Nebraska dominated Iowa today behind a great defensive game and just enough Rex Burkhead and Kenny Bell for the offense to put up a few points.
Burkhead ran well on the edge and between the tackles. Taylor Martinez made no major mistakes. Alfonzo Dennard proved he is the top defensive back in the Big Ten Conference. The game plan kept excellent ball control today. This is the team Nebraska is, run the ball and play aggressive defense. Nothing flashy, just good football.
The Huskers will now wait for bowl pairings next weekend. The team played sound football today against a team that simply did not play as well as Nebraska. Special teams made no mistakes today and that is what Nebraska needed to win.
The Big Red is a better football team than Iowa. For the first time in several weeks, the Huskers played a full sixty minute football game on both sides of the ball. As for the Heroes Game, I like the way Nebraska played. Plus Rex Burkhead showed Husker fans who the hero has been throughout the 2011 season.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Nebraska Tangles With Iowa Friday
The Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday in a contest that will be nationally televised by ABC. The game is set for an 11:00a.m. kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Nenbraska comes in with a record of 8-3, while Iowa enters with a 7-4 mark on the season.
The Hawkeyes are coached by Kirk Ferentz, who is 96-64 in his career at Iowa. The Hawkeyes have a talented quarterback in James Vandenberg (6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Junior.). He is a pure pocket passer. On the season Vandenberg completes 61 percent of his passes for 239 yards per game. On the season he has 23 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. If Vandenberg performs well then the Blackshirts may be in trouble.
The running game starts and ends with Marcus Coker (6-0, 230, So.). He averages 118 yards a game with 14 touchdowns. Coker is a downhill runner that is strongest between the tackles. As a team Iowa averages less than 148 yards per game, so if Coker is held in check the Hawkeyes do not run the football.
Iowa has the best receiver in the Big Ten Conference. Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, Sr.) may be one of the premiere receivers in the country. McNutt has 74 catches for 113 yards per game and 12 touchdowns. Keenan Davis (6-3, 215, Jr.) follows with 41 grabs for 596 yards this season and four scores. McNutt will likely see a great deal of Alfonzo Dennard while the rest of the secondary must be aware of Davis. The Hawkeye receivers are the deepest part of the Iowa offensive attack.
Iowa is typically known for being a good squad along the offensive line. Over the years this has been a strength for Coach Ferentz. This season the Hawkeyes average nearly 6-5 and 291 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Iowa has a small offensive line, but the coaches' son James (6-2, 284, Jr.) does a good job for his size. He may remind Husker fans of Mike Caputo.
Defensively Iowa is better than a 7-4 football team. Two linebackers lead the way. Christian Kirksey (6-2, 215, So.) is the team leader with 93 total tackles, while sophomore James Morris (6-2, 227) is right behind with 92. Up front senior Mike Daniels (6-1, 280) adds 52 tackles with six sacks, and defensive end Broderick Binns (6-2, 261, Sr.) also adds 52 tackles with five sacks. Binns is a tough matchup for most offensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference. The best player in the secondary is Omaha native Shaun Prater (5-11, 185, Sr.) at cornerback. Iowa as a team gives up 234 yards per game passing and 154 yards per contest on the ground.
The Iowa special teams have a fine kicker in Mike Meyer (6-2, 180, So.). He has made 70 percent (14 of 20) of his field goals with a long of 50 yards. Punter Eric Guthrie (6-6, 245, Sr.) may be the biggest punter in all of college football. He averages just under 41 yards per punt. Jordan Bernstine (5-11, 205, So.) a starter at strong safety has some quickness as a kickoff returner, while Micah Hyde, (6-1, 190, Jr.) a starter at corner back handles punt returns.
Nebraska needs to play well early to defeat Iowa. If the Hawkeyes get out front early this will be a tough opponent to put away in the second half. The Huskers have some injuries on both sides of the line that impacts the team depth. On Senior Day Nebraska will respond with a 31-23 win over Iowa.
