Husker Offense Must Find Consistency
Nebraska football has been marred by horrible losses in the past few seasons. Losing to Iowa State, Texas, Texas Tech and Northwestern at home are teams (when they played at Nebraska) that the Huskers never should have lost to. 7 Turnovers against Iowa State, inept offenses against Texas and Texas Tech, a defense that did not show up against Texas Tech and Northwestern, the Husker teams have killed themselves.
Nebraska’s main struggles in these games has been the ineptitude and inconsistency by the offensive unit. Husker fans also saw it in games against Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio State this season. For some reason, the offense does not make many adjustments (or they do, but it is too late) and the game gets out of hand. Nebraska had thought to solve that problem by moving to the hurry up offense, but that seems to have amplified the problem.
Taylor Martinez is a decent quarterback at best, and I frankly do not see this team being much better with him at the helm. I really do hate writing this statement, but his passing accuracy is not good at all, nor are his mechanics that great. He more shot puts the pass then follows through. However, when he does get it out, he is not helped by receivers who constantly dropped the ball last season.
Nebraska’s running game was the steady hang last season, though in certain games the offensive line could not create any push and that limited the team’s offensive ability. A renewed focus must be put forth if Nebraska wants to even think about competing for a B1G 10 title. I cannot see Nebraska making it to Indianapolis with an offense that ranked 104th of 119 teams in the passing category at just 162.7 yards per game.
Tim Beck must figure out how to get this team to move the ball consistently. Another season that ended poorly like last, and losses in games Nebraska should have won are flat out unacceptable and will not cut it.
Follow Paul Troupe on Twitter @gamin4HIM
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4 Rants to “Husker Offense Must Find Consistency”
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What’s the dirty little secret as to why Pellini sold out to Martinez….if he threatened to leave would it be a great loss?
Interesting question. I can only guess it is because, at the time, we had little depth behind him at quarterback. If Taylor were to leave, that left only Carnes at quarterback. Turner could slide back, but I don’t think that is what the coaching staff wanted. Still though, it is a little bit peculiar
Couldn’t agree with you more Paul. Can’t figure out what’s going on but I swear something’s fishy. Between some sweetheart deal for TM and Bo’s arrogance and clear distaste for any criticism, it’s hard to get excited about any recruits (like wide receivers – Jamaal Turner, etc.) when I’m afraid we are only going to get TM (and NO passing game) for the next two years. Ugh!! It makes me queasy just typing it. Your stat of 104th out of 119 in passing yardage says it all. Oh yeah, kudos for being willing to point out the lack of clothes on the emperor. It’s OK to think we can do better.
It is as if Bo/Beck are trying to run a hybrid of the spread with the option. They have a quarterback who is not that great passing, but yet they try to pass the ball more than necessary (versus Wisconsin when we had what, 9 passes in a row or something ridiculous like that). Armstrong, according to Scout.com, needs improvement on technique, accuracy, and consistency. Looking at Scout.com for Carnes, same thing. Needs to work on field vision, accuracy, and consistency. That same site does not have the strengths, weaknesses for TM, but I’m sure they say the exact same thing. Anyone else notice the pattern? Eric Crouch was not the most prolific passer, but he was not asked to pass that often. Nebraska ran the option and ran it well back then. They could get away with running for 300+ yards a game and 150 passing. If Beck wants to run the spread and pass it, then they need to find a quarterback who can pass first and as a bonus has some running ability. We have a plethora of running backs who could be starting for multiple D1 teams. Let’s use them to their ability and continue to develop that talent.