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.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
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.
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.
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