Nebraska Looks to Seal the Deal Against Wisconsin

Nebraska faces Wisconsin Saturday night for the Big Ten Conference Championship. The Huskers are 10-2 while the Badgers are 7-5 for the contest that is set for a 7:17 p.m. kickoff that will be nationally televised on Fox.

The two teams played on September 29 when Nebraska overcame a 17-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Badgers by a 30-27 count.

I covered most of the key players in the earlier preview, but there are a few I will highlight in this matchup. The Badgers have a new quarterback in Curt Phillips (6-foot-3, 214 Pounds, Senior). He has been beset by injuries in his career but won the starting job after Joel Stave had his season ended several weeks ago by injury. Phillips completes 52.6 percent (30 of 57) of his passes with four touchdowns and one interception. He is the best runner of the three quarterbacks the Badgers have played in 2012. Phillips has to be a game manager that does not make mistakes for Wisconsin to be in the game.

The Badgers have an outstanding running game. Montee Ball (5-11, 215, Sr.) has 1528 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. James White (5-10, 197, Jr.) is a solid fill in and Melvin Gordon (6-1, 206 Fr.) also has the ability to pop a big run. Wisconsin has the best backs the Huskers have seen all season. If the Husker defense shuts down the run as they did in the second half of the first contest, they can dominate the game. Look for White and Gordon on kickoff returns as well.

Two receivers have had great seasons for Wisconsin. Jared  Abbrederis, (6-2, 188, Jr.) is a threat on deep play-action passes. He can lull defenders to sleep and get behind them with his great pass routes. Ciante Evans likely will draw the first assignment and get help with double coverage. Abbrederis leads the team with 44 catches for 764 yards and five touchdowns. He is also the best punt returner for Wisconsin. Tight end Jacob Pedersen (6-4, 237, Jr.) is a favorite target from his tight end spot. He has 25 receptions and four touchdowns on the season.

The offensive line is a group of behemoths, averaging over 6-5 and 325 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The group is outstanding in run blocking with left tackle Rick Wagner (6-6, 317, Sr.) leading the way. The Huskers are smaller on the defensive front but have a major speed advantage that will make a difference in the second half.

Wisconsin on defense has a great pair of linebackers. In the middle, Chris Borland (5-11, 242 Jr.) is easy to find, he will be nearest the football most of the time. He is a great leader that makes few mistakes. Mike Taylor (6-2, 224, Sr.) is also outstanding on the weakside of the defense. Wisconsin gives up some points and yards, especially in the passing game. Defensive end David Gilbert ( 6-4, 250, Jr.) is the best pass rusher. The defense really wore out in the second half of the first matchup and may do so again.

Nebraska has a major edge kicking and punting the football. Wisconsin kicker Kyle French (6-1, 193, So.) is 10 of 15 (66.7 percent) on field goals with a long of 46 yards .Punter Drew Meyer (6-2, 179, Fr.) averages 41 yards per punt.

The Huskers are ready to play after being tested all season. If they can overcome the late injuries to Baker Steinkuhler and Jason Jackson they will win this game and bring home the Big Ten Championship. Nebraska looks and sounds confident, while the Badgers have struggled again the top teams in the conference all season. Behind great play from Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead I look for Nebraska to defeat the Badgers by a score of 31-21. Thanks for reading Going deep With Doze.

Nebraska Closes Regular Season Against Iowa

Nebraska faces Iowa at Kinnick Stadium Friday in the regular season finale. The Hawkeyes have struggled to a 4-7 mark this season while Nebraska is 9-2 on the year. The game is set for an 11:05 a.m. (CST) kickoff and will be televised nationally by ABC.

Kirk Ferentz is in his 14th year as the coach of Iowa with a career record of 100-73. His team has struggled the last five weeks and will be staying home for the postseason. The Hawkeyes had a good win at Michigan State but lost tough games to Purdue and Indiana.

The Hawkeyes are led by quarterback James Vandenberg (6-foot-3, 212 Pounds, Senior). Vandenberg is a pure drop back passer that rarely runs outside of the pocket. He can be an accurate passer, completing 58.1 percent of his passes (212 of 365) with seven touchdowns and six interceptions in 2012. Vandenberg has taken every snap for Iowa this season. He averages 196 yards passing per game. Nebraska should be able to put pressure on Vandenberg with the pass rush against an offensive line that has sustained a number of injuries.

The offensive line has not played to the level that Iowa usually does up font this season. This is a small offensive line, averaging just over 6-4 and 286 pounds from tackle to tackle. The depth is not there on this unit and Nebraska appears to have a good edge in the trenches. James Ferentz (6-2, 284, Sr.)  the son of the head coach is the leader from his center spot.