The Hawkeyes are coached by Kirk Ferentz, who is 96-64 in his career at Iowa. The Hawkeyes have a talented quarterback in James Vandenberg (6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Junior.). He is a pure pocket passer. On the season Vandenberg completes 61 percent of his passes for 239 yards per game. On the season he has 23 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. If Vandenberg performs well then the Blackshirts may be in trouble.
The running game starts and ends with Marcus Coker (6-0, 230, So.). He averages 118 yards a game with 14 touchdowns. Coker is a downhill runner that is strongest between the tackles. As a team Iowa averages less than 148 yards per game, so if Coker is held in check the Hawkeyes do not run the football.
Iowa has the best receiver in the Big Ten Conference. Marvin McNutt (6-4, 215, Sr.) may be one of the premiere receivers in the country. McNutt has 74 catches for 113 yards per game and 12 touchdowns. Keenan Davis (6-3, 215, Jr.) follows with 41 grabs for 596 yards this season and four scores. McNutt will likely see a great deal of Alfonzo Dennard while the rest of the secondary must be aware of Davis. The Hawkeye receivers are the deepest part of the Iowa offensive attack.
Iowa is typically known for being a good squad along the offensive line. Over the years this has been a strength for Coach Ferentz. This season the Hawkeyes average nearly 6-5 and 291 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Iowa has a small offensive line, but the coaches' son James (6-2, 284, Jr.) does a good job for his size. He may remind Husker fans of Mike Caputo.
Defensively Iowa is better than a 7-4 football team. Two linebackers lead the way. Christian Kirksey (6-2, 215, So.) is the team leader with 93 total tackles, while sophomore James Morris (6-2, 227) is right behind with 92. Up front senior Mike Daniels (6-1, 280) adds 52 tackles with six sacks, and defensive end Broderick Binns (6-2, 261, Sr.) also adds 52 tackles with five sacks. Binns is a tough matchup for most offensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference. The best player in the secondary is Omaha native Shaun Prater (5-11, 185, Sr.) at cornerback. Iowa as a team gives up 234 yards per game passing and 154 yards per contest on the ground.
The Iowa special teams have a fine kicker in Mike Meyer (6-2, 180, So.). He has made 70 percent (14 of 20) of his field goals with a long of 50 yards. Punter Eric Guthrie (6-6, 245, Sr.) may be the biggest punter in all of college football. He averages just under 41 yards per punt. Jordan Bernstine (5-11, 205, So.) a starter at strong safety has some quickness as a kickoff returner, while Micah Hyde, (6-1, 190, Jr.) a starter at corner back handles punt returns.
Nebraska needs to play well early to defeat Iowa. If the Hawkeyes get out front early this will be a tough opponent to put away in the second half. The Huskers have some injuries on both sides of the line that impacts the team depth. On Senior Day Nebraska will respond with a 31-23 win over Iowa.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Nebraska Crumbles on Special Teams, as Wolverines Roll
The Nebraska Cornhuskers had shown a dominating advantage on special teams throughout most of the season. Saturday Michigan capitalized on a couple of fumbles in the return game, a blocked punt, a fake field goal and a questionable roughing the kicker penalty to defeat Nebraska 45-17.
The Huskers lost the contest as well on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Wolverines owned line play all afternoon. Denard Robinson was finally put back in the spread offense where he can be one of the most dynamic offensive players in the nation. Fitzgerald Toussaint ripped the Big Red on cutback runs as well.
LaVonte David was everywhere, but Michigan had more than enough answers for the Maize and Blue.
Nebraska faces Iowa Friday when the team will show if there is pride in the program. The Huskers need to play 60 minutes of complete football. Time to find out how much resiliency the 2011 Big Red football team has left in the tank.
Saturday was disappointing, but today it is time to move on. The Hawkeyes await.
The Huskers lost the contest as well on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Wolverines owned line play all afternoon. Denard Robinson was finally put back in the spread offense where he can be one of the most dynamic offensive players in the nation. Fitzgerald Toussaint ripped the Big Red on cutback runs as well.
