country. Two freshmen and a sophomore will start. As a group, The Gophers average nearly 6-5 and 302 pounds from tackle to tackle. Senior center Ryan Wynn (6-5, 305) has been the most consistent offensive lineman for the Gophers this season. The lackluster play up front for Minnesota has been the key factor to the Gophers struggles in 2011.
Defensively Minnesota is a team in trouble. The Gophers have given up 166 yards rushing, 247 yards passing and 35 points per game defensively. That is a bad mix for Minnesota fans, but should make for a comfortable afternoon for supporters of the Big Red. Two players deserve mention for the Gophers on defense. Safety Kim Royston (5-11, 200, Sr.) leads the team with 51 total tackles. Middle linebacker Gary Tinsley (6-1, 232, Sr.) is a smart player that usually finds his way to the football.
On special teams, Minnesota has a big-play threat in kickoff return man Marcus Jones (5-8, 170, Fr.). Jones has a 92-yard kickoff return for a score and the Husker coverage units must must always be aware of Jones on the field. Kicker Chris Hawthorne (6-4, 198, So.) is 6 of 9 on field goals with a long of 47 yards. Punter Dan Oreseke (6-3, 206, So.), averages just under 42 yards per punt. Special teams is the best part of the Gophers team this season.
Nebraska has a major advantage at every position on the field against Minnesota. The Huskers need to take the field with swagger and take care of business. I think Nebraska will show some early rust but then take complete control after halftime in a 52-21 win over Minnesota. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze and look for my post game thoughts in my next post.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Nebraska Shows Heart, Defeats Buckeyes
Nebraska's football team looked deep inside to its core midway through the third quarter Saturday night and decided they wanted to play. Rex Burkhead played on a mission and Taylor Martinez executed a flawless second half in leading the Big Red to a 34-27 comeback for the ages over Ohio State.
The offense caught fire with solid second half play calling. The defense showed Ohio State is a bad football team without Braxton Miller. The Husker defense still looks slow in places and didn't tackle well early. When some of the fans were ready to throw in the towel, the Huskers got off the canvas and looked like Rocky Balboa in any of the first four installments of the movie series where Rocky fights valiantly in the final scene.
Lavonte David ran sideline to sideline and Stanley Jean-Baptiste (Where did he come from?) showed athleticism the secondary has lacked since the end of last season. This team needs plenty of work, but responded with a historic performance.
The Huskers can be a very good team when they play with heart. Bo Pelini needs to get Nebraska to show that heart every week. The talent is there. Focus on the goals and good things will happen. Tonight's game was fun to watch, but I need a defibrillator to survive, maybe the Huskers found one on the sideline.
A week off then a poor Minnesota team is next. Time to make a big step before the stretch run. The Big Red can do it, now it is time to execute the plan. Thanks for reading.
The offense caught fire with solid second half play calling. The defense showed Ohio State is a bad football team without Braxton Miller. The Husker defense still looks slow in places and didn't tackle well early. When some of the fans were ready to throw in the towel, the Huskers got off the canvas and looked like Rocky Balboa in any of the first four installments of the movie series where Rocky fights valiantly in the final scene.
Lavonte David ran sideline to sideline and Stanley Jean-Baptiste (Where did he come from?) showed athleticism the secondary has lacked since the end of last season. This team needs plenty of work, but responded with a historic performance.
The Huskers can be a very good team when they play with heart. Bo Pelini needs to get Nebraska to show that heart every week. The talent is there. Focus on the goals and good things will happen. Tonight's game was fun to watch, but I need a defibrillator to survive, maybe the Huskers found one on the sideline.
A week off then a poor Minnesota team is next. Time to make a big step before the stretch run. The Big Red can do it, now it is time to execute the plan. Thanks for reading.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Nebraska and Ohio State Meet With Little Expectations
Growing up, there were a few things I could count on, my Dad would work hard, the winter in Nebraska would be cold and snowy and Nebraska and Ohio State would be ranked in the Top Ten at the end of the college football season. Saturday night, the two teams play each other for only the third time and the first time since 1956. This time both teams are coming off of shaky performances that leave fan bases wondering how each team is mentally and physically prepared for the game.
The teams will play in front of another sellout crowd in Lincoln, a contest that is set to be broadcast by ABC with a 7:07 p.m. kickoff.
Ohio State has had numerous distractions since late last season with the NCAA investigating illegal benefits to several players that have led to a coaches' resignation, several players suspensions and some defections from the ranks. New coach Luke Fickell has had to put his roster together without several key pieces he had expected to utilize entering the season. The Buckeyes are 3-2 and are struggling with one of the least productive offenses in college football.
