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.
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