LaVonte David was everywhere, but Michigan had more than enough answers for the Maize and Blue.
Nebraska faces Iowa Friday when the team will show if there is pride in the program. The Huskers need to play 60 minutes of complete football. Time to find out how much resiliency the 2011 Big Red football team has left in the tank.
Saturday was disappointing, but today it is time to move on. The Hawkeyes await.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
This Game Really Matters
Last week, Nebraska took on Penn State in a game where the athletic contest paled in comparison to the human emotions that were going on around around the country in regard to Penn State. This week, Nebraska travels to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan. Both teams come into the game with 8-2 records in a game that will be televised by ESPN with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff. This game matters as the loser will be eliminated from the chase for the Big Ten Conference championship.
Brady Hoke is in his first year as the coach of the Wolverines. He had successful stops along the way at Ball State and San Diego State. His teams like to be physical on both sides of the ball. But when you talk ab\out Michigan, you have to start with the straw that stirs the drink, quarterback Denard Robinson.
Robinson (6-feet, 195 pounds, Junior) is fun to watch on the football field. Robinson known by the colorful nickname of Shoelace, is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of college football. He averages over 91 yards per game on the ground with 12 touchdowns. At the same time, Robinson can hurt you with the pass. He completes 53.5 percent of his passes for over 170 yards per game with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His ability to put pressure on the edge of the defense will make things tough for the Blackshirts. Last year Robinson was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy, before he was slowed down late last season by injuries. In 2011, his passing numbers have slipped, but he is healthier than a year ago. On every snap, Robinson is dangerous. His backup is Devin Gardner (6-4, 205, So.) that will see some action.
Michigan likes to run the football. Besides Robinson, tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint (5-10, 195, So.) is a quality slashing runner. He looks to cutback often against the flow of the defense. He averages over 83 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns. The Wolverines will be tough to beat if they are able to run the ball on the Huskers.
The Michigan receivers have some talent. Junior Hemingway (6-1, 222, Sr.) leads the way with 28 catches for 557 yards. On the other side, Roy Roundtree (6-0, 177, Jr.) is a better player than his statistics have shown in 2011. Senior tight end Kevin Koger (6-4, 258) has just 17 receptions this season, but leads the team with three touchdown grabs. Nebraska must be ready for the play-action pass. Robinson is much better when the threat of the run is there and he can throw over the defense.
The Michigan offensive line averages over 6-4 and better than 296 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Senior center David Molk (6-2, 286) may be a little undersized like Mike Caputo of Nebraska, but he is the leader up front. This line is better at run blocking, but the pass blocking does not have to be great when Robinson can scramble out against pressure and hurt the defense.
The Wolverines have made a drastic improvement on defense from a year ago. Michigan gives up 15.5 points per game, 127 yards per contest rushing and 190 per game through the air. Three defenders merit special mention here. Middle linebacker Kenny Demens (6-1, 248, Jr.) leads the team with 73 total tackles. Up front, Craig Roh (6-5, 269, Jr.) is a solid defensive end. Inside Mike Martin (6-2, 304, Sr.) is a fine run stopper. The linebackers are a little slow and may make a few mistakes, but this defense tackles much better than the porous 2010 Michigan defense.
Michigan again does not match up on special teams with the Huskers. Kicker Brendan Gibbons (6-1, 227, So.) is only 8 of 11 (72.7 percent) on field goals. His longest kick is just a 38 yarder. Sophomore punter Will Hagerup averages only 35.8 yards per punt. The Wolverine return men have also been less than impressive. Receiver Jeremy Gallon (5-8, 185, So.) has been the best as a punt returner.
This game is tough to call. Nebraska must take care of the football if they are to win. Robinson has not been effective throwing the ball the second half of this season. The Huskers maintain a big edge in the kicking game. If they can utilize that advantage, they can win. I like Nebraska 24-14 over Michigan.