The Buckeyes will likely play two quarterbacks Saturday night. Braxton Miller (6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Freshman) is the future of Ohio State football. He is a talented athlete with little experience in big-time college football games. Miller can run well and is learning to throw the football. He will sometimes make poor decisions and give up interceptions. He runs for nearly 30 yards per game and passes for 73. Senior Joe Bauserman (6-1, 230) is the more steady but less flashy quarterback. He is no threat as a runner but has passed for 96 yards per game. Interestingly both quarterbacks complete 51.3 percent of their passes so far this season. This duo will not be nearly as tough to stop as some signal callers Nebraska has played or as some they will face later this season.
Ohio State has a pair of quality receivers the Nebraska secondary has to prepare for. Jake Stoneburner (6-5, 245, Jr.) is the main possession receiver for the Buckeyes. He is a big target at tight end. Stoneburner paces the team with four touchdown grabs and 10 total receptions in 2011. Freshman Devin Smith (6-3, 190) is the speed receiver. He has eight catches this season for three scores and averages nearly 23 yards per reception. His speed is something the Big Red defenders will have to account for whenever he is on the field.
The running game has produced little so far for Ohio State in 2011. Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr.) is set to get the start at running back for the Buckeyes. He averages 72 yards per game. Hall is a small back that shows good quickness. Also seeing a great deal of action in the backfield is Carlos Hyde (6-0, 238, So.). Hyde is a more physical runner that will try and wear down the Husker defense.Hyde averages 59 yards per game on the ground and leads the team with three rushing touchdowns. This ground attack is nowhere close to what Buckeye fans have expected this season.
The most disappointing group for Ohio State so far this season has been the offensive line. They have not played well and the offense as a whole has struggled because of it. Physically Ohio State passes the eyeball test. From tackle to tackle the Buckeyes average over 6-6 and 307 pounds per man. Left tackle Mike Adams (6-8, 320, Sr.) and right tackle J. B. Shugarts (6-7, 300, Sr.) look great coming off the bus but the production has been poor for this unit to this point in the season.
Ohio State has been very impressive defensively in 2011. As a team they give up only 93 yards per game rushing, 195 yards passing and 14.6 points per game. This defense is good enough to keep the Buckeyes in the game against any opponent. Linebacker Andrew Sweat (6-2, 238, Sr.) is a great leader. He has 34 total tackles, 12 more than anyone else on the team. Sweat is the only senior starter on the defense and so his contributions have made the defense go. Ohio State is solid, but small in the secondary as well. The Huskers may be able to open up Quincy Enunwa, or Kyler Reed against small Buckeye safeties with play action passes down the field. That would be well set up if the Huskers can establish their running game first.
The Buckeyes have great return men. Receiver Chris Fields (6-0, 180, So.) averages over 17 yards on punt return. Jordan Hall averages nearly 47 yards per kickoff return. As a team the Buckeyes average 29 yards per kickoff return. Nebraska must maintain their assignments on kick coverage. Kicker Drew Basil (6-1, 212, So.) is 5 of 7 on field goals with both his misses over 40 yards. Punter Ben Buchanan (6-0, 180, Jr.) averages 41.4 yards per punt. Ohio State certainly displays solid special teams play this season.
Ohio State has played well defensively and in the return game. Nebraska has big play potential offensively and matches the Buckeyes on special teams. Nebraska needs to play with heart, the fans have to get excited and rally around the team. The Huskers are the better team in this matchup in Lincoln. Look for the Huskers to post a 31-20 victory over Ohio State.
The teams will play in front of another sellout crowd in Lincoln, a contest that is set to be broadcast by ABC with a 7:07 p.m. kickoff.
Ohio State has had numerous distractions since late last season with the NCAA investigating illegal benefits to several players that have led to a coaches' resignation, several players suspensions and some defections from the ranks. New coach Luke Fickell has had to put his roster together without several key pieces he had expected to utilize entering the season. The Buckeyes are 3-2 and are struggling with one of the least productive offenses in college football.
The Buckeyes will likely play two quarterbacks Saturday night. Braxton Miller (6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Freshman) is the future of Ohio State football. He is a talented athlete with little experience in big-time college football games. Miller can run well and is learning to throw the football. He will sometimes make poor decisions and give up interceptions. He runs for nearly 30 yards per game and passes for 73. Senior Joe Bauserman (6-1, 230) is the more steady but less flashy quarterback. He is no threat as a runner but has passed for 96 yards per game. Interestingly both quarterbacks complete 51.3 percent of their passes so far this season. This duo will not be nearly as tough to stop as some signal callers Nebraska has played or as some they will face later this season.
