The “Blackshirts” have not been an embarrassment this year, but they have definitely not lived up to the hype that was placed upon them in the pre-season. UTC, Fresno State, Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Ohio State have performed well against this defense. The Huskers do have some good halves, such as the first 20 minutes versus Wisconsin, the 2nd half versus Ohio State to name a few.
However, this is Nebraska, and this unit is expected to perform at a much better clip than they have been. Yes, Jared Crick is done for the year, but one player does not make a team. It certainly helps having him on the field. I do expect that the combination of Moore, Rome, Randle, and Steinkuhler can make up for the loss. All four of them are big, strong men. They all have the ability there, now it’s time to put that into action.
For the Huskers to win defensively tomorrow, the front four will need to create a push, and get upfield. This unit is ranked near the bottom in sacks and tackles for loss, which must change. Putting pressure on MarQueis Gray. The Gophers have shown they have some fight at home, and I expect tomorrow to be no exception.
The run defense will also need to improve. This season, they have given up 167.5 yards a game, with an average of 4.5 yards per carry. That is not going to cut it, especially in a league where “traditional” football is played. Having had two weeks to prepare, the defense should be ready to go, and I expect this these numbers to improve as the year goes on, even with the loss of Crick.
The pass defense has been average at best, but the Huskers may have found someone to start opposite Dennard finally. Stanley Jean-Baptiste is getting his first start this weekend, and this will be a good measure of how far he has come in the two weeks since last week. Though he has not been up the level of a Prince Amukamara, this must be kept in perspective, as he only switched to corner a few weeks ago. He’s young, and still learning. Stanley can use this week to gain confidence, and continue his learning, before Sparty makes the trip to Lincoln.
I expect the Huskers to put up good numbers defensively before this one gets out of hand. The Gophers may put up some numbers later in the game when the backups come in, but that will not bother me, nor should it you. If the Gophers are moving the ball easily against the first string, then we have a major issue.
The writer Paul Troupe can be contacted on twitter @gamin4HIM
He can also be contacted at his e-mail, [email protected]
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