Brady Hoke is in his first year as the coach of the Wolverines. He had successful stops along the way at Ball State and San Diego State. His teams like to be physical on both sides of the ball. But when you talk ab\out Michigan, you have to start with the straw that stirs the drink, quarterback Denard Robinson.
Robinson (6-feet, 195 pounds, Junior) is fun to watch on the football field. Robinson known by the colorful nickname of Shoelace, is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of college football. He averages over 91 yards per game on the ground with 12 touchdowns. At the same time, Robinson can hurt you with the pass. He completes 53.5 percent of his passes for over 170 yards per game with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His ability to put pressure on the edge of the defense will make things tough for the Blackshirts. Last year Robinson was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy, before he was slowed down late last season by injuries. In 2011, his passing numbers have slipped, but he is healthier than a year ago. On every snap, Robinson is dangerous. His backup is Devin Gardner (6-4, 205, So.) that will see some action.
Michigan likes to run the football. Besides Robinson, tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint (5-10, 195, So.) is a quality slashing runner. He looks to cutback often against the flow of the defense. He averages over 83 yards per game on the ground with seven touchdowns. The Wolverines will be tough to beat if they are able to run the ball on the Huskers.
The Michigan receivers have some talent. Junior Hemingway (6-1, 222, Sr.) leads the way with 28 catches for 557 yards. On the other side, Roy Roundtree (6-0, 177, Jr.) is a better player than his statistics have shown in 2011. Senior tight end Kevin Koger (6-4, 258) has just 17 receptions this season, but leads the team with three touchdown grabs. Nebraska must be ready for the play-action pass. Robinson is much better when the threat of the run is there and he can throw over the defense.
The Michigan offensive line averages over 6-4 and better than 296 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. Senior center David Molk (6-2, 286) may be a little undersized like Mike Caputo of Nebraska, but he is the leader up front. This line is better at run blocking, but the pass blocking does not have to be great when Robinson can scramble out against pressure and hurt the defense.
The Wolverines have made a drastic improvement on defense from a year ago. Michigan gives up 15.5 points per game, 127 yards per contest rushing and 190 per game through the air. Three defenders merit special mention here. Middle linebacker Kenny Demens (6-1, 248, Jr.) leads the team with 73 total tackles. Up front, Craig Roh (6-5, 269, Jr.) is a solid defensive end. Inside Mike Martin (6-2, 304, Sr.) is a fine run stopper. The linebackers are a little slow and may make a few mistakes, but this defense tackles much better than the porous 2010 Michigan defense.
Michigan again does not match up on special teams with the Huskers. Kicker Brendan Gibbons (6-1, 227, So.) is only 8 of 11 (72.7 percent) on field goals. His longest kick is just a 38 yarder. Sophomore punter Will Hagerup averages only 35.8 yards per punt. The Wolverine return men have also been less than impressive. Receiver Jeremy Gallon (5-8, 185, So.) has been the best as a punt returner.
This game is tough to call. Nebraska must take care of the football if they are to win. Robinson has not been effective throwing the ball the second half of this season. The Huskers maintain a big edge in the kicking game. If they can utilize that advantage, they can win. I like Nebraska 24-14 over Michigan.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Nebraska and Penn State Post Game Reaction
Nebraska and Penn State did not play an all-time classic game on Saturday. As Husker fans, many people were likely very happy with the outcome of the game. The Blackshirts played well, Will Compton and LaVonte David were all over the field. Rex Burkhead showed again how much heart he plays with too.
But the biggest impression from the game was moments before kickoff. Prior to the game, I wrote that the game should not be played. Many other people around the world agreed. Bo Pelini said afterward there was a time earlier in the week he felt the contest should not go on.
With all the world wide reaction to what was going on, representatives from both universities got together and gathered the teams together on the field just before the start for a prayer. Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown delivered a moving prayer that set the tone for the day.
Nebraska was a team that survived a tough game Saturday. Penn State showed depth of character in the way the team faced adversity. Congratulations to both universities and their fans.
