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.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
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.
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.
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