In the ground game. Iowa has a punishing runner in tailback Mark Weisman (6-0, 225, So.). The transfer from the Air Force Academy has been a great surprise for Iowa in 2012. He has gained 724 yards this season including a team high eight touchdowns. He is not an elusive runner, but he never shies away from contact. Weisman will need to be kept in check by the Cornhusker defense. Injuries have eliminated any depth in the Iowa running game this season.

The passing game has three main weapons. Kevonte Martin-Manley (6-0 205 So.) leads the team with 49 receptions for 552 yards and two touchdowns. Keenan Davis (6-3 215 Sr.) has 46 grabs for 550 yards,while tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (6-7, 265, Jr.) adds great size with his 39 catches on the year. These receivers all need to play well for Iowa to have an opportunity to upset Nebraska.

Defensively Iowa is strongest at the linebacker spots and in the secondary. As a team the Hawkeyes give up  158 yards rushing, 233 yards passing per contest. and nearly 24 points per game. Weakside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (6-1, 224, Jr.) leads the team with 114 total tackles. Middle linebacker James Morris (6-2, 230, Jr.) follows with 100 tackles this season. Up front defensive end Joe Gaglione (6-4, 264, Sr.) has five sacks and nine tackles for loss this season. This defense will be sorely tested by a Nebraska offense that is very dangerous at all the skill positions.

On special teams, Kicker Mike Meyer (6-2, 185, Jr.) has been solid, converting 17 of 20 (85 percent) of his field goals with a long of 50 yards. Punter Connor Kornbrath  (6-6 215 Fr.) averages just over 37 yards per punt. Jordan Cotton (6-1, 185, Jr.) has big play ability as a kick returner and Micah Hyde (6-1, 190, Sr.) a starter at defensive back handles punt returns. Iowa may have a slight edge on special teams in this contest.

Overall Nebraska appears to be the better football team. Iowa is very good in turnover margin, so the Huskers really need to take care of the football away from home. The Hawkeyes are a beat up football team both physically and mentally. They may start quickly on Friday but I believe Nebraska will wear them down in the second half. Look for the Big Red to keep the Heroes Trophy with a 31-13 win over the Hawkeyes on Friday. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.  

Huskers Face Minnesota on Senior Day

The Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Twenty-nine seniors and Tom Osborne will say goodbye to Nebraska fans for the final time from the big stadium on tenth street in Lincoln. The game is set for a 2:45 p.m. (CST) kickoff and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Minnesota is 6-4 on the season, coming off of a 17-3 win last week over Illinois. Second year coach Jerry Kill is starting to make Minnesota a quality football team. The offense is led by quarterback Philip Nelson (6-foot-2, 222 Pounds, Freshman). Nelson was being redshirted until four games ago when Coach Kill decided to put him in to run the offense. As a team, Minnesota averages 166 yards rushing per game and 187 yards through the air. Nelson has completed 50 of 90 passes (55.6 percent) with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He is also a good runner averaging just over 40 yards per game rushing. The true freshman though could make some mistakes against a ranked opponent away from home. Max Shortell (6-6, 237, So.) is his backup and could see some time as well.

The running game has been good for the Gophers. Donnell Kirkwood (5-10, 219, So.) leads the team with 819 yards rushing this season and five touchdowns.Rodrick Williams Jr. (5-11, 228, Fr.) is also a fator in the running game. Minnesota will try to keep control of the ball and keep the Husker offense off the field.

The receivers are led by Marqueis Gray (6-5, 250, Sr.) formerly the quarterback who is a physical presence receiving, running, or passing the football. Minnesota has good size at all the receiver positions, but has really been decimated by injuries at those spots. Nebraska may really be able to make Minnesota a one-dimensional football team.

The offensive line is very young for the Gophers. Two freshmen and three sophomores are set to start for Minnesota. This is a small group as well averaging just over 6-3 and 295 from tackle to tackle. This line is more like what Nebraska saw against Arkansas State and Idaho State than the rest of the Big Ten Conference. The Huskers have a major edge up front against the Gophers.

Defensively, Minnesota has been impressive this season. As a team they are 25th in total defense in the nation and seventh against the pass. Overall they give up 22 points per game and 168 yards rushing and 168 yards passing as well per contest. The defense, like the rest of the team is young, but has played well this season. Four players stand out on defense for Minnesota. D.L. Wilhite (6-3, 244, Sr.) is the team leader with 7.5 sacks in 2012 as a defensive end. Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (6-6, 301, Jr.) adds five sacks and is a good inside run stopper. Cornerback Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 195, Sr.) is the team leader in tackles. Middle linebacker Mike Rallis (6-2, 245, Sr.) is the heart and soul of the defense. The secondary as a group may be one of the best units Nebraska has played this season.

Minnesota is not a great team in the kicking game Kicker Jordan Wettstein (5-11, 180, Sr.)  is 12 of 20 (60 percent) on field goals with a long of 44 yards. Punter Christian Eldred ( 6-3, 190, So.)  averages just over 38 yards per punt. He came to Minnesota last year from Melbourne, Australia. The return game has not done anything of note for the Gophers recently.