The Big Red now takes on a team led by one of the best athletes in all of college football in Michigan's Denard Robinson. But that waits for another day. Today I choose to reflect on the spirit the Nebraska-Penn State game was played with. I hope you will too. Thank you for reading Going Deep With Doze.
But the biggest impression from the game was moments before kickoff. Prior to the game, I wrote that the game should not be played. Many other people around the world agreed. Bo Pelini said afterward there was a time earlier in the week he felt the contest should not go on.
With all the world wide reaction to what was going on, representatives from both universities got together and gathered the teams together on the field just before the start for a prayer. Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown delivered a moving prayer that set the tone for the day.
Nebraska was a team that survived a tough game Saturday. Penn State showed depth of character in the way the team faced adversity. Congratulations to both universities and their fans.
The Big Red now takes on a team led by one of the best athletes in all of college football in Michigan's Denard Robinson. But that waits for another day. Today I choose to reflect on the spirit the Nebraska-Penn State game was played with. I hope you will too. Thank you for reading Going Deep With Doze.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Nebraska Faces Penn State
Nebraska takes on Penn State Saturday in a game that will be nationally televised by ESPN and is scheduled for an 11:00 a.m. kickoff. Penn State has a record of 8-1 on the season. The Nittany Lions are coached by Tom Bradley.
Penn State is a solid defensive football team. The Nittany Lions give up just over 12 points per game. Penn State is tough against the run allowing 112 yards per contest and 170 per game through the air. The stars of the defense are outside linebacker Gerald Hodges (6-foot-2, 234 pounds, Junior) and defensive tackle Devon Still (6-5, 310, Sr.). Hodges leads the team with 77 total tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. Still has 15.5 tackles for losses in 2011. Both these great defenders are likely future stars in the National Football League. Overall this is a defense that can keep teams in check. The Nittany Lions have only faced one truly solid opponent in Alabama, while the Big Ten Conference slate apperas to have been much softer than Nebraska's.
Offensively Penn State is limited. The Nittany Lions have a great running back in sophomore Silas Redd (5-10, 209, So.). He averages 112 yards per game for a teams that only averages 162 per contest. As a team Penn State scores just over 21 points per game.
Matt McGloin (6-1, 211, Sr.) will start for Penn State. He passes for 132 yards per game, completing 55.6 percent of his passes. McGloin has seven scoring passes and three interceptions. Sophomore Rob Bolden (6-3, 216) will also see action. He throws for 66 yards per game but completes less than 44 percent of his passes.
Two men lead the Penn State receivers. Derek Moye (6-5, 210, Sr.) is the team leader with 30 catches for three touchdowns on the season. He averages over 73 yards receiving per game. Moye will draw the attention of the Husker defense. Teammate Justin Brown (6-3, 214, Jr.) follows with 29 receptions for two touchdowns in 2011.
Penn State typically is solid on special teams. Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr.) averages over 31 yards per kickoff return. He also starts on defense at cornerback. Kicker Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, Jr.) is 12 of 14 (83.7 percent) on field goals with his longest being 40 yards. Fera averages over 42 yards as a punter.
The offensive line has been inconsistent. From tackle to tackle Penn State averages over 6-3 and 304 pounds per man. All five starters are seniors, paced by left tackle Quinn Barham (6-3, 304). This unit must play well for Penn State to score some points.
My previous post shares why I feel this game just isn't that important and that is why you will not see as much depth of investigating each team this week.There are jut too many intangibles to account for in this game. This is a brutal place to play in and I believe neither team knows what to expect. Nebraska is actually the better team on paper but I think Penn State wins at home by a score of 23-17. Please check out my post game thoughts when I think we will know a great deal more about each football team.
