One problem with Nebraska’s defense all year long has been the inability to contain duel threat quarterbacks. Keith Price, Russell Wilson, Braxton Miller, Dan Persa, and Kain Colter all have done damage not only through the air, but with their feet.
Nebraska’s defensive line has had a big problem in containment. They have been able to apply ample pressure, but too many times the opposing quarterback has been able to get away and make a play. Nebraska, for the most part, has only gotten sacks against these quarterbacks when they have brought pressure from either the secondary or linebackers.
Nebraska was able to get Russell Wilson early when Lavonte David came untouched right through the middle. Unfortunately, David also missed on a couple of chances.
Good thing then that Nebraska has to practice against Taylor Martinez every day. Taylor Martinez and Dennard Robinson were both on Heisman watch lists throughout the country before the year started. After some bad losses by both teams, they are not even being considered anymore, but their threat remains.
Robinson has been underperforming lately this year, but nonetheless is a quarterback that must be respected. Cameron Meredith, Jason Ankrah, and Eric Martin will have to play smart and hold their containment. They can absolutely not let running lanes open up for him.
Chase Rome, Baker Steinkuhler, Thad Randle, and Terrance Moore will also need to apply pressure up the middle and hold their containment. Too many times they have been pushed out form the middle, leaving a wide open running lane in the middle.
I expect Nebraska to counter Robinson with a spy for most of the game; whether that is Lavonte David, Sean Fisher, or someone else is yet to be determined. All of them will need to remain alert.
Nebraska’s back seven must also be careful to be paying too much attention. Too many eyes in the backfield for too long will allow for one or more receivers to get open behind them. It’s was a problem early in the season, got corrected, and is showing up again.
It’s time for Nebraska to get back at it and play some traditional, hard nosed Nebraska defense.
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