I get why we have bye-weeks in football, but they leave a massive void in my life. Glad to be getting back to game coverage. I sat down with the writers at Corn Nation to discuss this Saturday’s trip to Lincoln. We got a group effort with Mike, Nate, and Todd, along with their editor Jon Johnston contributing with their opinions. Let’s see what they have to say.
1. Looking at your most recent game, the 30-27 loss to um, you were able to throw the ball quite successfully (308 yards), but struggled
to run (43 yards). On defense, you shut down um’s passing game (105 yards), but could not do much against the run (286 yards). How much of these stats came from what Nebraska does well? How much came from what um does well and/or what Nebraska does not do well?
Todd – The fact that Nebraska could not run against Michigan was because they were much better up front than our boys were. Many of us thought we were much improved in the OL, but obviously not. Michigan was tougher and more physical in that match up. Flip to the Wolverines putting up 286 on the ground speaks totally to their strength at running back and up front, and all of our concerns about our inexperienced defensive line. Bottom line: Michigan was tougher and better prepared in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Nate – I have seen mentions about the number of RPOs that Dana Holgorsen has been calling and then giving Dylan Raiola the power to make that determination — that could be some of the reasons for the lack of commitment to running the ball. I do wonder if that will change going forward. I could be wrong but, in my experience, when it turns to November the ability to pass the ball becomes more difficult. So here is hoping that Nebraska figures out the running game.
Jon Johnston – Much of the rushing yardage came on three big runs that were touchdown runs. Explosive plays. Michigan pretty much destroyed our offensive line, especially the tackles. Dylan Raiola was under constant pressure and sacked seven times. The run game never got going because the offensive line couldn’t generate any holes or push.
Raiola’s passing came because he is a very good quarterback. He’s accurate. Maybe not on long balls, but short and intermediate, he is very good. Nebraska has a pretty decent receiving corps and in Luke Lindenmeyer, a really good tight end. I expect Nebraska to be able to throw the ball well no matter who they’re up against. It’s a matter of whether we can generate enough of a running game so that people can’t completely tee off against Raiola with the rush.
2. Your quarterback, Dylan Raiola, has seen all his stats go up in his sophomore year. Yards per game, completion percentage, yards per pass, rating. Watching him through four games, what is he doing better that is most responsible for this improvement in his stats?
Todd – Patience. At times, maybe even too much! He’s basically running a new offense that he is comfortable with and he is going through his progressions with a lot more confidence.
Nate – More experience and better weapons is what I would add to what Todd said. His wide receiving core is much better than what he had last year.
Jon – A combination of two things. He has competent receivers that can get just enough separation and they don’t drop the ball. He is also very good at protecting the ball, very focused on what he’s doing, and pretty accurate. He’s adjusted the college game in his second year, and we’ll see what happens as the year goes on.
3. Tell us about your defense. What is the formation? What level is the best? Who is the one player that MSU coaches need to account for?
Todd – Well, they claim to run a 3-4, but they show a lot of different looks. The defensive backfield is the strength of the defense, and the team for that matter. There’s a lot of experience back there, and some young guys that are getting meaningful snaps as well. When he’s on the field, Sparty better account for Dasan McCullough. He’s a handful.
Nate – Right now Cincinnati’s quarterback (Brendan Sorsby) is the highest rated QB in college football. In the first game of the season, Nebraska shut him completely down with the exception of a couple of long runs. At the time, fans were saying that Sorsby isn’t that good and neither is Cincinnati. Well that appears not to be the case. Michigan however showed that the defensive line for Nebraska needs to take some steps up in the physicality department.
Mike – There’s an argument to be made that Nebraska’s secondary might be one of the best in defending the pass. When you are four games in and lead the nation in defending the pass, it’s probably not an anomaly.
Jon – I don’t think there’s honestly a single player that coaches really have to account for. I don’t know if there’s anybody that’s really a huge standout compared to everybody else.
4. Michigan State is giving up a Big Ten-worst 263.5 pass yards per game. Who are the Nebraska WRs who are going to have a big day this Saturday?
Todd – Dane Key is very good and Jacori Barney is a real threat when the ball gets into his hands. Both of those guys stretch the field and can rack up the yards after catch. Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer has become a threat. We haven’t seen it, but the fastest guy on the team is tight end Heinrich Haarberg, a converted quarterback, and many Nebraska fans are waiting to see him go vertical against a linebacker.
Nate – I would add Nyziah Hunter to that list. But they tend to throw him jump balls and let him go up and get it. I would say that I am still waiting for Dane Key to have that huge game. It might come this week. But again, we want to be able to run the ball.
5. What is the number one thing Nebraska needs to do to defeat MSU?
Todd – Run. The. Damn. Ball. Nebraska has to impose its will at the line of scrimmage and control the flow of the game. I expect Raiola will have a good game, but he could have a great game if the Cornhuskers can run the ball.
Nate – Going forward it will be running the ball and stopping the run. MSU’s quarterback is mobile and that has been a problem for Nebraska’s defense. Can they keep him in the pocket and make him throw the ball?
Mike – Cincinnati’s Sorsby couldn’t find an open receiver to save his life against Nebraska, but was able to gouge Nebraska’s Blackshirts with his legs. Aidan Chiles will likely need to try to win this game running the ball.
Jon – I’m going to disagree on the run the ball thing. It’s a Nebraska identity for us as fans, and it has been for years, but I don’t think it really represents what Nebraska needs to do going forward to win a lot of games. Nebraska just needs to run the ball well enough for it to be a threat. The number one thing Nebraska needs to do to defeat Michigan State is avoid turnovers. Next, another 300 yard game through the air for Dylan Raiola.
6. Predict the final score.
Todd – Nebraska 38 Michigan State 17
Nate – Both teams are coming off of a bye. I will predict a score but my confidence level on that will be a 3 out of 10. I think if both teams play turnover free football then Nebraska probably wins by more than a touchdown. Nebraska is currently favored by 10.5.
Apparently Nebraska has a “great plan” for finding a second running back which I hope wasn’t just coach speak from Matt Rhule. So maybe they will actually try and establish the run. If they do that, then I think they win comfortably. I did pick Nebraska to lose to Michigan and beat Michigan State in my pre-season prediction so I guess I’ll stick with that. Score? Nebraska 24 – Michigan State 14.
Jon – Given Michigan State’s pass defense, I would expect this to score a lot. Let’s say 35 to 38 points. I’d expect Michigan State to score around 24 to 28 points. So, Nebraska 35 – Michigan State 28
TOC wishes to thank the team at Corn Nation for their help with this article. Hopefully they are all wrong on their picks.