The Gophers have great player in receiver A.J. Barker (6-1, 191, Jr.) who leads the team in catches, yards, and touchdowns, but he is likely out for the game which really limits Minnesota in the passing game and on punt returns. His loss is something Minnesota will definitely feel against an improving Husker defense. The tempo of the Nebraska attack will wear down Minnesota in the second half. The Huskers cannot play sloppy football and beat Minnesota. I believe they will play well at home on Saturday in defeating Minnesota by a score of 42-17. Thanks for reading going deep With Doze.

Nebraska Faces Tough Penn State Squad

Nebraska tangles Saturday with a tested Penn State team on  at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game is set for a 2:35 p.m. (CST) kickoff and will be televised by ABC.

The Nittany Lions are 6-3 on the season. Bill O'Brien is in his first year as the head coach. He has sold his team on a disciplined approach that has led to a very successful season after an 0-2 start. O'Brien was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, so he is known for his pro-style offensive attack. His team makes few mistakes and will be a challenge for the Cornhuskers to beat.

Quarterback Matt McGloin (6-foot-1, 201 Pounds, Senior) leads the way for the offense. He has made great decisions this season for Penn State. McGloin is a drop back passer that is no threat to run outside of the pocket. So far in 2012 McGloin has completed 62.7 percent (211 of 340) of his passes with 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He throws for just over 270 yards per game. McGloin looks to pass a great deal to his tight ends, much in the way Tom Brady does for New England in the National Football League.

The top target in the passing game is Allen Robinson (6-3, 201, So.). He leads the Big 10 Conference with 57 receptions. He averages over 76 yards receiving per game with eight touchdowns on the season. Tight end Kyle Carter (6-3, 247, Fr.) has 35 catches for 441 yards on the season. The passing game has hurt Penn State opponents this season.

The Nittany Lions average 140 yards per game running the football. Several backs will see action for Penn State.  Zach Swinak (6-1, 232, So.) is a good physical runner that averages 60 yards a game with three touchdowns on the season. Bill Belton (5-10, 202, So.) adds 43 yards a game with three touchdowns this season. Fullback Michael Zordich (6-1, 236, Sr.) is a fine lead blocker that will run tough inside as well.

The offensive line protects McGloin well. Fom tackle to tackle the Nittany Lions average 6-4 and 306 pounds per man. Center Matt Stankiewitch (6-3, 301, Sr.) and right tackle Mike Farrell (6-6, 306, Sr.) lead the way. This group is better pass protecting than run blocking in 2012.

Penn State has always been known for defense. this season that is again the case. As a team they allow 123 yards rushing and 211yards passing per game. The also have a tough scoring defense, giving up only 17 points per game. Up front Jordan Hill (6-1, 292, Sr.) has been impressive at tackle but he has had some trecent injuries and is questionable for the game. The linebackers are outstanding. Michael Mauti (6-2, 232, Sr.) is likely the best linebacker in the conference. He runs the field and makes plays. Mauti also leads the team with three interceptions and 83 total tackles. The secondary is very small and the weakest group of a strong defensive unit.

The Nittany Lions have been poor in the kicking game. Kicker Sam Ficken (6-3, 172, So.) is only 7 of 14 on field goals with a long of only 34 yards and has missed two extra points. Punter Alex Butterworth (5-10, 206, Jr.) averages just over 36 yards per punt. Penn State also has not been impressive in the return game.

Nebraska has a major edge on special teams, the offense has more depth of talent while Penn State may show an advantage on defense. The Huskers need to play with focus and intensity on Saturday. If the Big Red plays with passion and limits mistakes, they are the better football team. Penn State starts fast, outscoring team 76-3 in the first quarter. I believe Nebraska will come out sharp and win 31-20 over Penn State on Saturday. Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.

Nebraska Battles Michigan State in Physical Contest

Nebraska takes on Michigan State Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing in a key Big Ten Legends Division game. The game will kickoff at 2:35 CDT and will be televised on ABC.

The 5-4 Spartans are coached by Mark Dantonio who is 49-26 in his sixth season for Michigan State. The Spartans are known primarily as a defensive team that will bring a lot of blitzes and different pressure packages against the Husker offense. For Nebraska to be successful against them they will need to use their quick tempo offense to tire the Spartans as the game moves along.

Michigan State utilizes a 4-3 defensive front. The difference maker is William Gholston (6-foot-7, 278 pounds, Junior). He is a physical presence as a defensive end that the Nebraska offensive line will have to account for on every play. He leads the team with 9.5 tackles for loss on the season. The defense is in the top ten nationally allowing only 15 points per game and 267 yards of total offense per game, including only 91 on the ground.

