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.
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.
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!
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