Nebraska, To Bowl, or Not to Bowl, That is the Question

What a heartbreaker this season has become for fans.  To start, the world was falling apart, Nebraska lost a Big Ten gut punch to Minnesota, then got routed on the road at hated Colorado.  Nebraska seemed to turn it around, winning 5 games out of 6 and everyone is thinking about possibly playing to win the West division.  November hits and Nebraska loses two games by a field goal and another in overtime and still hasn’t qualified for a bowl game.

Carriker Chronicles: Iowa Preview

Now Iowa comes to Lincoln with the West Division sewn up and not much to play for on their end, other than to slap their western rivals one more time before the divisions leave the Big Ten.  Iowa may not have much to play for this week, but believe me, Nebraska put a bad taste in their mouth last season and the last thing the Hawkeyes want is to have a losing streak against the Huskers.

If Nebraska wants to go bowling and I do believe that they hoped to have that clinched before this weekend, it makes Iowa a must win.  Nebraska didn’t want to be in this position, but horrible quarterback play in November has put them in a place that they can’t seem to escape.

Enter Chubba Purdy.  Purdy came out and blew the doors off the Badgers in Wisconsin last week in the first quarter.  More than that, Purdy didn’t turn the ball over until the overtime, on a basic last minute Hail Mary heave on fourth down with no one open.

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Purdy wasn’t an All American outside of the first quarter, but he did something that Nebraska has needed all season.  Someone to take care of the football.  

For the most part, 17 points is enough for the Huskers to win a lot of games this year.  Unfortunately, the way the Huskers have turned the ball over this season, it has forced the Blackshirts to burn a lot of energy just keeping Nebraska in games.  

If the Huskers want to go bowling tomorrow, the Blackshirts will have to take them.  Iowa’s offense, while starting to click, is no where near as potent as Maryland and won’t have a quarterback like Tanner Mordecai in Wisconsin that will force them to defend a running quarterback.  Iowa may try some trick plays, but if Nebraska can get to the quarterback, they should have ample opportunity to put Iowa in situations that they might produce turnovers.

All Purdy has to do is keep the ship afloat on offense.  Can Nebraska score enough points to make Iowa play from behind?  If they can do that, they will beat Iowa…if not, it will be another cold winter in Lincoln, with nowhere warm to go bowling.

ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Wisconsin 15 Nebraska 10.  The actual score was Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 17 in overtime.  I have to give Wisconsin a lot of credit.  Nebraska tried to put their foot on their throat early, but the Badgers just kept making plays to claw back into the game eventually taking a lead.  Nebraska’s inability to move the ball the entirety of the second half was a little confounding.  Wisconsin played tight on the young wide receivers and Nebraska was unable to make them pay in the passing game.  Iowa will play the same way on defense this week.  The passing game will have to step up.

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Quick Notes:

Chubba Purdy…Purdy not turning the ball over until the overtime was almost astonishing after watching Husker quarterbacks hand it over game after game.  Purdy played well enough to win, but he didn’t go take the game.  If Purdy can play just a little better and continue to take care of the ball, Nebraska can win on Black Friday.

Ty Robinson…A HUGE announcement this week that Robinson is coming back next season.  Finding veteran defensive lineman out of the portal is almost impossible and Robinson is better than almost anything Nebraska could have found.  If Nash Hutmacher comes back next year as well Nebraska should have one of the better defensive fronts in the Big Ten.  Not a bad place to be with the west coast teams joining the league.

Jalyen Lloyd…Lloyd had another long touchdown catch at Madison.  The growing pains this season for the freshman wide receivers should pay off next season.  Lloyd, Malachi Coleman and Jaidyn Doss will be lynchpins for the Husker passing game next season.  I expect Lloyd and Coleman to make some big plays against Iowa.  Top that off with supposed scout team star Demetrius Bell, and the Huskers should have a big jolt of experience and talent returning.

Billy Kemp…Nebraska needs Kemp on offense this week.  Kemp helped the Nebraska running game by taking short passes and busting up the field.  When Kemp started to get shut down, the Husker running game went with it.  Nebraska will need to use Kemp to keep Iowa spread out enough to allow Emmett Johnson to run the ball.  If Nebraska can’t rush for at least 150 yards, they have no chance of winning, unless they totally surprise everyone with the passing game.

Score Prediction:  Nebraska 17, Iowa 14

My head says no way Nebraska wins this game.  They simply aren’t talented enough or experienced enough on offense to beat a veteran team without some luck.  The Blackshirts, as good as they are, do not force enough turnovers.  And the special teams for the Huskers, has played about two games where they were better than the opposition.  Against Iowa, that won’t get it done.  My heart on the other hand says Nebraska takes a stand tomorrow.  The Huskers want to make a bowl game, they are at home for Senior day, emotions will be running high, and Iowa isn’t so much better that the Huskers can’t win.  Every fiber of my being says they won’t win, but screw fiber, it’s Thanksgiving and GBR!!!

WIsconsin Game Preview: The Yin and Yang of Husker Football

And “poof” just like that, Heinrich Haarberg is no longer the quarterback for the Huskers.

And almost just as fast, the Husker’s bowl hopes are dimming.  

It’s likely to be Chubba Purdy’s show this week.  It certainly can’t be Jeff Sims’ job, and even if he comes off the bench, you almost need to wonder how he can play?

Carriker Chronicles: Wisconsin Game

The turnovers that have affected the Huskers this season are as wild as they were in 1999.  I remember sitting in Potter, Nebraska when Nebraska lost to Ricky Williams in Texas that season.  Every game was an adventure.  How many fumbles would Nebraska have?  This season has the same quality, the problem is, there is no Eric Crouch and there is no chance to finish 12 and 1.

I don’t blame head coach Matt Rhule for all of the turnovers.  At a certain point as a coach, there isn’t much you can do, except try to match the play calling to the least expensive parts of the players skills.  Sims can make a ton of plays, but he is so careless with the ball, that teams are just waiting on him to drop the ball or throw into triple coverage off his back foot.  The same was true for Haarberg, teams were playing a center fielder on him, just waiting for him to float a ball over a receiver.