Middle linebacker Max Bullough (6-3, 252, Jr.) is also a standout, pacing the team with 77 total tackles, including nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Combine this with two solid cornerbacks in Johnny Adams (5-11, 177, Sr.) and Darqueze Dennard (5-11, 188, Jr.) and that makes for a defense with great talent at every level. Dennard is the cousin of former Husker Alfonzo Dennard.

Offensively Michigan State is challenged. The average only 19.2 points per game. Quarterback Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 2123, Jr.) has improved as the season has gone along. In 2012 Maxwell has averaged 224 yards passing per game completing nearly 56 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Maxwell is a drop back passer that is almost no threat as a runner.

The balanced passing game has six receivers with 21 or more receptions on the season. Keith Mumphrey (6-0, 208, So.) is the team leader with 32 catches for 412 yards as a wide receiver. Tight end Dion Sims (6-5, 285 Sr.) is a big target that is a matchup problem for any defensive back or linebacker. Running back Le'veon Bell (6-2, 237, Jr.) is a threat as both a runner and receiver. He is tied for second on the team with 29 grabs in 2012, but his biggest abilities are as a downhill runner. He is the Spartans running game, he has eight touchdowns and averages over 117 yards per game for a team that only runs the ball for 131 yards per game overall. Bell really runs well inside, between the tackles.

The offensive line is solid averaging over 6-4 and nearly 305 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The leader is right guard Chris McDonald (6-5, 298, Sr.). As a group the offensive line has to play well to keep pressure off of Maxwell.

In the kicking game Dan Conroy (5-10, 186, Sr.)  is consistent converting 16 of 22 (72.7 percent) field goals with a long of 50 yards. Punter Mike Sadler (6-0, 180, So.) averages over 42 yards per punt. Bell is the leading return man for the Spartans that have not had many big plays on special teams.

Nebraska is going to be challenged hard up front on both sides of the ball by Michigan State. The Huskers must win the turnover battle to win this game on the road. With a defense that is gaining confidence the Huskers can win. Taylor Martinez has to stay in the game for the Huskers to come out on top. In a tight contest, I will pick Nebraska 16 to 10  over Michigan State. Thanks for reading Going Deep with Doze.

Nebraska Hosts Michigan Winner Has Inside Track to Indy

Nebraska faces Michigan Saturday night in what is the biggest game of the season for both teams. The Huskers and 22nd ranked Wolverines meet at 7:05 p.m. (CDT) in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Both teams are 5-2 and the winner has the best opportunity to win the Legends Division to likely face Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game later this season.

Michigan is coached by Brady Hoke who is 16-4 in his second season as the head coach. The Wolverines have one of the most dynamic players in all of college football in quarterback Denard Robinson (6-feet, 197 Pounds, Senior). Robinson is electric as a runner, an adequate thrower and capable of going the length of the field on almost every play. On the season Robinson has rushed for 900 yards wth six touchdowns, or nearly 130 yards per game. Passing Robinson completes 53.5 percent of his passes (83 of 155) with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. He averages 180 yards per game through the air. In my view Robinson is most dangerous when he gets loose and scrambles, putting tremendous pressure on the defense. He will break some big plays, Nebraska fans are hoping it will not be too many.

The running game has a solid starter in Fitzgerald Toussaint (5-10, 202, Jr.). He averages 47 yards a game with four scores. As a team the Wolverines average 222 yards per game rushing, most of it coming from Robinson.

The receivers have depth and talent. Robinson's desire to make big plays has resulted in some poor decisions as evidenced by the nine interceptions. The best receiver is Roy Roundtree (6-0, 180, Sr.) who only has 11 catches this season. If he has a big game, Nebraska is in for a long night.Backup quarterback Devin Gardner (6-4, 203, Jr.) has 15 catches and four touchdowns. His size makes him a tough matchup for most defensive backs. Jeremy Gallon 5-8, 187, Jr.) leads the team with 16  receptions for 309 yards on the season. This group is key if Michigan is to win on the road.

Along the offensive line, Michigan is a veteran group with tremendous size. Left tackle Taylor Lewan (6-8, 309, Jr.) protects the blind side and right guard Patrick Omameh (6-4, 305, Sr.) is a four year starter. From tackle to tackle the Wolverines average over 6-5 and 304 pounds per man. The Husker defensive line needs to stay fresh and use their quickness advantage in this game.

Michigan has a very stellar defense. As a team the Wolverines allow 143 yards rushing, 142 passing and only 16.4 points per game. This defense makes very few mistakes. The key is can the Husker rhythm offense wear down Michigan late in the game? The leader is defensive end Craig Roh (6-5, 281, Sr.). He plays hard every play, all the way to the whistle.Will Campbell (6-5, 308, Sr.) is a great run stopper at defensive tackle as well. Middle linebacker Kenny Demens 6-1, 242, Sr.) does a good job of getting the defense lined up to be in position to make plays. The secondary is paced by corner J. T. Floyd (6-0, 183, Sr.) and strong safety Jordan Kovacs (6-0, 202, Sr.). Overall this defense is good enough to keep Michigan in the game until Robinson erupts for a couple of big plays.

