As the Huskers took Ohio State into the fourth quarter and led on the road in Columbus, I started to get a little twinge of, “are they actually going to do this?”
Nebraska has been rather mercurial as of late. Just when I thought they were ready to go show the world that they are ready to go to another level against Indiana, only to be blown out, I thought for sure they would get hammered by Ohio State, and yet, they played toe to toe with one of the best rosters in the country.
So goes an actual real life rebuild, I guess. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. (With apologies to Forrest Gump fans).
One thing I feel confident in as UCLA comes to Lincoln, is that the Blackshirts are for real. They may not be dominant, but they should carry Nebraska through November and hopefully help Nebraska become bowl eligible for the first time in eight seasons.
I feel much more confident about this November than the last one. Last season against Michigan State, you could tell the offense was out of gears. They really were limited to running the football and the passing game was almost nonexistent. This season is a lot different. As much as Dylan Raiola’s statistics haven’t been great in October, I honestly think he is improving. His decision making on audibles seems to be playing out as the coach’s hope. If he starts to hit open receivers a little more consistently, he will start to see a big jump in touchdown throws.
Nebraska sort of figured out the run game in the second half of Ohio State as well. Nebraska should use more stretch plays and continue to have a lead blocker in for Dante Dowdell. I could do with less screen plays of course, but they also have a time and a place. Throw in Thomas Fidone becoming a security blanket for Raiola and Jacory Barney leading the team in catches and all of a sudden Nebraska has found an identity on offense. If John Hohl keeps kicking field goals, Nebraska might just find themselves with a winning record in November.
First, they must get this 10,000-pound bowl game gorilla off of their back and it starts this Saturday against UCLA. I’ve said it before, Nebraska continues to knock on the door. This week they need to blow it off its hinges.
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| Bleed Husker Red Tees |
ON WITH THE REWIND…
Last game prediction was Ohio State 38, Nebraska 14. The actual score was Ohio State 21, Nebraska 17. Nebraska’s defensive line was the story of this game. I was as shocked as anyone with how well they handled Ohio States offensive line. If I was a Buckeye fan, I’d be a little worried that Nebraska exposed them. Nebraska gambled a few times to try and score touchdowns and turned the ball over on downs, but to be honest, some unbelievably bad spots of the ball probably cost Nebraska that game. It’s always going to be a little suspect playing in Columbus, but the refereeing was about as bad as I’ve ever seen it. Hard to pull off a big time upset going against something you have little control over.
Quick Notes:
Jacory Barney…Barney has established himself to be the go-to receiver on the offense. He clearly is getting the most opportunities each game and has quietly started the lead the team in catches. Barney gives Nebraska an edge on offense because of his quick feet and his toughness. If the rest of the team can follow his lead, the offense can take another step forward these last 4 games.
MJ Sherman…When Sherman transferred in from Georgia, I thought he would play immediately and probably provide instant production. When he didn’t last season, I thought he was just another in a long line of SEC transfers that busted at Nebraska. I was wrong on both accounts. Sherman has figured out what his role is at Nebraska and now as he plays free, he has started to make the game changing plays we all hoped he would. He tormented the Buckeyes in the backfield last week.
Jimari Butler…Butler had about three plays against Ohio State that he looked unstoppable. One of them he was basically tackled, and he didn’t even get the benefit of a holding call. Butler can change the dynamic of the defensive line when he is healthy. Teams can’t afford to double team both Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher if Butler is disruptive. Ohio State couldn’t handle him with a tackle alone and Nebraska’s defense feasted. Maybe Butler is finally healthy.
John Hohl…The Lincoln native showed up big time in a national televised game, on the road, against a top ten team. And WOW what a difference it made for Nebraska. For the first time this year, I thought Nebraska should have just had Hohl attempt a field goal rather than going for it after Malcom Hartzog’s interception had the offense inside the Ohio State 10. It makes the offense’s job a lot easier knowing they have 3 points in their back pocket moving forward. Hohl has had some bad luck this season, but him putting it together might propel Nebraska into an extra win this year.
Malcom Hartzog…Just when you think the Blackshirt should have a seat on the bench, he makes a game changing interception. Hartzog is likely out against UCLA this week. Normally, I would say that’s ok, but Hartzog has a knack for finding picks as evidenced by his team leading total of four. He led the team in 2022 as well. Hartzog gets picked on a lot because of his size, but pound for pound he really is an asset for the Blackshirts. They will miss him while he is out.
Score Prediction: Nebraska 31, UCLA 17
I don’t know what to do. I’ve been so far off on score predictions lately; I should just put down that Nebraska will lose by a field goal and then they might win by three touchdowns. Nebraska is primed to break out on offense eventually and while I don’t know that UCLA will comply, I think the Husker fan base and this team are aching to get their sixth win of the year this week. I also think the Huskers found themselves in Columbus and will finally make it pay off at home. I also predict Dylan Raiola will throw three touchdown passes this weekend. A lot of the recent past will get buried in Lincoln this weekend, so GBR!!!
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