Ohio State has a pair of quality receivers the Nebraska secondary has to prepare for. Jake Stoneburner (6-5, 245, Jr.) is the main possession receiver for the Buckeyes. He is a big target at tight end. Stoneburner paces the team with four touchdown grabs and 10 total receptions in 2011. Freshman Devin Smith (6-3, 190) is the speed receiver. He has eight catches this season for three scores and averages nearly 23 yards per reception. His speed is something the Big Red defenders will have to account for whenever he is on the field.
The running game has produced little so far for Ohio State in 2011. Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr.) is set to get the start at running back for the Buckeyes. He averages 72 yards per game. Hall is a small back that shows good quickness. Also seeing a great deal of action in the backfield is Carlos Hyde (6-0, 238, So.). Hyde is a more physical runner that will try and wear down the Husker defense.Hyde averages 59 yards per game on the ground and leads the team with three rushing touchdowns. This ground attack is nowhere close to what Buckeye fans have expected this season.
The most disappointing group for Ohio State so far this season has been the offensive line. They have not played well and the offense as a whole has struggled because of it. Physically Ohio State passes the eyeball test. From tackle to tackle the Buckeyes average over 6-6 and 307 pounds per man. Left tackle Mike Adams (6-8, 320, Sr.) and right tackle J. B. Shugarts (6-7, 300, Sr.) look great coming off the bus but the production has been poor for this unit to this point in the season.
Ohio State has been very impressive defensively in 2011. As a team they give up only 93 yards per game rushing, 195 yards passing and 14.6 points per game. This defense is good enough to keep the Buckeyes in the game against any opponent. Linebacker Andrew Sweat (6-2, 238, Sr.) is a great leader. He has 34 total tackles, 12 more than anyone else on the team. Sweat is the only senior starter on the defense and so his contributions have made the defense go. Ohio State is solid, but small in the secondary as well. The Huskers may be able to open up Quincy Enunwa, or Kyler Reed against small Buckeye safeties with play action passes down the field. That would be well set up if the Huskers can establish their running game first.
The Buckeyes have great return men. Receiver Chris Fields (6-0, 180, So.) averages over 17 yards on punt return. Jordan Hall averages nearly 47 yards per kickoff return. As a team the Buckeyes average 29 yards per kickoff return. Nebraska must maintain their assignments on kick coverage. Kicker Drew Basil (6-1, 212, So.) is 5 of 7 on field goals with both his misses over 40 yards. Punter Ben Buchanan (6-0, 180, Jr.) averages 41.4 yards per punt. Ohio State certainly displays solid special teams play this season.
Ohio State has played well defensively and in the return game. Nebraska has big play potential offensively and matches the Buckeyes on special teams. Nebraska needs to play with heart, the fans have to get excited and rally around the team. The Huskers are the better team in this matchup in Lincoln. Look for the Huskers to post a 31-20 victory over Ohio State.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Behind the Woodshed
Nebraska simply was beaten up badly Saturday night by a superior football team. Wisconsin gave the Huskers a lesson in how to play major college football. Russell Wilson looked like a right-handed version of Michael Vick and the Huskers looked like the Keystone Kops (If you are younger than 40, look for them on You Tube).
Nebraska came out strong, and then started turning the ball over. Penalties hurt good field position in the second quarter and then Wisconsin circled Nebraska like sharks. After the first play of the third quarter, there was blood in the water and the game was over.
The offense found a few good things. Jamal Turner got some touches, Rex Burkhead played with heart, but beyond that not much positive happened for Nebraska. The defense was shredded by a very balanced offensive attack. Sometimes you just get beat. No time to look back, other opponents will now know Nebraska is vulnerable. The coaches need to develop a game plan around what the defense can do well and then execute the plan.
Today Nebraska is a wounded football team. Time for Dr. Bo Pelini and the rest of the staff to heal what ails them. Ohio State is next. Thanks for reading.
Nebraska came out strong, and then started turning the ball over. Penalties hurt good field position in the second quarter and then Wisconsin circled Nebraska like sharks. After the first play of the third quarter, there was blood in the water and the game was over.
The offense found a few good things. Jamal Turner got some touches, Rex Burkhead played with heart, but beyond that not much positive happened for Nebraska. The defense was shredded by a very balanced offensive attack. Sometimes you just get beat. No time to look back, other opponents will now know Nebraska is vulnerable. The coaches need to develop a game plan around what the defense can do well and then execute the plan.
Today Nebraska is a wounded football team. Time for Dr. Bo Pelini and the rest of the staff to heal what ails them. Ohio State is next. Thanks for reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)