The kicking game has been good for the Wolverines. Brendan Gibbons (6-1, 230, Jr.) has converted 10 of 12 field goals (83.3 percent) with a long of 42 yards. Punter Will Hagerup (6-4, 227, Jr.) averages over 47 yards per punt. Gallon has only been average as a return man.

Michigan appears to have a better defense, while Nebraska shows more depth of playmakers on offense. Special teams appear to be just about even. Can Nebraska take care of the football, force a couple of turnovers and not dig themselves into an early hole? Being at home will help and the team appears to play better at home recently, winning 18 of 20 at Memorial Stadium. This one will be tight, but I will pick Nebraska by a score of 27-23. Thanks for Reading Going Deep With Doze.  
 

Nebraska and Northwestern to Battle

The 6-1 Northwestern Wildcats face the 4-2 Nebraska Cornhuskers at Evanston, Illinois in a game that kicks off at 2:35 p.m. CDT and will be televised by ABC from Ryan Field.

Both teams are known for the potent offenses. The Wildcats are coached by Pat Fitzgerald, a former star linebacker at Northwestern. He always has his teams ready to play and gets the most out of his players. In his seventh season, Fitzgerald has a career record of 46-37.

The Northwestern offense will play two quarterbacks throughout the game. Kain Colter (6-feet, 190 Pounds, Junior) really can do it all, he will play extensively at quarterback, and will also see am number of snaps as either a wide receiver or running back in the game. On the season, Kolter has passed for 422 yards with two touchdowns and one interception completing 70.5 percent (55 of 78) of his passes. Kolter has 421 yards rushing with eight touchdowns and has 13 catches for 152 yards this season. Nebraska must keep the exciting Kolter in check if Nebraska is to win the game. Trevor Siemian  (6-3, 210, So.) completes 63 percent of his passes (80 of 127) with two touchdown passes and one interception. As a team the Wildcats pass for 179 yards per game. Siemian stays in the pocket, while Kolter is good on the move putting pressure on the defense.

The running game is paced by Venric Mark (5-8, 180, Jr.). He averages 113 yards rushing per game with eight touchdowns. Mike Trumpy (6-1, 210, Jr.) is his backup. Mark is a small back that can hide from a defense, along the lines of what Darren Sproles used to do for Kansas State several years ago. Mark is one of the best kick and punt returners in the nation as well.  On the season Mark averages 28.8 yards per punt return, with two returns for touchdowns. He also has 15 pass receptions this season. Mark is really dangerous and the Huskers must know where he is on the field at all times. As a team, Northwestern averages 228 yards rushing per game.

The Wildcats have four receivers with at least 18 catches this season. Combined with Mark and Colter, this makes the receivers a deep unit for Northwestern. Senior Demetrius Fields (6-0, 210) is the team leader with 25 catches. Tony Jones (6-0, 180, So.), Christian Jones (6-3, 220, So.) and Rashad Lawrence (6-2, 195, Jr.) all have 18 grabs in 2012. This is a balanced group where Tony Jones shows the most speed.

The offensive line is a good sized group. The Wildcats average over 6-5 and 307 per man from tackle to tackle.  Right guard Neal Deiters (6-8, 315, Sr.) and left tackle Patrick Ward (6-7, 310, Sr.) make a pair of huge pair of offensive linemen for the Wildcats. This groups blocks well both in the running and passing game.

Defensively allows 110 yards per game rushing (18th nationally and 270 yards per game passing. Tyler Scott (6-4, 265, Jr.)  is a force defensively as an end with 7.5 tackles for loss including six sacks. Middle linebacker Damien Proby (6-0, 245, Jr.) leads the team with 62 tackles including 45 solo stops. The linebackers are really solid and the front seven may cause the Huskers some problems. The secondary will likely give up plenty of yards and points in the contest.

As was mentioned Mark is stellar on special teams. Kicker Jeff Budzien (5-11, 170, Jr.) has been perfect on 11 field goals this season and 26 extra points. Punter Brandon Williams (6-2, 195, Jr.) averages just over 40 yards per punt. Nebraska has been less than impressive on special teams coverage in 2012 and Northwestern appears to have an edge in the kicking game.

Overall this will be a tough game. I think the Wildcats have enough offense to give the Huskers fits. Also I believe defensively Northwestern is undervalued. Combine this with great special teams and home field, and the Big Red is in for a tight game. If Nebraska takes care of the football, they will win, but I feel they have not done that all season. I look for Northwestern to win Saturday afternoon by a score of 43-40.

Buckeyes to Win Over Huskers on the Road

Nebraska faces Ohio State Saturday night at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, the 5-0 12th ranked Buckeyes face the 4-1 21st ranked Huskers in a game that will be televised on ABC with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m.