You can bet if teams are waiting for Nebraska to throw into coverage, they are just watching the quarterback’s eyes.  Neither Sims, nor Haarberg can throw accurate enough to get away with telegraphing where they are going with the ball.

And yet the Blackshirts continue, game after game, to give the Huskers a chance to win each week.  It’s amazing that they have played as well as they have and give credit to Coach Rhule and defensive coordinator Tony White.  They have kept the team afloat, despite the most deflating plays by the offense.

Nebraska made a run in the middle of the season that showed what this team and this staff are capable of.  Northwestern and Illinois have played great after playing Nebraska, so those wins were consequential.  If Nebraska is going to get any of that momentum back, they simply must keep the turnovers under three this week.  If not, the same three-point loss will haunt this team all offseason.

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 24, Maryland 20.  The actual score was Maryland 13, Nebraska 10.  Nebraska had so many opportunities to win this game on offense, and all three quarterbacks just spit the bit.  Nebraska has such a good defense.  It is crazy that this team can’t take advantage of just giving up 13 points.  Nebraska has suffered a lot of injuries on offense, but worse than injuries, the quarterbacks have lost more games for this team than they have won.  I’m back in “I’ll believe it when I see it” mode.

Quick Notes:

Emmett Johnson…Johnson has been so good since he started playing.  He might not lead the team in rushing, and if he does, it might not even be 500 yards.  However, he has been one of the few sparks that has been consistent, without making costly plays this year.  Whatever happens the rest of the season, Johnson has made it known that he will be a factor in Lincoln for however long he wants to stick around.  Nebraska needs to try and ride his surge to another victory.

Ty Robinson…As good as Nash Hutmacher has been this season, Robinson is now trading big plays with him, and exceeding Hutmacher with his play.  That says a lot, because Hutmacher is playing at an all-conference level.  I knew of Robinson’s dad when he played at Chadron State.  And let me tell you, his dad was a hell of a basketball player.  Ty has eclipsed his dad and has earned the right to go play in the NFL.  He has left it all on the field this season.

Javin Wright…And just like that, another Blackshirt has shown up and made huge plays to keep the Huskers in a game.  Wright has popped multiple times this season but had arguably his best game as a Husker against Maryland.  His interception was as good of a play as any I’ve seen this season.  Wright is just a Junior and him coming back next season will help keep the Blackshirts toward the top of the conference.

Billy Kemp…Amazingly enough, Kemp continues to make plays, despite the fact that every time someone throws him the ball, he is lucky if it is within 2 feet of him.  Kemp won’t have the catches that he had at Virginia, but this season he has been the leader a young wide receiver corps has needed.  Whatever Kemp does in his future, Nebraska owes him simply for being everything they could have hoped when the transferred in.

Score Prediction:  Wisconsin 15, Nebraska 10

Each throw makes me hold my breath.  And without the quarterback run game, the open receivers aren’t as open as they were.  To go along with that, when they are open, the throws are 50/50 if they are even catchable.  I know the Blackshirts will rise up to the occasion again, but I don’t know if you can trust Nebraska to keep the turnovers under four.  If the Huskers can keep it to two or less, then flip this score, but like I said before, I’ll believe it when I see it.  Can Chubba Purdy do what Jeff Sims and Heinrich Haarberg couldn’t?  I’m not so sure.  And yet I will still be watching NBC Saturday night, yelling at my tv hoping I can make a difference and GBR!!!

Forget Next Year, for Haarberg, Next Year is Now

There is always a “will they, won’t they” part of a sitcom that typically comes into play when there are relationships with a man and a woman.  Generally, the point of the story is, the buildup courtship is funny, and then eventually they get together, and more hilarity ensues.  It’s a tale as old as television, radios, or stories themselves.

So how long will Heinrich Haarberg and the Nebraska Cornhuskers remain together?

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At least as the starting quarterback?

Let us review the last three months to see how we have gotten here.  Jeff Sims was brought in last January, to fight for the starting job.  He won that job during the spring.  Sims started the first two games of the season, but turned the ball over in very costly situations, and Nebraska started 0-2.  Sims hurt his ankle against Colorado and had to come out. In comes Heinrich Haarberg.  Haarberg goes on to lead Nebraska to a 5-2 record in games he has started.  

Now, the current situation.  Haarberg has been running hesitant for the last three games.  You see that sometimes in quarterbacks after they take a few licks, because getting nailed by big nasty linebackers and defensive ends isn’t everyone’s favorite past time.  Sometimes players become hesitant because they aren’t sure what they are supposed to do on a given play.  Sometimes players lose their aggressiveness because they are hurt or want to avoid getting hurt worse.

I suspect one of these things is affecting Haarberg right now.  During Scott Frost’s tenure, it certainly happened to Adrian Martinez.  Adrian looked like he was going to be an All-American his freshman year at Nebraska, but over time, he too suffered an affliction to running hard on each play or figuring out how to stay healthy running the football at a high level.

I don’t blame players for this progression when it happens.  Playing quarterback is hard.  It’s especially hard when you are going to get beat up game after game.

Haarberg is not a polished passer.  If he isn’t running at a high level, the reason for having him out there in the first place is greatly diminished.

Matt Rhule made it clear that they are developing Haarberg for the future at Nebraska.  The kid is still young and will have two more years to play after this one.

Haarberg is also leading the team in turnovers, starting to make them at the same rate as Jeff Sims did when he was healthy. The same rate that led Sims to not get the starting job back in the first place.

So now we must wonder, will he, or won’t he (meaning Haarberg) come back to that freelance, running through defenders, quarterback he was the first few starts?  Or will he continue to make costly mistakes, not being aggressive enough in the run game?

It likely will determine if Nebraska finishes in a bowl game or sits at home for another season.

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 30, Michigan State 14.  The actual score was Michigan State 20 Nebraska 17.  For the first time in a while, the Blackshirts weren’t perfect.  Michigan State had a solid game plan, made the defense defend the pass, and made trick plays and scored just enough.  I said it before, I don’t know that the defense will give up more than 20 points in a game the rest of the season.  I still think that.  At East Lansing, it wasn’t the Blackshirts fault the offense couldn’t do enough to win the game.  If the Blackshirts need to be perfect to win every game, I don’t expect many more wins this year.