Penn State is a solid defensive football team. The Nittany Lions give up just over 12 points per game. Penn State is tough against the run allowing 112 yards per contest and 170 per game through the air. The stars of the defense are outside linebacker Gerald Hodges (6-foot-2, 234 pounds, Junior) and defensive tackle Devon Still (6-5, 310, Sr.). Hodges leads the team with 77 total tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. Still has 15.5 tackles for losses in 2011. Both these great defenders are likely future stars in the National Football League. Overall this is a defense that can keep teams in check. The Nittany Lions have only faced one truly solid opponent in Alabama, while the Big Ten Conference slate apperas to have been much softer than Nebraska's.
Offensively Penn State is limited. The Nittany Lions have a great running back in sophomore Silas Redd (5-10, 209, So.). He averages 112 yards per game for a teams that only averages 162 per contest. As a team Penn State scores just over 21 points per game.
Matt McGloin (6-1, 211, Sr.) will start for Penn State. He passes for 132 yards per game, completing 55.6 percent of his passes. McGloin has seven scoring passes and three interceptions. Sophomore Rob Bolden (6-3, 216) will also see action. He throws for 66 yards per game but completes less than 44 percent of his passes.
Two men lead the Penn State receivers. Derek Moye (6-5, 210, Sr.) is the team leader with 30 catches for three touchdowns on the season. He averages over 73 yards receiving per game. Moye will draw the attention of the Husker defense. Teammate Justin Brown (6-3, 214, Jr.) follows with 29 receptions for two touchdowns in 2011.
Penn State typically is solid on special teams. Chaz Powell (6-1, 206, Sr.) averages over 31 yards per kickoff return. He also starts on defense at cornerback. Kicker Anthony Fera (6-2, 215, Jr.) is 12 of 14 (83.7 percent) on field goals with his longest being 40 yards. Fera averages over 42 yards as a punter.
The offensive line has been inconsistent. From tackle to tackle Penn State averages over 6-3 and 304 pounds per man. All five starters are seniors, paced by left tackle Quinn Barham (6-3, 304). This unit must play well for Penn State to score some points.
My previous post shares why I feel this game just isn't that important and that is why you will not see as much depth of investigating each team this week.There are jut too many intangibles to account for in this game. This is a brutal place to play in and I believe neither team knows what to expect. Nebraska is actually the better team on paper but I think Penn State wins at home by a score of 23-17. Please check out my post game thoughts when I think we will know a great deal more about each football team.
The Game Just Doesn't Matter
Saturday's game against Penn State is not a game that needs to be played. The day should be spent in reflection of what must be done to stop child sexual abuse in this country and around the world. There will be no real winner in the game today. What does matter is righting the wrong that occurred for all the young people and their families by the shocking events that were revealed to the general public this week.
This just makes me ill to think that young people are abused and scarred by unspeakable acts of cruelty. If college football as a whole wants to step up and make a difference then I propose that all profits from college football games in the United States today be donated to charities around the nation that help those young people that are the victims of sexual abuse.
I hope that fans of both Penn State and Nebraska will donate monies to these charities. The healing work that needs to go on is not for the college campuses or the educators or the young men playing the game. Rather the young children that have innocence taken away from them by heinous acts from predators is what matters. A child has every right to freedom and safety. I say the right thing to do is not to play the game, but to make a difference for this problem that impacts millions of young people and their families.
Let's think about that instead of 60 minutes of football later today. Because the game just doesn't matter.
This just makes me ill to think that young people are abused and scarred by unspeakable acts of cruelty. If college football as a whole wants to step up and make a difference then I propose that all profits from college football games in the United States today be donated to charities around the nation that help those young people that are the victims of sexual abuse.
I hope that fans of both Penn State and Nebraska will donate monies to these charities. The healing work that needs to go on is not for the college campuses or the educators or the young men playing the game. Rather the young children that have innocence taken away from them by heinous acts from predators is what matters. A child has every right to freedom and safety. I say the right thing to do is not to play the game, but to make a difference for this problem that impacts millions of young people and their families.
Let's think about that instead of 60 minutes of football later today. Because the game just doesn't matter.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tip Your Cap
Northwestern showed Saturday they were the better prepared football team. The Wildcats had an outstanding game plan. The execution of that game plan made the difference in the game. A diverse Northwestern offense kept the Nebraska offense off the field. A big play in the passing game gave Northwestern the spark they needed to hold the Huskers at bay. A critical turnover at the goal line turned out to be a huge factor in the game.