Ohio State is coached by Urban Meyer, in his first year in Columbus. Meyer has had great success while at Utah and has won two National Championships while formerly the head coach at Florida. He can be seen as brash by many fans, but when you have the success Meyer has had it cannot be denied he is one of the top coaches in all of college football.

Meyer is known for his spread offense, orchestrated by quarterback Braxton Miller (6-foot-2, 220 Pounds, Sophomore). Miller is an exceptional runner that can buy time in the passing game with his ability to avoid the rush. He averages 115 yards rushing per game with seven touchdowns. Miller also passes for over 186 yards per game completing 62.8 percent of his passes (76 of 121) with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He is the epicenter of the Ohio State offense. Miller will do some damage to the Nebraska defense at some point in the game. He accounted for nearly 75 percent of the offense in last week's win over Michigan State.

The running game has other issues at this time. Jordan Hall (5-9, 194, Sr.) has had injury concerns and is questionable for the game. Carlos Hyde (6-0, 232, Jr.) is a more physical back that has less speed than Hall. Hyde and Hall (if he plays) must be held in check for the Big Red to win. As a team, the Buckeyes average 224 yards rushing per game, most of it with the talents of Miller handling the football.

Ohio State has three receivers that are threats in the passing game. Corey Brown (better known as Philly) at 6 feet, 187 pounds, the junior leads the team with 32 receptions. Devin Smith (6-1, 200, So.) is the big-play receiver averaging 18.5 yards on his 19 grabs this season. Jake Stoneburner (6-5, 245, Sr.) is also a favorite target for Miller. Stoneburner's size makes him a matchup issue for many defensive backs and linebackers as well.

The Buckeyes average over 6-5 and 308 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The starting tackles are both very impressive. On the left side Jack Mewort (6-6, 312, Jr.) is solid while on the right side Reid Fragel (6-8, 310, Sr.) is an imposing force. The line does not have to be great because of the escape ability that Miller possesses.

On defense the Buckeyes are strong in their front seven. Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 322, Jr.)  can dominate as a run stopper at his tackle spot.Nose tackle Garrett Goebel (6-4, 290, Sr.) is a solid presence as well. The Huskers will have to be able to run the ball outside against that stalwart interior defense. The linebackers are led by Storm Klein (6-2, 242, Sr.) in the middle and Etienne Sabino (6-3, 237, Sr.) on the outside.  Corner back Travis Howard (6-1, 200, Sr.) paces the secondary with three interceptions. The defense gives up some yards in the passing game and that would appear to be an a area the Nebraska offense can attack.

Special teams have been only adequate for Ohio State.Smith and Brown handle punt and kick returns for Ohio State wth few big plays so far this season. Kicker Drew Basil (6-1, 210, Jr.) is only 2-for-2 on field goals with a long of 26 yards, while punter Ben Buchanan (5-11, 192, Sr.)  averages just over 41 yards per punt and has had one blocked this season.

Nebraska will have to play very well to win on the road. Miller is a great talent and has a solid defense as well. The Buckeyes love the friendly confines of the Horseshoe. I think home field makes the key difference in a 31-20 Ohio State win over Nebraska Saturday night.

Nebraska to Roll Idaho State Bengals

Nebraska takes on the Idaho State Bengals Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network with kickoff set for 2:35 p.m.

Idaho State, coached by Dan Kramer is 1-1 on the season. The Bengals play in front of crowds that average 6,000 people at home. Members of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) they beat the juggernaut of Black Hill State (South Dakota) last week 38-5.They lost at Air Force in their season opener.

Idaho State will pass the ball all over the place. They average over 60 passes a game and 443 yards through the air each week. Quarterback Kevin Yost (6-foot-1, 195 Pounds, Senior) is 81 of 109 (74.3 percent) passing for 809 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He is not a threat running ball at all.

The Bengals are undersized compared to Nebraska at every spot on both offense and defense. The most talented group are the receivers for Idaho State. Derek Graves (6-0, 175, Sr.) has an unbelievable 30 catches in two games. He averages only nine yards per reception as part of the Bengals quick short passing game. Josh Hill (6-5, 229, Sr.) leads the team with two touchdown catches from his tight end spot. The other main weapon is Cam Richmond (6-2, 195, Jr.) with 20 grabs in 2012.The receivers are good, but the depth and talent of the Husker secondary will keep the Bengals under control.

Idaho State does not run the ball a lot, mostly using screen passes as an extension of their running game. Freshman Xavier Finney (5-11, 205) is the man man carrying the ball with 49 yards per game and three touchdowns on the season.

The offensive line is truly the smallest Nebraska has faced in many years. From tackle to tackle the Bengals average just over 6-3 and only 276 pounds per man. Right guard Mark Clampitt (6-2, 283, Sr.) is the leader of a unit that Nebraska has a major advantage over in this game. The Huskers third team defensive lineman and below should see some significant playing time in this game.