Quick Notes:

Heinrich Haarberg…Haarberg was unable to pass to wide open receivers last week.  Whether he didn’t see them, or they dropped it, or they ran the wrong route, those are passes that are needed to win Big Ten games.  Haarberg is the leader on the team.  Last week was on him.  Receivers were open and he either threw a bad pass, or simply didn’t make it through his reads.  I understand the offensive line regressed a bit last week, but Haarberg held the ball way to long on too many plays.  Teams are wise that Haarberg isn’t throwing well.  The coaching staff needs to get back to the throws that he throws well and quit trying to do too much that Haarberg can’t.

Tommi Hill…After a two-interception performance against Purdue, you could tell that Hill was starting to figure out how to jump bad passes.  He almost did it again against the Spartans.  The problem is the defense is counting on him to pick those passes in each game.  Hill needs to bounce back this week with a big performance, against a Maryland team that will want to use his aggressiveness against him.  If Hill responds with a big game, it could swing the balance toward the Huskers.

Malachi Coleman…Coleman had two catches at the game in Michigan State.  Now is the time that the offense starts looking for him more.  Coleman is open on a lot of plays, and Haarberg doesn’t always get to him in his reads.  Coleman is as good at running crossing routes as anyone on the team and it’s hard for defensive backs to keep up with him when he gets past them.  Nebraska needs to use that to their advantage.  Coleman should be targeted at least as many times as Fidone.  If those are your main reads, fine, but make sure Coleman is getting a look when he is out there.

Nash Hutmacher…If Nebraska is going to make it to a bowl game, they are going to need a defender to step up and simply will them to a victory.  Hutmacher has been the most consistent player on the Blackshirts this season.  This week he needs to put the center into Maryland’s quarterback to disrupt his timing.  Maryland likes to throw short passes, quick passes, and give their players a chance to make plays in space.  If the defensive line can push the line back to disrupt that timing, Nebraska can take advantage of miscues.

Score Prediction:  Nebraska 24, Maryland 20

Nebraska did not play well in the second half against Michigan State.  It was a bit alarming that the defense played better, but the offense played worse and the special teams, especially the punt team put Nebraska in terrible field position what seems like the entire game.  The game against Maryland is supposed to be very windy.  I think that gives a big advantage to Nebraska.  I think the special teams will not play as bad as the week before either.  Maryland could easily win this game, they are favored.  I just think Nebraska has a lot left to play for, and I expect them to bounce back this week and clinch a bowl berth, while we are all screaming, GBR!!!

Huskers Set the Tone…Can it Continue?

After Nebraska lost to Minnesota, in a game I was convinced we would win, with about 6 minutes to play in the game, I didn’t know if or when I could trust Nebraska again.

It was hard to know that Nebraska would start with two bad losses at the beginning of the season.  It was harder to know where the team would be after 8 games.

I type all of this, because as good as it all has been, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Odds are it likely still will before the season runs out.

I said when Nebraska started this run of four conference games after playing Michigan, they had to go 2 and 2 at worst, and hope for 3-1.  Anything less than that would likely mean no bowl game.  Now, I’m wondering if they are going to be 4-0, and could they possibly put themselves in position to be playing Wisconsin and Iowa to win the final year of the Big Ten West division? I can’t go there just yet.

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I get it, the three-game winning streak is nice.  Nebraska has the best defense in the Big Ten that doesn’t play in Ann Arbor or Columbus (and maybe Happy Valley) but it might not be as far off as it seemed after the Michigan game.

Luckily the offense will keep most fans humble.  The continued turnovers eventually will come home to roost.  It may be this weekend on the road with a wounded Michigan State team.  More likely it will happen when Maryland comes to town or in Wisconsin.  Henrich Haarberg has been stellar in leading the team, but the hits are taking a toll on him.  He doesn’t attack near as hard as he did his first three starts when he runs the football.

Can Haarberg stop turning the ball over?  Will he figure out the option pitch and make teams pay for trying to take him out?  Can the Huskers stay healthy enough to score 20 points a game?  That might be all it takes to win out.  

I don’t know if any of those things will happen or not, but how can you not be excited about this team moving forward?  Lean into it, enjoy it.  Matt Rhule has finally given us all hope.  After that first loss to Minnesota, I’d say that is something we can trust.

 

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 24, Purdue 16.  The actual score was Nebraska 31, Purdue 14.  I don’t know when I’m going to learn, but I can tell you that the Blackshirts aren’t giving up more than 20 points in a game the rest of the season.  They are deep, talented, disciplined, and hungry.  It’s the best defense Nebraska has had since 2010.  If the offense plays a clean game, they are the best team in the West and probably the fourth best team in the league.  The fourth best team in the league will start to put opponents away.  If Nebraska truly is ready, they should roll this week.

Quick Notes:

Jaylen Lloyd…First it was Malachi Coleman, next it was Jaylen Lloyd.  Now can Jaidyn Doss get into the action?  The first-year receivers have been thrust into the fire due to injuries.  While the stats only show a couple of big plays for touchdowns, those plays have been very influential each game.  If the three of these speedsters can get better each week, the future is so bright for them all.  Haarberg needs to take care of them and give them some easy catches to continue to build their confidence.

Quinton Newsome…Isaac Gifford.  Omar Brown.  Deshon Singleton.  These four have all had huge games this season for the Huskers.  Now one of the most consistent defenders finally put a big stamp on a game.  Newsome blew up for the Huskers, returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown and recovering two VERY large fumbles.  Newsome doesn’t always get the credit he deserves because he shuts down his man and no one talks about the guy that doesn’t get thrown at.  Newsome continues to be another leader on this crazy good Blackshirt defense.

Princewell Umanmielen…He started out the season battling injuries, but this freshman has shown out now that he is healthy.  Like his counterpart, Cam Lenhardt, Umanmielen has been impressive in his initial season.  To play at this level and make plays that you expect Juniors or Seniors to make, has to make you wonder how great these guys will be in a few years.  Throw Riley Van Popple in the mix and if these three all stay healthy, Nebraska is in great hands moving forward. 

