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Sunday Morning Thoughts - Post Sparty

* I thought we'd be able to run the ball better, but Michigan State was pretty physical in their front seven.

* Michigan State was down 4 CBs and 2 of their 3 starting LBs and yet still fielded a fairly stifling defense--which is impressive.

* With so many of their defenders down, especially in the secondary, I kept asking in the chat why we weren't attacking their DBs? I'm not saying throw the ball deep, I'm saying throw the ball 8-20 yards downfield. Overall, I'm happy with the W, but just think Dana Holgorsen's plan for the game was baffling.

* I'm trying to balance the negative (?PTSD?) thought of we're in trouble, by remembering:
a) Sparty is, compared to our first three games, an exponential step up in competition level,
b) first road game of the season,
c) the first conference games of the season, and
d) a very solid, workman like win.

* Nebraska went +3 in turnovers and only scored 3 points off of them.

* I said in a post that the game vs Mich St was a game Nebraska should win by 17-20 points and sure enough we won by 18.

* Am I being paranoid or did Nebraska use up its allotment of calls going our way for the season in this one game?

* Trying to balance my concern that MSU was able to run right up the middle fairly easily with the realization that it is football and sometimes the other team makes plays.

* The Nebraska WRs...I don't know what to think of these guys. That deep TD pass was beautiful and then a lot of times it looked like they couldn't get open to save their lives.

* To keep Anthony Colandrea's running effective, we need more downfield passing and production from our WRs. Speaking of AC running, I thought he did way too much of it. There are 8 remaining conference games in just the regular season and we're going to need him to stay healthy. And one way to not stay healthy is to have your QB running the ball.

* I hope Jamal Rule and Jacory Barney are fine because we're going to need them as the season progresses.

* The only team on our schedule that looks unbeatable is Ohio State. I have no idea how anyone on our defensive secondary is going to be able to cover their WR #4. That dude is a guaranteed first round draft pick and could go #1 overall. All the other teams, even Indiana and Oregon don't look as formidable as they did prior to the season.

* I absolutely LOVE the way Nebraska CB Andrew Marshall 100% baited the MSU QB into throwing that ball he picked off. It was textbook perfect coverage and technique. He laid back, giving the illusion the Sparty WR was open and when their QB threw the ball he made his break and got the interception. *Chef's Kiss*

Overall: I would have liked to see better offensive numbers against their walking wounded defense, but was fairly pleased with the outcome all things considered. It was Nebraska's first road game of the season against exponentially better competition than what the three non-conference games presented. Still though, going on the road and winning 31-13 is nothing to sneeze at. Maryland is not a good football team but they do have talented players. Having the game at home is a good thing. That's it, off the top of my head.
 
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JeopardyHusker said:
I agree with KansasRed about Colandrea's scrambling. I'm glad to see it but often times he's running side to side and comes up short instead of turning and heading up field to get another couple of yards that might get us a first down.
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I'll concede there were a few opportunities to get more yards if AC stays north and south, but I don't mind his zig zag style of running at all. It is paramount that AC stay healthy if the Huskers want to make a run at a very successful season. I am reminded how often one of my favorite Huskers, Taylor Martinez, would get absolutely rocked by defenders because of his upright, north-south running style. Heck, we need not look any further than last night with Dante Moore suffering a serious injury running straight up the field. AC will be taking a lot more glancing blows with his running style than if he were a one-direction runner. I think it's worth leaving a few yards on the field with AC's style than risk getting him injured with his speed going straight ahead.
 
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1. As a native Michigander, I would have preferred to beat a full-strength Spartan team. It's unfortunate their best offensive player and best defensive player were injured and out. But we were mostly without Jamal Rule, so there was pain on both sides. Here's hoping everyone heals and re-enters competition. It's sad to see these young men (on either team) work so hard these many months only to be knocked out when the season arrives.

2. Once again, grateful that Nebraska took care of business. They led for good after the first touchdown. Can't get much better than that. I do wish Nebraska would play a quality, four-quarter game. Imagine what they'll be able to accomplish when they show up for a third quarter.

3. Genitone is a great story and he provides yet more depth in the backfield. I saw him interviewed after the game. He said he's been praying he would have a chance to help the team in a game situation. My kinda player.

4. Andrew Marshall also is becoming a favorite of mine. He is emerging as an outstanding corner. Please stay healthy. You will be vital to whatever chances we have in Eugene.

5. Fitzgerald and the Sparty fans are complaining about the calls and reviews. I thought all the reviews were on target, even the one that wiped out a Mekhi Nelson touchdown (we scored a moment later). I think it's great we can now listen in on the deliberations during these reviews.

6. I watched Indiana and Northwestern on Friday night. While I would say Indiana is a better team than Nebraska, I'm not sure the difference is as great as I thought at the start of the season. If we clean up the penalties and continue making adjustments on defense, it could be an interesting afternoon when CC and the Hoosiers come to town. A man can dream, right?
 
