Nebraska Football: Steady as it Goes…for Now
· Yahoo Sports
There is no denying that Michigan State was a “step up” in competition for Nebraska this last week. First conference game, it’s on the road, the highest quality opponent to date. There was some inconsistency from both sides of the ball, but weirdly not overly stressful. Going 3 and out to start both halves was beyond frustrating, as was the “bend but don’t break” defense during the 3rd quarter, but if you ask any Husker fan about an 18-point win on the road…they’d take it in a darn hurry.
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Looking ahead to Maryland, and this is one wounded turtle. It’s one thing to lose at home, it’s quite another to be blasted out of your own stadium. The Terrapins could not have played a much worse game than they did. 5 turnovers, mixed with absolutely nothing on both sides of the ball, and it led to a 51-point beatdown. Everything should point to a big-time win by Nebraska.
That’s the danger of conference play. You can look like hot garbage one week but look like a very competent team the next. Nebraska through four games so far has been pretty even-keel. The total yards, points per game, and overall control of the game has been pretty consistent. They have cut down on the penalties (we’re not holding on punt returns as much). The defense has won the turnover battle every single game. Those are the marks of a good football team.
This Maryland team shouldn’t really threaten Nebraska much. Outside of their outstanding quarterback who gave us plenty of problems last year, they don’t provide much else. Maryland throws the ball roughly 40 times a game due to the fact their QB is the best player they have. They throw to one wide receiver in particular (Chris Durr Jr.), but I believe the Husker secondary can keep him from causing problems. Defensively, the Terrapins give up about 26 points per game, but have given up 89 in the last 2 alone.
Nebraska has looked like a competent team, albeit slow at times. Their overall possession numbers that lead to a score has gone up so far this season. The defense did well against Michigan State. There will be plenty of consternation in the next few weeks, but this one probably won’t be one of them. Steady increases will lead to peaking at the right time, something which Nebraska hasn’t done in years.
The fact the Huskers can possibly find another gear is promising. Last year, after the Akron and Houston Christian games, it felt as though that was the peak. I haven’t felt that with this group. They will need to find that extra gear when Indiana and Oregon come up in the next couple of weeks, but I’ll worry about that then. In the meantime, Nebraska looks just fine the way they are.
Steady improvements throughout the year are really helpful as Big Ten play progresses. Look at the pesky Squawks across the river. They usually look like crap until mid-October. This year, they look a lot better early, which means they might be peaking already. Nebraska has incrementally gotten better. I know the rushing offense wasn’t great, but it kept the Spartan defense honest. Colandrea’s deep ball threat will help the running attack as well.
The Blackshirts are forcing turnovers. Having six through 4 games is very solid. If Nebraska can keep the turnover battle at zero or a plus, then the Huskers have a very good chance in almost every ballgame. Outside of Ohio State, no one has blown me away. Oregon looked good with a chip on its shoulder against USC, but the Trojan defense also gave up 35 to Rutgers.
So, for at least this week, it’s steady as she goes. After this one, Nebraska will need to find that extra gear. The trick is not to get complacent and overlook Maryland. Remember, a team that looked awful last week can look okay the next. I rather doubt it with Maryland, but Nebraska can’t take that risk. Put them away in the first half and protect yourself to remain healthy for next week. Go Big Red.
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