Tristan Alvano…It took him a few games, but Alvano looks to have his confidence back.  His 55-yard field goal in a swirling wind, after nailing a long one the week before into the wind, has proven that Alvano truly is special.  He may have been hurt at the beginning of the season, and that may have caused him to miss some easier kicks, but my trust in Alvano to bring it home the rest of the season is sky high.

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Score Prediction:  Nebraska 30, Michigan State 14

Nebraska has a defense that travels.  Michigan State has lost six in a row.  I expect the Spartans to come out and try to bully Nebraska, but this isn’t your previous year Husker team.  Nebraska’s defense can keep any team from scoring more than three times.  If the offense doesn’t turn the ball over in their own red zone, I just don’t see Michigan State scoring more than two touchdowns.  Part of me thinks the Huskers will get a shutout this season and maybe it’s this game.  I’m giving Sparty a lot of credit that they will rise up on Senior Day at home, but I expect the Huskers to dominate the second half of this game.  As they fly home, the Huskers will enjoy earning a bowl bid under a first-year new coach.  If that doesn’t make you say GBR, nothing will!!!

Another Chance for Husker Football to Break it Open…

So, the next offensive lineman left to play for Nebraska may have to turn out the stadium lights.

Seriously, with the luck the Huskers are having on offense, it’s a wonder that Nebraska has four wins.  Down four receivers, two running backs and 3/5 of a starting offensive line, not to mention playing the backup quarterback to start the season, I’m wondering if we can make it through the last five 

And yet, the Blackshirts, that group that just last season couldn’t stop a parked car, has been the biggest turnround in Lincoln since Bo Pelini started cranking out great defenses in the Big Twelve.

Nebraska has weathered the injury storm at a level I don’t think anyone could have predicted.  Coach Rhule has managed the defense, so if Deshon Singelton or Luke Reimer go down, it’s next man up, and there isn’t much drop off, and sometimes you see guys making huge plays in their place.

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This time though, the offensive line is where the team needs to hold it together.  Justin Evans-Jenkins played great last week in place of Ethan Piper.  Now he will be the starter.  Teddy Prochaska now must replace Turner Corcoran at left tackle, a place that Nebraska protects the quarterback’s blind side.  And Henry Lutovsky will replace Nouredin Nouili for at least a couple of games.  

It’s like trying to play scrabble without a couple of the vowels.  You can make it work, but it’s going to look a little lumpy.  

It is no secret that Nebraska’s remaining schedule is not filled with the Murderer’s Row of talent, but they certainly end the season with three games against bowl teams.

If Nebraska can survive Purdue and Michigan State and somehow get to six wins, Matt Rhule will have made a hell of a start in his time in Lincoln.  If he gets more than six, he should be getting votes for Big Ten coach of the year.  This team has been punched in the mouth over an over with offensive injuries.  If they can continue to play winning football into November, you have to feel, for the first time in a long time, that the Huskers are in good hands.

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 27, Northwestern 14.  The actual score was Nebraska 17, Northwester 9.  As well as Nebraska moved the ball up and down the field against Illinois, the offense looked just as disjointed against Northwestern.  Luckily the Blackshirts continue to play at a high level.  There were three plays in that game, two tackles from behind on broken plays by Malcom Hartzog and Omar Brown, and an epic breakup of a screen pass by Isaac Gifford, that kept the Huskers from losing.  The defense may have to continue to play an extremely high level for Nebraska to get two more wins.

Quick Notes:

Malachi Coleman…All of us that have watched Lincoln East the last three or four years knew that Coleman was destined for big things on the gridiron.  To see him score a touchdown in Memorial Stadium with the “N” on his helmet brought a lot of smiles to the south side of his hometown.  Coleman is blessed with tremendous skill.  If he and Haarberg can continue to find confidence in each other, big things will be in this kid’s future.

Isaac Gifford…Gifford has had some plays this season that he just missed making.  A would-be interception at Minnesota that would have sealed the game and a blown assignment at Colorado stick out, because Gifford has been so stellar otherwise.  Against Northwestern, Gifford’s big play to stuff a screen pass, blowing past two blockers and then making a solo tackle, is a play that will go down in Husker lore.  Gifford has made so many strong tackles and covered so well, when he makes a mistake, it stands out.  Gifford is the kind of playmaker the Huskers had in JoJo Domann.  That is high praise indeed.

Nash Hutmacher…I’m starting to get worried that Hutmacher may end up leaving early for the NFL.  That’s how great he has played in 2023.  He has completely blown up the middle of the offensive line so many times, other players are starting to chomp at single coverage to get at the quarterback.  Hutmacher may not make all the plays, but his presence along with Ty Robinson is making the Huskers pass rush as good as it has been since the last Husker winning season in 2016. 

Emmitt Johnson…Nebraska needs a spark at running back, and Johnson may be the one to provide it.  Most people look at Johnson’s size and think that he can’t be an every down back, but I don’t see it that way.  His explosiveness out of the backfield allows his to get by the big fellas and force the linebackers to tackle low so they don’t get good angles to hit him.  Now that he has started to put rushing numbers on the board, it will be interesting to see if Nebraska continues to utilize him as the main running back.  He has impressed me so far. I look for him to break a long touchdown run this week against Purdue.

Score Prediction:  Nebraska 24, Purdue 16

I have a caveat for this game.  I don’t know that Nebraska’s offensive line will play well enough to keep the defense off the field.  This is a game that Purdue has the weapons on offense to win.  However, I trust Coach Rhule enough that he knows he will have an inexperienced offensive line and I expect him to use his running backs more in the run game and get Henrich Haarberg on the move to the edge.  This should negate some of Purdue and their blitz game.  I’m picking with my heart a little bit because I think this team has reached deep down and found a level, they didn’t know they had.  I am predicting a defensive score to seal this game and Purdue will miss at least one field goal and the Huskers will be in victory formation at the end. GBR!!!

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If you have warriors, now is the time…our football observations and predictions...

Is this a broken record?  How can this game against Northwestern be as important as the game on the road against Illinois?  How come Nebraska can’t just rest and know that being 11-point favorites at home is enough and that they can handle this game, grab a win, and move on to Purdue? (Predictions are at the end if you don’t want to read the rest!)