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Indiana has the most overrated QB and WRs in the B1G. What Indiana does have is a good rushing attack and defense which as we all know is a solid foundation for wins in this league.
 
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Pavlov's Dog said:
How do you feel about TJ QBing a few games this year? If AC has to take hits running the ball like he did yesterday we need to prepare to see TJ. Did anyone watch the cheap shot Dante Moore took? Well, teams know if they can knock AC out of the game their chances improve.
We need to rely on AC's scrambling ability to extend passing plays, not be a main part of our running game. Our run blocking needs to improve for that to happen. Also, if teams don't respect the run, people rushing the passer are standing tall with their hands up. I'm starting to think AC is 5'9" and he will continue to get his vision obstructed and passes batted down. A running game forces defenses to stay low to stop it and play action freezes them.
I don't think MSU is the worst team in the B1G, but they're close. We will have some ugly games if we can't run the ball. While Rule would have helped a bit, I didn't see our line dominate in the trenches, run or pass.
Anyway, I'm glad for the solid win.
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We played them better than ND did... ND went up and we went no where.
 
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Hunchback Johnny said:
I'll concede there were a few opportunities to get more yards if AC stays north and south, but I don't mind his zig zag style of running at all. It is paramount that AC stay healthy if the Huskers want to make a run at a very successful season. I am reminded how often one of my favorite Huskers, Taylor Martinez, would get absolutely rocked by defenders because of his upright, north-south running style. Heck, we need not look any further than last night with Dante Moore suffering a serious injury running straight up the field. AC will be taking a lot more glancing blows with his running style than if he were a one-direction runner. I think it's worth leaving a few yards on the field with AC's style than risk getting him injured with his speed going straight ahead.
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Nobody is suggesting that AC run up the middle like a running back, but there were at least two times when he could have cut up field and picked up the first without taking a big hit; instead he tried to get around the outside and didn't. Just a minor observation; I'm glad he does what he does and we're certainly a better team with him at QB.
 
Going through some of the post game discussion - I do think a good point was made that early in the game - our run game was getting stoned and it is a big concern. As the game went on and AC had forced them to defend the pass and his scrambles - Oline was able to make a little space for runs. Still - we need the RBs to produce more. Maybe a few more screens were needed to attack an aggressive D.......I saw push at times but MSU would fill the hole or somebody didn't hold their block long enough. More about better execution at this point.
 
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Jimbosc said:
Going through some of the post game discussion - I do think a good point was made that early in the game - our run game was getting stoned and it is a big concern. As the game went on and AC had forced them to defend the pass and his scrambles - Oline was able to make a little space for runs. Still - we need the RBs to produce more. Maybe a few more screens were needed to attack an aggressive D.......I saw push at times but MSU would fill the hole or somebody didn't hold their block long enough. More about better execution at this point.
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You make some good points, Jimbosc. Two quick comments to be fair: 1) this was our first BIG step-up in competition and it came on the road. 2) I thought the OL got into a groove in the fourth quarter.

But your points are well taken. Hopefully we'll see improvement going forward.
 
Doc Fumble said:
You make some good points, Jimbosc. Two quick comments to be fair: 1) this was our first BIG step-up in competition and it came on the road. 2) I thought the OL got into a groove in the fourth quarter.

But your points are well taken. Hopefully we'll see improvement going forward.
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The important thing is I saw MSU dudes getting knocked down - we just didn't quite finish plays as needed. Credit MSU for making it hard even when we had good blocks set-up. I recall a couple plays in 2nd quarter we had a bubble of blockers 4+ yards downfield but MSU attacked from the edge and made the tackle. I see potential - not sure I ever did when Raiola was oline coach. How Pritchett got that guy to draw a PF would be a good locker room story. It appeared the guy said something to the ref and the flag came out immediately.
 
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Doc Fumble said:
You make some good points, Jimbosc. Two quick comments to be fair: 1) this was our first BIG step-up in competition and it came on the road. 2) I thought the OL got into a groove in the fourth quarter.

But your points are well taken. Hopefully we'll see improvement going forward.
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Rule had a banged up ankle and did not go in after 1 st qtr......OTHERWISE.... that game would have been a crushing defeat for Fitz
 
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Jimbosc said:
The important thing is I saw MSU dudes getting knocked down - we just didn't quite finish plays as needed. Credit MSU for making it hard even when we had good blocks set-up. I recall a couple plays in 2nd quarter we had a bubble of blockers 4+ yards downfield but MSU attacked from the edge and made the tackle. I see potential - not sure I ever did when Raiola was oline coach. How Pritchett got that guy to draw a PF would be a good locker room story. It appeared the guy said something to the ref and the flag came out immediately.
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He punched Pritchett in the groin. I have seen the video on Twitter but dont remember which page. I will see if I can find it
 
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