Defensively, Idaho State lines up in a 3-4 defensive look. As a team the Bengals give up over 292 yards rushing per game and just 121 yards through the air. Mitch Beckstead (6-0, 227, So.) leads the team with 19 tackles as a weakside linebacker. Nose tackle Austin Graves (6-2, 245, So.) has 2.5 sacks and linebacker Demetrious Allen (5-11, 217, So) also has two sacks this season. The defense will be chasing the Big Red offense all afternoon on Saturday.

On special teams, Idaho State does not really stand out. Punter C. J. Reyes (5-7, 190, So.) averages over 45 yards per punt. Kicker Brendon Garcia (5-11, 150, Jr.) has not been impressive early in the 2012 season. Idaho State has not shown much big play ability in the return game this season as well.

Simply Nebraska is a better football team than Idaho State. The Huskers are more talented at every position on the field than the Bengals. The Huskers will be able to stop Idaho State with ease and score at will. This is a game where the Nebraska reserves will see almost all the action in the second half. Look for Nebraska to dominate all parts of the game in a 59-20 win over Idaho State.

Nebraska to Win Wild Game With Red Wolves

Nebraska gets started early Saturday morning with an 11:05 kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln against Arkansas State.



Both teams come into the ESPN2 televised game with a 1-1 record. The Red Wolves are coached by Gus Malzahn, the former offensive coordinator at Auburn when the Tigers won the National Championship in 2010.

Arkansas State can move the football, with 575 yards per game, including 303 per contest passing and 272 rushing. An up-tempo, no-huddle offense is orchestrated by quarterback Ryan Aplin (6-foot-1, 199 Pounds, Senior).Aplin completes 59.7 percent of his passes (52 of 87) with four touchdowns and one interception this season. He is a former Nebraska recruit that can also run the ball, averaging 55 yards rushing. His dual threat talents will hurt the Husker defense at times today. He will spread Nebraska out and throw the ball all over the field.

The running game is led by David Oku, (5-10, 199, Jr.) averaging 105 yards per game on the ground with one touchdown. Frankie Jackson (5-9, 197, So.) also sees some time at running back. The small backs are quick and elusive, very good on draw plays out of the shotgun spread formation.

The Red Wolves will almost always have four or five receivers on the field offensively. Josh Jarobe (6-3, 198, Sr. leads the team with 19 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman J.D. McKissic (5-10, 184) is second with 12 receptions this season. Julian Jones (6-0, 190, Jr.) is the deep threat with big-play speed. The passing game will throw a lot of underneath passes trying to get mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties in pass coverage..

The offensive line averages 6-3 and 300 pounds from tackle to tackle.Center Eric Allen (6-1, 291, Sr.) and right tackle Zack McKnight (6-4, 300, Sr.) lead the way. This offensive line will use wide spaces similar to what Texas Tech did under Mike Leach to also create running lanes for the backs.. This group does not have to protect for a long time because Aplin moves well and releases the ball quickly.

The Red Wolves defense gives up yards and points in bunches. Middle linebacker Nathan Herrold (6+3, 235, Sr.)  paces the team with 20 total tackles and a forced fumble. He is the heart and soul of the defense. This season Arkansas State is allowing 42.5 points and 449 yards per game. The defense gives up 231 yards per game passing and 218 on the ground. The defensive line has a big run stopper in tackle Ryan Carrethers (6-2, 310, Jr.), while the small secondary is led by cornerback Chaz Scales (5-9, 167, Sr.) with one interception this season. The defense of Arkansas State is much less powerful than the solid offensive group.

In the kicking game Brian Davis (5-11, 182, Jr.) is 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) on field goals with a long of 43 yards. Punter Neely Sullivent (6-0, 195, Sr.)averages 38.4 yards per punt with one kick blocked this season. Oku and Rocky Hayes (5-10, 177, Fr.) both are solid kick returners. Hayes is a defensive back that may also get a few carries in the offensive backfield. McKissic handles the punt returns.

Nebraska is reeling in all facets of the game right now. This game could shape up like the 2007 NU-Ball State game won by the Big Red 41-40 that signaled the beginning of the end for Bill Callahan at Nebraska. This game will be a test, but I think Nebraska will find a way to win over Arkansas State. The Red Wolves have talent on offense to keep the game in doubt to the fourth quarter. I like Nebraska to win today by a score of 45-30.

Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.
  

Nebraska to Win a Road Test at UCLA

Nebraska returns to action Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California where the 16th ranked Cornhuskers face the UCLA Bruins. Both teams are 1-0 on the season. UCLA defeated Rice 49-24 last week in Houston, while the Big Red rolled over Southern Mississippi in Lincoln last week by a 49-20 count. The game will be nationally televised on the Fox Network with kickoff set for 6:35 p.m. CDT.