History.  

If we have learned anything the last eight years, we have learned that the Illinois, Northwestern, and Purdue games have been the Achilles heel for the Huskers.  

Purdue was Jeff Brohm and his ability to scheme our defense into giving up touchdowns at will when the Boilermakers needed one to win.  The quarterback, be it starer or third string, would make a completion when the game mattered most, often times to a wide-open receiver, because Nebraska would be caught with its pants down.

Illinois has always had talent, but in the last 8 years, they have beaten Nebraska as the underdog multiple times, stolen victory from the Huskers from sure defeat (2015 Tommy Armstrong still needs to just run the clock out).

And now, Northwestern.  Probably the one team in Nebraska’s time in the Big Ten, that the Huskers are as equally adept at making a game changing play at the end (a Hail Mary) as making an onside kick up eleven points and then watching that lead vanish as an otherwise good defense turns into boat with holes in it.

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Nebraska’s inability to consistently beat these three teams, and let’s throw Minnesota in there too, has kept them from being bowl eligible for 6 seasons.

Now that the Huskers have crossed Illinois off the list, comes the team that consistently gives Nebraska the craziest, closest games.  Northwestern is a program that has been held together with bailing wire, twine, and some duct tape this season.  Nebraska should take advantage of a porous run defense from the Wildcats.  And yet, Northwestern on offense completes third downs at a rate top ten teams are envious of, to go along with a good passing game. Again, it will be up to the Blackshirts to get off the field.

See, just when you think Nebraska has cleared their hurdles, another one pops up.  Someday Matt Rhule will have us all feeling comfortable about beating a team like this.  Right now, it still feels like second verse, same as the first.

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Illinois 27, Nebraska 21.  The actual score was Nebraska 20, Illinois 7.  When the Illini moved the ball down the field on their first possession, I wondered if the game would be another Michigan.  The Blackshirts blowing up the Illinois offense on consecutive goal to go plays at or inside the one-yard line completely flipped the script.  Illinois never recovered.  Nebraska bludgeoned them to death.  The only hold back on a 5-touchdown win was ghastly turnovers in the red zone and penalties on the offensive line.  There is still a LOT for the Huskers to work on, but man, beating up on a team like that on the road felt really good.

Quick Notes:

Marcus Washington…In case you thought losing Zavier Betts and Isaiah Garcia-Castenada wasn’t quite enough, the injury bug took out Marcus Washington for the rest of the season as well.  Washington was Nebraska’s best deep threat and was a big weapon for the Husker passing offense.  Nebraska will need to lean on Billy Kemp and Thomas Fidone a little heavier the remainder of the season.  Malachi Coleman has moved into the starting spot as a true freshman.  The former Lincoln East player needs to get his confidence going this week to help keep the offense from becoming that much more one dimensional.

John Bullock…The walk on from Omaha Creighton Prep continues to make plays for the Huskers.  With Luke Reimer out the last two weeks, Bullock has played well enough that Nebraska hasn’t skipped a beat.  Nebraska continues to be ranked in the top ten defenses in the country against the run.  With players like Bullock, Javin Wright, and Mikai Gbayor stepping in when needed, the depth at linebacker has been one of the more impressive performances of the season.

Jimari Butler…Butler is blossoming into a dog on the defense.  Butler came to Nebraska, having limited football experience.  He was a better high school basketball player.  However, coaches could see his potential as a defender and Butler is starting to come alive.  If Butler can continue to put pressure on the quarterback on obvious passing downs, the pass defense will continue to improve.  He is the one Blackshirt, not named Cam Lenhardt, that is starting to hit on all cylinders getting to the quarterback. 

Anthony Grant…Matt Rhule made it very clear during the bye week, that Grant simply cannot fumble in crucial moments any more this season.  It may be the difference between going to a bowl game or not.  The latest fumble against Illinois didn’t hurt Nebraska, but it put them in a position that the game was never truly put away until the final horn blew.  Grant can be the man on offense, but he can no longer be the goat.

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Score Prediction:  Nebraska 27, Northwestern 14

If you would have told me Nebraska would dominate Illinois offense as much as they did, I’d probably have said Nebraska could still win 8 games.  Without Luke Reimer and Deshon Singleton, the Blackshirts didn’t miss a beat.  Illinois simply could not run the football.  I don’t see another team on the schedule that should be able to bully Nebraska on the ground.  This especially is true with Northwestern.  The Huskers have to respect their passing game, but if they get the lead and make the Wildcats one dimensional, the flood gates should open, and Nebraska should cruise to a win and GBR!!!

Can Nebraska Put Champaign On Ice?

If you didn’t know last weekend happened to Nebraska football, would it really matterLosing to Michigan at home in a blowout, certainly felt painful, but outside of my dumb preidiction, many people thought the Huskers would get beat handily. (Predictions are at the end if you don’t want to read the rest!

So, is there any benefit to reviewing the game?  Probably not.  Nebraska did not come into the 2023 with their sights set on beating Michigan.  Nebraska had their sights set on beating Minnesota, Illinois, Purdue, and Northwestern. 

Matt Rhule had a fully padded practice the day after the loss to Michigan.  Coaches do not do that in this day and age.  Part of me wonders if that message was to the veterans.  If you don’t want to bring the energy against possibly the number one team in the nation, maybe you don’t want to play bad enough.  Now, Nebraska heads to Illinois at a crossroads.

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They didn’t meet the measuring stick of playing well against the best team they will play.  How they play this week may be the difference between playing in a bowl game or staying home one more year.  Nebraska is already the only Power five team not to play in a bowl game the last six years.  Another sub .500 season will be another link in a chain of pain for fans and the program alike.

A loss should give Matt Rhule the confidence to start the youth movement.  Heinrich Haarberg, the freshman receivers, young offensive lineman may all get playing time the rest of the way.  A win, and veteran players will have earned the right to go through a four-game schedule that has three more possible wins before the hard close at the end.  It is a teeter totter of emotion and planning to move forward.

