- mistakes led to 14 Nebraska points. Nebraska’s offense wasn’t capable of driving the length of the field on our defense, without help. Unfortunately, we gave it to them. 2 penalties for 35 yards led to the first touchdown. Aaron Lewis was roughing the passer much of the first half, but it wasn’t called. At this critical juncture, it was called.
- The only thing consistent about Big Ten officiating is its awfulness, but I was warned about this by other Big Ten fans. Some teams are allowed to hold on just about every play. That said, officiating is never a legitimate excuse, and we only have our own mistakes, and lack of discipline to blame for the loss. The 2nd Nebraska TD was facilitated by a Rutgers QB interception.
- If Vedral plays the full game, we likely win it
- On Noah Vedral’s Touchdown Run, #77 Tyler and #51 Curtis Dunlap made the key blocks, as #51 was the backside guard pulling, and absolutely flattened defenders. This is the kind of play, I’ve been dreaming of, and it was gratifying to finally see it happen. Overall, I feel like the offensive line is jelling, and ready to play it’s best football over the 2nd half of the season. Definitely not perfect, but they are getting better.
- Even though dinged at one point, Jennings had his best game of the year, ending up with 10+ tackles and at least 1 TFL
- #0 Izien is continuing to play himself into an NFL opportunity; in addition to being a sure, open field tackler, his coverage skills have gotten much better
- Defensive Line had its best game of the year, as Nebraskas QB was constantly harrasssed, and their run game was significantly mitigated.
- Noah Vedral played mistake free and delivered a number of well thrown balls. His poise and accuracy give me confidence heading into the balance of the season. We have two weeks to get him healthy.
- Cruickshank, Jones and Ryan demonstrated outstanding ball skills, though one of Ryan’s impressive receptions was eliminated by a nonsense OPI call. What a BS call that was, and significantly contributed to Nebraskas victory. If that catch stands, we win the game because at a minimum, we get 3.
- #57 had a bad penalty, but at times totally destroyed his man.
- # 55 Hanson also looked good while subbing in
- Time to make #27 the focal point of the offense. Even as a freshman, he’s the most talented offensive player we have, demonstrating terrific instincts, power, and vision. Needs to get at least 20-25 Carries per game
- Quarterbacks had 233 yards passing but 3 interceptions. Cut down on the ints, and we’re good to go.
- We’re 3-3, but should have been 4-2. Consensus was between 4-6 wins, for the year, so not sure what the angst is all about. Indiana and MSU are winnable. Maryland is a possibility. Minnesota, Michigan, and Penn State will be reaches, but not impossible. Defense has performed well. Offense has struggled, but at least has shown glimmers of hope. Time for the team to come together and play it’s best football over the last half of the season