I have seen less laundry in a laundromat than what was seen last Saturday morning. Big Ten officiating...what more needs to be said? The first half was a brutal watch, thanks in large part to the aforementioned zebras. True Haters. But, rest assured I check the Indiana state statues to ensure that there were no criminal charges to be filed against the crew for the phantom offensive pass interference on Thomas Fidone. Rahmir, I apologize for the stolen touchdown.
All that being said, going into half 0-0 when it felt like the Cornhuskers should be up at least two touchdowns, the team came out in the second half and we started to see some more execution. Are there concerns? Sure, but there aren't many teams that don't have some kind of concerns. At the end of the day, Nebraska did what it had to do. It went into sleepy West Lafayette and beat a bad team they were supposed to beat. Not every iteration of Nebraska Football has been able to say the same.
Now the Huskers (4-1) turn their attention to an undefeated Rutgers (4-0) coming into town. Toe meets leather at 3pm on what is shaping up to be a very toasty Saturday in Lincoln, NE. It's time to see that sideline switch pay some dividends. Every edge matters, and here is the Nebraska Football cheat sheet to send the Scarlet Knights back home with their first loss of the season.
HOLD THE LINE - Rutgers wants to run the ball. Rutgers needs to run the ball. Nebraska needs to stop the run. The Huskers cannot allow Rutgers to have their way offensively. The Blackshirts must be stout against run. They must hold the line. Holding Kyle Monangai in check will allow Nebraska to dictate the pace of the game and maximize the number of possessions they have offensively. If the Blackshirts can force Athan Kaliakmanis into throwing the ball, this Professor theorizes a good day for Husker Nation.
Rhule Third Down - Third downs must be won on both sides of the ball. Too many times this season, the Huskers have gotten into trouble when they can't convert a third down, or make a stop to give the ball back to the offense. The Blackshirts have been leaving the opposing offenses too many third and shorts allowing for these run heavy attacks to control the clock and operate on their terms. The offense through five games has been converting a respectable 44% of third downs. This needs to be the minimum standard. Control the ball, control the game.
Running Back Ground Game - It's what the Husker offense needs to thrive. A strong, reliable ground attack out of the running back position will truly open up this offense to do what I think Marcus Satterfield and Co. would like to do. Hard play action, and stretching the field vertically. The running game must be respected so that Dylan Raiola can put that beautiful rocket launcher to use. Rhule and Co. seem to like to use the hammer, Dante Dowdell, early, and lean on the more elusive backs, like Emmett Johnson as the game wears on. Whatever combo it may be, it needs to be effective Saturday afternoon to come away with a win.
Discipline - It is about time the Cornhuskers put together a clean game. Nebraska is a dismal 122nd in the nation in penalty yards per game, averaging nearly 81 yards per game. If this team is truly "Chasing 3" that has to be cleaned up. The B1G officiating is what it is, but the simple stuff, the false starts on 3rd & 1, the holding penalties wiping touchdowns off the board, the jumping off-sides on third and mediums are all things that can be corrected. There is only one piece of laundry I want to see Saturday evening, and that is the white flag of the Scarlet Knight surrender.
Show me Something - Looking directly at you special teams. Specifically the field goal operation. Nebraska is a power four school that should be able to line up and make a field goal. Let's see a kick go through the uprights Saturday. A clean snap, good hold, solid leg swing. Some good mojo in that kicking room is just what this Professor is assigning.
Extra Credit - Keep taking it to the Banks baby. Let Jahmal eat!
Husker Nation seems to be a bit on edge, even in victory last week. Nothing comes easy in this sport. Anything can happen. It is why every game is played. It's a mid-season test at Memorial Stadium this weekend. Rutgers is bringing in a solid team, with an experienced, hard-nosed coach in Greg Schiano, and you best believe they won't go down easy. Ultimately, this is a sooth the nerves type of game. Get out there, handle your business. Play to the standard and execute the plan. Send Rutgers home with their first loss, heal up during the bye week, and go get that elusive bowl eligibility in Bloomington. Time to go 1-0. Go Big Red. IF WE DIE, WE DIE!
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