 The Michigan game didn’t tell us how good this year’s Husker team is.  It is up to the Huskers to determine that themselves in Champaign.  Either way, this game will affect how the fans, the coaches and the team look at the rest of the season, moving forward.

ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Michigan 24, Nebraska 17.  The actual score was Michigan 45, Nebraska 7.  The first drive from the Wolverines resulted in a helmet catch off the defender.  A turnover on a quick batted ball and interception, made the game a two-touchdown lead.  Nebraska responded with a drive into Michigan territory, going for it in the red zone on fourth and short and not making it.  That was the game.  Michigan played perfect, Nebraska struggled to play at all.

Quick Notes:

On the Road…I thought it was longer ago, but the Huskers last road win as an underdog was the last game of last season.  They stole a game in Iowa City, riding Trey Palmer to victory.  Nebraska won’t have that advantage in this game, as their passing game is average at best.  This year, road victories will be had on the ground.  Do we see Jeff Sims return?  Do we see more running plays from the wide receivers?  I expect the offense to pull out a lot of tricks on Friday.

Deshon Singleton…A big blow with Singleton being out for a long stretch of the rest of the season.  Singleton and Omar Brown been a solid force for the Blackshirts.  With Singleton out, will Koby Bretz rise and take on Singleton’s role?  Is Phalen Sanford the man?  Will the Huskers move Quinton Newsome or Malcom Hartzog from corner to safety and have Tamon Lynum play corner?  Whatever happens, Illinois has a strong passing attack.  Nebraska’s defensive backs may be the difference between winning and losing this game.

Cameron Lenhardt…The Blackshirts pass rush has evaporated since Lenhardt was hurt against Northern Illinois.  Now they are moving Princewill Umanmielan to the “Jack” linebacker position and Lenhardt is back this week.  Illinois struggles to protect the quarterback, so the young kids will have opportunities to make plays.  The Huskers need a pass rush to win this game, or they will get picked apart. 

Joshua Fleeks…The former wide receiver from Baylor made the only scoring play against Michigan, bolting 74 yards on his only carry for a touchdown.  With all the injuries at running back, it will be interesting to see if Fleeks can provide a lift for the Huskers and allow Anthony Grant to rest during games and allow Emmett Johnson to grow into playing time.  He may be a nice find in a season that Nebraska needs to find some playmakers.

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Score Prediction:  Illinois 27, Nebraska 21

If this game was at home, I’d pick the Huskers.  On paper, Nebraska actually matches up really well against Illinois.  The problem is, they have a good quarterback in Luke Altmyer.  Nebraska is banged up on defense and will be without Luke Reimer and Deshon Singleton.  As well as the replacement Blackshirts have played, Illinois needs to win this game as bad as Nebraska does before their season goes down the drain.  Nebraska has not been able to get many red zone chances this year, and will need at least six to have a chance in this game.  I don’t see the Husker passing attack having much success on Friday night.  Let’s hope I’m wrong again this week!!  GBR!

Blackshirts Bring the Heat Today!

HOT!  That’s what Saturday will be.  It’s expected to be over 90 degrees in Lincoln as the Michigan Wolverines bring their number two ranking into Memorial Stadium.  Can the Huskers bring their own heat to the game and upset the Wolverines?

It was hot in the east side of the stadium for Louisiana Tech when the sun came out.  I had to go find some shade.  What couldn’t be shaded was Nebraska’s inability to pass the ball.

This weekend is going to be a test for the Huskers and their young quarterback, Heinrich Haarberg.

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Michigan doesn’t mess around on defense; they are stacked with veteran players at all three levels.  Nebraska, if they are going to have any chance to win, need to find their passing game.  Haarberg has been a running beast in his first two starts, but those long runs will be a lot shorter against a team that has future NFL players.

So how will Nebraska get the passing game going?  Something tells me that Nebraska has been very quiet this week about their plan, but I would bet that they will use the passing game as more of an extension of the run game this week.  Shorter, quicker reads and throws should be on the menu to get Haarberg into a rhythm.  It would help if Nebraska could run their play action and their read option plays consistently enough that they could make something out of them.  

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Louisiana Tech was able to mix up defenses, confusing Haarberg in the passing game.  Delayed blitzes, overload with numbers on the weak side and different stunts made it hard on the offensive line and Haarberg.

Michigan will have watched film, and I can guarantee they will do a lot of that and more defensively.

The Nebraska offensive line has improved a lot since last season.  They are allowing the Huskers to run the football at a high level.  The key to this week will be how they handle the best competition they have faced yet this season.  If they are able to help Haarberg have time to throw and allow him to get to the edge on running downs, Nebraska should be able to keep the game close.  If not, the score might not be a blow out, but Nebraska will struggle to score.

ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 33, Louisiana Tech 13.  The actual score was Nebraska 28, Louisiana Tech 14.  The Huskers offense didn’t get much going in the first half of the game, but they were able to hammer home a three-touchdown lead before the sky opened and let loose with the storms.  Nebraska gave up a late touchdown, but the defense overall continues to be the backbone of this 2023 Husker team.

Quick Notes:

Heinrich Haarberg…It’s go time for the Kearney quarterback.  He was able to get his “preseason” games in for his first two starts.  If Haarberg wants to take the job by the reigns, playing well against a potential playoff team like Michigan is the place to start.  Haarberg needs to protect the ball, make smart quick reads, and not put the defense in bad positions.

Deshon Singleton…Back and forth each week, I can’t decide if he or Omar Brown is the bigger presence in the defensive backfield.  Singleton seems to run downhill on running plays and plays lights out in coverage on passing downs.  Nebraska has the best safeties they have had since 2021 and maybe longer than that.  The Blackshirts have been incredible in stopping the run so far.  With Blake Corum coming into Lincoln, Singleton and Brown need to make sure they tackle to the ground.

Anthony Grant…Grant has been down this road before.  He has been the Husker’s starting running back in the Big Ten before.  He should be relatively fresh for Michigan.  If Nebraska is going to have any chance this weekend to pull the upset, Grant will need to keep the Huskers out of long third down and distance situations.  Pushing the run game up the field and not sideways will be the most important thing he can do.