UCLA is coached by Jim Mora Jr., whose father was a successful coach in the United States Football League and National Football League. The younger Mora was the head coach of both the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks before taking the UCLA job after last season. He is known for being a strong defensive minded coach.

The Bruins were impressive last week offensively, although Rice over the last several years has been one of the bottom defensive teams in the country. Rice has been ranked in the bottom twenty defensive teams in the nation the last decade.

Quarterback Brett Hundley (6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Freshman) was the offensive catalyst for the Bruins last week, passing for 202 yards on 21 of 28 passes  (75 percent) with two touchdowns and one interception. Hundley also ran for 79 yards and had a 72-yard touchdown dash against Rice. He has the tools to cause problems for Nebraska, but the Husker defense will have some surprises in store for Hundley because of his inexperience.

UCLA ran for 368 yards against the bad Rice defense but will certainly be a challenge for the defense of Nebraska. Johnathan Franklin (5-11, 195, Sr.) ran for 218 yards and three scores last week. He is talented but the Blackshirts will slow Franklin down considerably. James Jordon  (5-8, 193, So.) and Damien Thigpen  (5-8, 178, Jr.) also catch the ball well out of the backfield.

The passing game was effective last week for UCLA. The Bruins will pass more down the field than Nebraska saw against Southern Mississippi. The key man to contain is tight end Joseph Fauria (6-7, 255, Sr.). Fauria is a physical presence that the Huskers will have to account for in the passing game. The top wide receivers were not a major part of UCLA's passing attack last week.

The Bruins have a very young offensive line. Three freshmen and a sophomore start up front for UCLA. the leader is right guard Jeff Baca (6-3, 295, Sr.). Watch right tackle Simon Goines (6-7, 324, Fr.) to be a rising star. As a unit UCLA averages   over 6-4 and nearly 299 pounds per man from tackle to tackle. The Husker defensive front has a major edge in experience in this matchup.

Defensively, UCLA employs a 3-4 look. They gave up 358 yards last week against Rice, with 174 yards rushing and 184 yards passing. Defensive end Datone Jones (6-4, 275, Sr.) is the best playmaker up front while Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6-3, 270, Jr.)  was a prized recruit that picked UCLA over Nebraska two years ago.

The top linebacker for the Bruins is Damien Holmes (6-2, 250, Sr. He needs to keep UCLA in the right alignments if the Bruins are to contain the Husker offense. Eric Kendricks (6-0, 230, So.) paced UCLA with 11 tacles last week against Rice. Cornerback Sheldon Price (6-2, 180, Sr.) had an interception last week and has the most physical skills in the UCLA defensive backfield.

The Bruins were almost as poor in special teams last week as Nebraska was. Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (6-0, 171, Fr.) had three extra points blocked last week. Punter Jeff Locke 6-0, 207, Sr.) averaged 43.7 yards per punt last week and handles kickoffs. Freshman Steven Manfro (5-9, 192) looks to be a threat as a kick returner for UCLA.

Nebraska will be tested on the road by UCLA, but the Huskers have a much more veteran team than the Bruins. I the Huskers limit their mistakes I look for the Huskers to post a 35-24 victory in the Rose Bowl over UCLA.

Look for my post game comments early Sunday and thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.

I am back!

Well, after the trials and tribulations of having the post fail last week I am back to follow the Huskers. Anyone who knows me knows how much it hurt not to have my preview available and thanks to the many of you that wanted to see my thoughts. (Just for the record my prediction was Nebraska 27, Southern Mississippi 17.

The preview for the UCLA game will be out on Wednesday and I hope you enjoy it.

My apologies for last week and I hope you enjoy the preview tomorrow.

Nebraska Loses Composure and The Capital One Bowl

What's in your wallet? If you are a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, not the Capital One Bowl trophy that is for sure. South Carolina took Nebraska apart as the Big Red lost their cool and the game by a score of 30-13.

The game was eerily similar to the Wisconsin loss. Nebraska played well for a quarter and a half, then the wheels fell off. The Huskers showed an offensive line with no depth and little fundamentals. The best defensive back made an error in judgement that did not help matters any. Penalties thwarted any chance of a comeback in the second half. Then the defense tired out and the game was over.

Nebraska loses its best two players on defense (three if you count Jared Crick), the line on both sides must drastically improve while the rest of the Big Ten (except maybe Penn State) is as good or better in 2012. The safeties are slow and do not wrap up on tackles. The offensive line broke down like a 1926 Ford in 2012 with never having an oil change. The team needs an infusion of speed and power if they are ever going to be a top ten team again.

South Carolina was not a great team, but Nebraska played poorly. Personally I am also disappointed in the people that chose the receiver from South Carolina as the Most Valuable Player after he was ejected.

This was a disappointing effort Nebraska. No Excuses in 2012. Get the Job Done.

Thanks for reading Going Deep With Doze.