Nebraska played arguably it’s best football on defense. They had shut down Minnesota in the first half, had a ten-point lead and knocked out their starting quarterback.
In the second half, Minnesota brings the backup off of the bench and the kid starts flying around making plays, mostly throwing downfield to big receivers, but taking off if Nebraska over played man to man coverage. The kid looked like a confident Big Ten quarterback.
Nebraska on the other hand, had two backup quarterbacks that looked like they were going to get hit by a car, while wearing cement shoes.
As close as Nebraska has played many teams in the conference, they simply do not have depth to withstand losing their best player. It’s been an ongoing issue since Bo Pelini took over the Husker roster. Injuries to players like Rex Burkhead, Ameer Abdullah, Tommy Armstrong, and now Casey Thompson has spelled doom for Nebraska’s chances the last decade plus.
If you want to win in the Big Ten or SEC, you must recruit players that can play at a high level. That’s a given. You also have to convince players that can play at a high level to stay, work hard and sit on the bench while a better player plays while they sit. That’s not at easy task. Not since Tom Osborne walked the sidelines has depth been very good at Nebraska.
And that is what Michigan showed us all last week. Nebraska had the Wolverines all but beat last year in Memorial Stadium. They had their best roster since 2016. In one year, after a lot of 6th year players left, Michigan restocked their lineups, and crushed the Huskers. Nebraska clearly did not restock the roster.
The next coach has a lot to fix. Probably the most important thing they have to do is overhaul a roster that is low on playmakers. On top of that, they have to develop the talent they do have. It’s not an easy task, and it gives you pause when you think of how long it might be before Nebraska will be a true contender again. (Predictions are at the end if you don’t want to read the rest!)
ON WITH THE REWIND…
Last game prediction was Michigan 38, Nebraska 14. The actual score was Michigan 34, Nebraska 3. Michigan looks like a final four contender. They have all the pieces you could want on defense, and they have a dominant ground game. Nebraska held their quarterback in check for the most part. I’m curious if the Huskers may have exposed something that will keep Michigan from running the table. I would bet Ohio State took notes on what Nebraska did to shut the passing game down.
Quick Notes:
Casey Thompson…If it wasn’t clear enough before, Nebraska has little to no chances to win any remaining games without Casey Thompson. The deep ball that has kept Nebraska in a lot of games just isn’t happening with Chubba Purdy (now out) or Logan Smothers. If Thompson really is healed up, and the offensive line can give him time, Nebraska has a small chance to beat Wisconsin.
Ernest Hausmann…Hausmann has not had an easy freshman year in Lincoln. He was thrust into early action, probably quicker than anyone wanted with injuries to Luke Reimer and now Nick Henrich. Against Michigan, Hausmann looked like he belonged and more. He was one of the few players that drove Michigan offensive players back at the point of contact. Kid looks like a player you can build around moving forward.
Garrett Nelson…Nelson was asked if he would be walking with the other Seniors on Senior day against Wisconsin. Nelson said no, not admitting if he is coming back next season or not. I’ve been on the Nelson bus since day one. He gives effort every play, even if he isn’t the most athletic player on the field, he still produces. Nelson could be a player in the NFL, but he still has some growing to do. I’m hopeful a change in staff provides him with an opportunity to hit the ceiling on his talent and growth if he returns for another season.
Javin Wright…Wright has had a tough road in his time at Nebraska, but for the first time he has started to earn playing time and I continuously see him around the football when he is in the game. He hasn’t been the best player out there, but he is playing and after his health scare with blood clots and other issues, it’s great to see Toby Wright’s son earn his way onto the field.
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 21
If Casey Thompson is playing, Nebraska has a chance to put some points on the board. This is not the normal Wisconsin team fighting for a Big Ten crown. The only issue is, if Wisconsin gets a lead on Nebraska, they can lean on the running game and their huge running back Braelon Allen. It’s going to be windy and cold in Memorial Stadium, which likely gives the Badgers a bit of an advantage. Nebraska should be able to run the ball, but they will have to stick with it to have any success. I hope that Nebraska can cash in on some turnovers and force the Badgers to play from behind. GBR!!
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