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.
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