Nebraska got a great effort from Taylor Martinez, the issue was the Big Red did not have the ball long enough to keep the defense fresh. The rest of the season the Huskers are going to be pushed by good football teams in tough places to play. The Big Ten is a conference with several good teams and no team that stands out as elite.
The coaching staff has work to do to have the team play to its potential. The players have to buy in and work to be a factor in the rest of the college football season. Time to close the book on Northwestern and get ready for another good offense in Michigan. The game will be difficult, with the biggest challenge being the mental toughness the Huskers need to show. Grinding out wins is the fruits of their labor.
Get it done.
Nebraska got a great effort from Taylor Martinez, the issue was the Big Red did not have the ball long enough to keep the defense fresh. The rest of the season the Huskers are going to be pushed by good football teams in tough places to play. The Big Ten is a conference with several good teams and no team that stands out as elite.
The coaching staff has work to do to have the team play to its potential. The players have to buy in and work to be a factor in the rest of the college football season. Time to close the book on Northwestern and get ready for another good offense in Michigan. The game will be difficult, with the biggest challenge being the mental toughness the Huskers need to show. Grinding out wins is the fruits of their labor.
Get it done.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Nebraska to Show Wildcats Who the Real NU Is
Nebraska takes on Northwestern Saturday afternoon in a Big Ten Conference game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff and will be televised by the Big Ten Network.
The Wildcats are 3-5 on the season. Coach Pat Fitzgerald is 37-34 in his career as coach of Northwestern. A former All-American linebacker for the Wildcats, Northwestern could use his skills on the field to pace an otherwise soft Wildcat defense. More to come on that unit later in this blog.
Northwestern is a talented offensive football team. The main man for the Wildcats is quarterback Dan Persa (6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Senior). Persa is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the nation. He averages 250 yards passing per game, completing over 75 percent of his passes. Persa can be a real threat as a runner and is outstanding throwing the ball while on the move. In 2011, Persa has nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions. Persa is now showing almost no effects from an Achilles' tendon tear suffered last year against Iowa. If Persa plays a a high level, this game can stay close well into the fourth quarter.
While Persa is very skilled, his backup is a multi-dimensional threat as well. Sophomore Kain Colter (6-0, 190) can run, throw, and catch the ball very well indeed. Colter was a Nebraska recruiting target that chose to attend Northwestern. This season Colter leads the team with 57 yards rushing per game and six touchdowns. He also completes two-thirds of his passes (48 of 72) averaging 67 yards passing with four touchdowns and one interception. Colter also adds 21 pass receptions this season for the Wildcats. If you look in the stadium at halftime, you might just see him selling popcorn in the stands.
The receivers have two main threats besides Colter. Senior Jeremy Ebert (6-0, 195) leads the team with 45 catches for 569 yards and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver. Tight end Drake Dunsmore (6-3, 235, Sr.) adds 29 grabs and six touchdowns this season. The Nebraska secondary will be tested by the quick rhythm passing game that Northwestern employs.
The Wildcats have good size and leadership on the offensive line. As a group the Wildcats average nearly 6-5 and 301 pounds from tackle to tackle. Senior Al Netter (6-6, 310) protects Persa's blind side from his left tackle spot. This group has played a little less than inspired football at times this season for Northwestern.
Defensively the Wildcats give up a great deal of yards and points. Northwestern has outscored opponents 253-252 this year and out-yarded opponents 431.8 to 431.6 this year. The Wildcats give up over 193 yards per game rushing and over 238 yards per game through the air. Two players stand out for the Wildcats defensively. Linebacker David Nwabuisi (6-1, 240, Jr.) leads the team with 60 total tackles, while senior defensive tackle Jack DiNardo (6-4, 295) leads the team with five tackles for losses and three sacks. This unit has to play the best game of the season to keep the Wildcats in the game.