Bryce Benhart…Benhart has been a whipping boy for the offensive line the last couple of seasons.  In the past he struggled in the run block game and simply looked like he couldn’t adjust to speed rushers.  Not this season.  Benhart was never given the chance to learn before he played and that was unfortunate, but he is healthy and playing at a level that allows Nebraska to leave him isolated on the right side.  That’s a big lift because Turner Corcoran has needed some help on the left side.  Benhart has played at an All-Big Ten level so far this season.  He has anchored the line and has been an offensive MVP.

Score Prediction:  Michigan 24, Nebraska 17

My heart says that the Blackshirts will show up and show out against Michigan.  When Matt Rhule was hired, I circled this game as a game that you can probably judge where the overall operation for the Huskers is headed.  Michigan plays like Nebraska wants to play, and the Blackshirts so far have delivered.  The offense hasn’t been pretty, but if they can sustain some drives, push the football downfield just enough to keep Michigan from teeing off on the run game, the Huskers can make this a game.  I think this will be Matt Rhule’s opportunity to show Husker Nation what we can look for in the future and hopefully it isn’t too distant! GBR!

Let's Double That Win Total Today!

That was fun!  No matter the game, anytime you can get a Husker win, it’s a great day.  That last win against Northern Illinois provided us with a new quarterback, an old running back and terrible news for the ball carriers moving forward. (Predictions are at the end if you don’t want to read the rest!)

Let’s start with Henrich Haarberg.  Haarberg was probably fifth string last year and before Logan Smothers and Casey Thompson headed elsewhere, was considered by many Husker fans to be playing the wrong position.  Even I thought that he might help Nebraska more at tight end.  He certainly is a great athlete.

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He showed that he can play quarterback.  He is a great runner, which was no surprise, but he came out and pushed the ball down the field and forced Northern Illinois to at least respect the pass.  To top it all off, he only accounted for one turnover.  The Blackshirts held serve for him after the fumble, and he came back and responded by putting up 35 total points, the most by the Huskers this season.

Where does that leave Jeff Sims?  Well, if Sims is healthy, I think you need to go back to him.  If he continues to falter, you at least have something you can build on with Haarberg, but Sims shouldn’t lose his job to injury.  What I do think is that Sims leash is much shorter than it was before.  Sims needs to cut the turnovers out, but he also needs a game at Memorial Stadium, and be allowed to get his feet under him at Nebraska.

I say all of this, knowing that Nebraska suffered devastating news on Monday, when Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin Jr. were both announced to have season ending injuries.  For a team that wants to stop the run and run the football, it was about as bad of news that you could get.  

Nebraska has yet to really put it together on offense, but the one thing you had was experienced running backs to lean on through the season.  Now you are asking a redshirt freshman and true freshman to back up Anthony Grant.  The good news?  Grant has been the man before and he is a veteran runner that has proven it at the Big Ten level.  The bad news, Grant wore down last season.  Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives will need to spell Grant and they need to keep the snowball rolling downhill.  That means, no fumbles, few negative carries and helping to protect the quarterback in the passing game.

It's a long season.  Nebraska has found depth at quarterback, only to have it yanked from them at running back.  How Matt Rhule handles that, will be the difference between going to a bowl game and sitting at home again in December.

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ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 23, Northern Illinois 17.  The actual score was Nebraska 35, Northern Illinois 11.  Heinrich Haarberg was the story of this game, but the defense again played with their pants on fire.  The Blackshirts have become impossible to move the ball against on the ground.  While the sacks weren’t as plenty as they were in Boulder, they made Husky quarterback Rocky Lombardi look like an eighth year wasn’t going to help him.  If Nebraska can continue to shut down the run game, they are going to pull some upsets this season.

Quick Notes:

Heinrich Haarberg…For a first start, regardless of the opponent, you couldn’t ask for much more from Haarberg.  As a passer, he has a way to go, but at a runner, he is as physical as any quarterback in the run game since Jamal Lord.  Jeff Sims will be back for Michigan and may even play this week.  I know that I feel confident that if Haarberg has to play due to injury or poor play from Sims, that he will allow Nebraska to compete.  That is a big relief going forward.

Rahmir Johnson…Johnson has been one of my favorite players in his time at Nebraska.  It has always felt like he has never really caught a break in Lincoln.  Probably his most memorable season, Nebraska went 3-9, but Johnson ran hard and made big plays throughout the season.  He was great in pass protection and underutilized in the running game.  Gabe Ervin Jr. is a big loss as well, but I will miss Johnson if that was his last game in Lincoln.

Nash Hutmacher…As good as the Blackshirts have played, the player that has consistently stood out to me the most is the man in the middle.  Hutmacher is causing huge issues for offensive lines, often requiring double teams, and also collapsing the pocket on each play.  Nebraska hasn’t had someone take over at the nose this much since they went back to an odd man front.  I give Terrance Knighton a lot of credit, Hutmacher has been the leader on a strong defensive line that has surprised most with their depth and their impact for the Huskers.

Javin Wright…Wright has been bedeviled by injuries during his time in Lincoln, but he is making plays now.  Wright had his first pick last weekend, and continues to be a flex player, in coverage and stopping the run.  Wright has a high ceiling, everyone has always known that, but now he is starting to make plays that change the game.  He has been a great surprise moving from safety to linebacker.

Cornhusker Volleyball…As much fun as the Husker football win was last week, Husker volleyball deserves a shoutout.  Head Coach John Cook must be loving this team.  They are 10-0, went out to Palo Alto and dominated Stanford.  All of this without a senior, while playing four freshmen, that may be as good as anyone else they have played, at their respective positions.  If you aren’t a volleyball fan, or haven’t checked them out, please do.  They are super exciting to watch and cheer for!  

Score Prediction:  Nebraska 33, Louisiana Tech 13

This will be an interesting game for Nebraska.  I have a feeling Jeff Sims will sit out one more week and they will ride with Haarberg.  If that happens and Haarberg plays well again and Nebraska dominates this game, the water cooler talk will be high pitched going into the Michigan game.  If Sims plays and plays well, things should return to normal a bit.  Either way, I expect the Blackshirts to keep Tech off the board for the most part, but they may slip and give up a long pass for a touchdown.  Nebraska closes out their non-conference with their second win and move into the meat of the schedule in style, and GBR!