Nebraska has another major advantage on special teams. Kicker Jeff Budzien (5-11, 165, So.) is 5 of 8 on field goals with a long of 47 yards for Nortwestern. Punter Brandon Williams (6-2, 185, So.) averages less than 39 yards per punt. Return man Venric Mack (5-8, 175, So.) has not shown big-play ability on kickoff or punt returns.
The Huskers have a big edge running the ball, playing defense, special teams talent, plus the home-field advantage. Nebraska will be tested by a very good quarterback and some solid receivers. Northwestern has faded in the second half of games in 2011. This Husker team appears to be gaining momentum at just the right time.Look for the Big Red to defeat Northwestern by a score of 45-27 Saturday in Lincoln. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
The Wildcats are 3-5 on the season. Coach Pat Fitzgerald is 37-34 in his career as coach of Northwestern. A former All-American linebacker for the Wildcats, Northwestern could use his skills on the field to pace an otherwise soft Wildcat defense. More to come on that unit later in this blog.
Northwestern is a talented offensive football team. The main man for the Wildcats is quarterback Dan Persa (6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Senior). Persa is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the nation. He averages 250 yards passing per game, completing over 75 percent of his passes. Persa can be a real threat as a runner and is outstanding throwing the ball while on the move. In 2011, Persa has nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions. Persa is now showing almost no effects from an Achilles' tendon tear suffered last year against Iowa. If Persa plays a a high level, this game can stay close well into the fourth quarter.
While Persa is very skilled, his backup is a multi-dimensional threat as well. Sophomore Kain Colter (6-0, 190) can run, throw, and catch the ball very well indeed. Colter was a Nebraska recruiting target that chose to attend Northwestern. This season Colter leads the team with 57 yards rushing per game and six touchdowns. He also completes two-thirds of his passes (48 of 72) averaging 67 yards passing with four touchdowns and one interception. Colter also adds 21 pass receptions this season for the Wildcats. If you look in the stadium at halftime, you might just see him selling popcorn in the stands.
The receivers have two main threats besides Colter. Senior Jeremy Ebert (6-0, 195) leads the team with 45 catches for 569 yards and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver. Tight end Drake Dunsmore (6-3, 235, Sr.) adds 29 grabs and six touchdowns this season. The Nebraska secondary will be tested by the quick rhythm passing game that Northwestern employs.
The Wildcats have good size and leadership on the offensive line. As a group the Wildcats average nearly 6-5 and 301 pounds from tackle to tackle. Senior Al Netter (6-6, 310) protects Persa's blind side from his left tackle spot. This group has played a little less than inspired football at times this season for Northwestern.
Defensively the Wildcats give up a great deal of yards and points. Northwestern has outscored opponents 253-252 this year and out-yarded opponents 431.8 to 431.6 this year. The Wildcats give up over 193 yards per game rushing and over 238 yards per game through the air. Two players stand out for the Wildcats defensively. Linebacker David Nwabuisi (6-1, 240, Jr.) leads the team with 60 total tackles, while senior defensive tackle Jack DiNardo (6-4, 295) leads the team with five tackles for losses and three sacks. This unit has to play the best game of the season to keep the Wildcats in the game.
Nebraska has another major advantage on special teams. Kicker Jeff Budzien (5-11, 165, So.) is 5 of 8 on field goals with a long of 47 yards for Nortwestern. Punter Brandon Williams (6-2, 185, So.) averages less than 39 yards per punt. Return man Venric Mack (5-8, 175, So.) has not shown big-play ability on kickoff or punt returns.
The Huskers have a big edge running the ball, playing defense, special teams talent, plus the home-field advantage. Nebraska will be tested by a very good quarterback and some solid receivers. Northwestern has faded in the second half of games in 2011. This Husker team appears to be gaining momentum at just the right time.Look for the Big Red to defeat Northwestern by a score of 45-27 Saturday in Lincoln. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
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