Finally Coming Home

Nebraska needs a break.  Not time away from football, but to catch a break in general.  They finally get that this week with their first home game of 2023.  Northern Illinois rolls into Lincoln for a night game, and Matt Rhule’s debut in Lincoln.  (Predictions are at the end if you don’t want to read the rest!)

Let’s face it, the first two weeks seemed like a forever grind on the road.  Dropping a game at Minnesota when victory was in hand and then coming apart at the seams in Boulder in the second half, the Huskers feel like they are a beat down franchise.

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As new coaches go at Nebraska, Matt Rhule has been more Scott Frost and Mike Riley, rather than Bo Pelini and Frank Solich.

I’m not saying Rhule is like Frost and Riley in any other aspect, other than the cycle of losses to start his career.  In fact, Rhule has been anything but like Frost and Riley in a couple of aspects.  Riley lost on a Hail Mary to BYU in his home opener in Lincoln.   Scott Frost came out of the gates in Lincoln with a cancelled game due to lighting (ominous) and then rolled off six straight losses in his first season.  Rhule didn’t get to start his career in Lincoln, and I don’t foresee losing his first half dozen games (although if that were to happen, I think the state of Nebraska might implode).

Another reason Rhule has not been like his previous two predecessors, is that he has assembled a defense worthy of the Blackshirts.  Whatever the shortcoming of the offense has been, and there have been many, the defense has come to play.  Tied for the lead nationally with 11 sacks after two games and having shut down two Power Five conference offenses in each game’s first half, the Blackshirts have given Nebraska every opportunity to win both games.

Special teams looked great against Minnesota but regressed against Colorado.  Something tells me that will be better at home this week.

That leads us to the problem.  Offensively, the Cornhuskers have been a mess.  Turnovers from quarterback Jeff Sims and the inability to sustain a consistent passing game have spelled disaster.  Matt Rhule is on the hook to figure out how not to waste a possible top 5 Big Ten defense in his first year.  Right now, we don’t have the answers, but Coach Rhule is paid 5.5 million dollars this season to figure it out.  

I think the biggest thing that needs to happen is Nebraska needs something to break wide open.  They need a confidence builder, be it a blocked kick, a long touchdown pass, or big touchdown runs from the running back position and a sustained lead.  Anything to take pressure off the quarterback.  

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If Nebraska can get that, and start building momentum, this team could be back in bowl contention by November.  If not, this season will be the seventh straight, were the Huskers seemed talented enough, but couldn’t catch the break that snowballs into a winning season.

ON WITH THE REWIND…

Last game prediction was Nebraska 31, Colorado 23.  The actual score was Colorado 36, Nebraska 14. This game was a second half disaster that had a late kick start to disaster status right before the half.  The Blackshirts were pitching a shutout, and they had the Buffs on the run in the first half.  And just like that, Nebraska turns the ball over.  And over.  And over and then the route was on.  A game that was closer than anyone had any idea in the first 20 minutes, quickly gave way to one that wasn’t close at all.  It was like half the team showed up to play for Colorado.  Nebraska won’t win many games with that strategy.

Quick Notes:

Heinrich Haarberg…Jeff Sims left Boulder with a high ankle sprain.  In the process Haarberg got his first taste of NCAA football at quarterback.  This week Haarberg took most of the snaps in practice and is likely going to start against Northern Illinois.  It may be a blessing for Sims to get a break and not play his first game in Lincoln this week.  Sims has been downright awful in the passing game and the turnovers have cost Nebraska at least one win and made any chance of another a moot point.  If Nebraska can use Haarberg’s athleticism in the running game and try to make easy throws for him in the passing game and lean on Huskies with the running backs, Haarberg should be successful.  In fact, if HH doesn’t turn the ball over, it will be a vast improvement from the prior two weeks.

Gabe Ervin Jr..…Ervin Jr. looked like he was starting to get the feel of the running game in Boulder before the turnovers started flooding the Huskers out of the game.  The problem is, we still have not seen Ervin Jr. break a big, long touchdown run.  As teams start to key on the running game, it will be imperative for Ervin Jr., Rahmir Johnson, and Anthony Grant to provide some explosive plays.  That needs to start now, because the Big Ten West is not a world beater division this year and it’s the only way Nebraska will reach a bowl game.

Billy Kemp…Kemp finally got on the receiving stats page in Boulder.  He showed that he has great hands and nifty explosion when he caught the ball.  Kemp is a big-time play maker, but Nebraska needs to find more ways to get him the ball.  It didn’t work well last week because of mishandling of snaps, but the Huskers putting a player in motion pre snap seemed to allow Kemp the opportunity to work the underneath area of the field.  Nebraska needs to continue to do that and let Kemp cook.  He provides a needed spark every time he catches a pass.

Cam Lenhardt…Lenhardt has been everything you could have asked for so far from a freshman.  He started at Minnesota and had two sacks against Colorado.  For a freshman, against two teams that should be bowl eligible by years end, he has been a breath of fresh air, injecting more life into a defense that suddenly can get to the quarterback.

Mikai Gbayor…Gbayor (pronounced Bayor) made a great special teams tackle at Minnesota and then played outstanding against Colorado.  Gbayor was injured when he arrived at Nebraska and didn’t play his first two seasons in Lincoln.  He has found his stride under this new coaching staff and new linebacker coach Rob Dvoracek.  Adding Gbayor to a veteran linebacker room leads me to believe that this defensive staff is going to develop talent at an outstanding rate.

Score Prediction:  Nebraska 23, Northern Illinois 17

No matter what happens this week, Nebraska likely is starting a quarterback with little experience playing an entire game of college football.  On top of that, Heinrich Haarberg is a much better runner than passer at this point in his career.  I still think Nebraska will win, but I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of freshman kicker Tristan Alvano this weekend.   I think Nebraska will limit the turnovers to a couple, and this week will cause three of their own.  The game won’t be in doubt but will likely be closer than we all want.  The Huskies score a late touchdown to cover, but Lincoln still celebrates Matt Rhule’s first win in Lincoln.  Cheers to Husker Nation and GBR!!