Nebraska Takes Care Of Business in Wyoming
It wasn't highlighted as the scariest game on the schedule, but the first road trip for Nebraska this season had some of the ingredients of an upset. First, you had an undefeated team in Wyoming that wanted badly to beat Nebraska. Next, it was a night game in Laramie that the locals were fired up for. Add in some injuries and inexperience for the Cornhuskers, not to mention the tremendous elevation and Wyoming had a puncher's chance. But it was not to be for the Cowboys on this night. The Big Red took the task seriously and solemnly pounded its way to a 38-14 victory.
Rex Burkhead again made his value obvious as he rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns for Nebraska and helped give his team a 14-7 lead at halftime. While some of the ball-handling issues re-emerged for Taylor Martinez, he was steady and effective enough to help stretch the NU lead to 31-7 early in the fourth quarter accounting for two touchdowns of his own (1 rushing, 1 passing).
The officials made their presence felt, tossing out their share of laundry including four unnecessary roughness flags. The first penalty went against Nebraska, but the next three went against the Cowboys. Wyoming needed breaks to compete with the Huskers. Instead, they were their own worst enemy. NU still did their part to keep things close by fumbling four times, losing one.
In the end, the big play ability of Nebraska's offense was too much for Wyoming to handle. The Blackshirts also had their best outing since the opener. The NU defense was noticeably better in slowing the run, rushing the passer, covering receivers, and open field tackling. Bo Pelini said he knew how to improve the defense and seemed good on his word.
With Wisconsin on the horizon, the Huskers still need improvement. But seeing such a businesslike outing on the road gives hope that Nebraska can play well enough on both sides of the ball to compete with anyone.
9/25/2011
An improved showing by the D, but I would agree, improvement is needed if NU wants to win against the Badgers. A very nice outing for Burkhead! Congrats to a scrappy Wyoming team for heading in at the half thinking they could pull it off. I was personally never very worried but I was impressed with their offense and their young QB. I see good things ahead for the Cowboys, maybe 2nd in the MW? I believe they could compete with anyone but Boise, and even at that, you never know. It would be something for them to shoot for.
9/25/2011
Taylor Martinez continues to demonstrate that he will never be a quality quarterback. His passing skills are mediocre at best, with marginal accuracy and a near total inability to read defenses or check down to second or third receivers. His ability to run the option is well short of stellar, consistently telegraphing when he is going to pitch, and often failing to pitch accurately.
Martinez is a gifted runner, and he shows a clear preference for hanging onto the ball and doing it himself. Whether he does that out of ego or simply because he doesn’t know how to do otherwise, the result remains the same: The Husker offense is predictable and largely one dimensional. A one-man show can only go so far.
We’ve enjoyed a 4-0 opening series, but I fear that is about to come to a crashing end. The teams played so far weren’t pushovers, but they were teams that the Huskers were expected to beat with relative ease. Now the Huskers begin to confront serious opposition. Despite all the pre-season hype about taking the Big 10 Championship, I think a more realistic projection is 8-4 or, with considerable luck, perhaps 9-3.
I sincerely hope that I’m proven wrong.
Tampa Fl
9/25/2011
Brubaker, I think that is really hitting T-Mart in the chops undeservingly! For the first time he is over 50% in passing, and I think that the stats show that it wasn’t a one man show last night, unless you are talking about the running in which you would have to talk about Burkhead then.
As far as checking down to 2nd and 3rd receivers, wasn’t the touchdown pass the 3rd receiver?
I would agree that he has some improvement to do; he is not a finished product by no means. I would agree that he doesn’t have the best pass in college football, but to sit and just put him down is not right either. He played a fairly smart football game last night, and took two fumbles. Where was he last year in that department? He is sliding where he use to lower his shoulder and risk injury. He is at least looking to pitch the ball, and did most of the time last night instead of running. I like what he is doing, we just need to get his passing to 70% now. Can you imagine what this team would be like if he was passing 70%?
The defense on the other hand needs some improvement. Dennard did a decent job for his first outing. Cooper proved to be a total liability! They really do need to learn to finish a game. This defense is just not there this year.
One part that does bother me the most and that is 3rd down effeciency, we have to improve to compete with the better schools. Between that and protecting the football, if those don’t get better, the bigger schools are going to have a hay day with us.
I think that QB for Wyoming was great! A freshman that stood in the pocket and didn’t get rattled at all with the defense coming at him. I can’t wait to see what he is like in 2013!
9/25/2011
Brubaker; you have no faith and only fair-weather. Name some of the good teams our opposition has played and beat.
Funny how everyone said this game is a trap. It’s the defense, it’s the altitude, it’s that lack of leadership…...Hell let’s throw that old grass argument in there. We still came away with a win; and a very business one at that. We utilized a lot more on offense than our “One-man show”. What game were you watching?
9/25/2011
Agree with Brubaker 100%. there is such thing as having reasonable faith in a team and then there’s blind faith that’s undeserved.
“for the first time he’s (taylor martinez is) over 50% passing”. why should that be such a big milestone? against the easy portion of the schedule that’s something you should EXPECT, not something you should worry about or be proud of.
“Can you imagine what this team would be like if he was passing 70%?” That’s the thing, he won’t be. Can’t make reads, too inaccurate. Can you imagine what will happen when we play real defenses that bring pressure?
“One part that does bother me the most and that is 3rd down effeciency, we have to improve to compete with the better schools.” EXACTLY…he needs to make the throws and plays which matter most. Lack of third down conversions doesn’t fall all onto the quarterback, but surely some of it does.
Sorry, Raker…two man show. Burkhead and Martinez. Two man show is still too predictable to go against the big boys. Of course you can push around these smaller schools on the ground to rack up some rushing yards. How are you gonna do that against the big linemen in the Big 10? The run game will get stuffed, taylor martinez won’t know what to do in the air, the offense will score less than 2 TDs per game.
Tampa Fl
9/25/2011
Ok, you couldn’t agree 100% if you disagree with it being a one man show.
It is a milestone, because he hasn’t done it this year, which shows improvement. He wasn’t a passer in HS, why would we have the expectation that he would be in college? He is improving and will continue to do so. I think that if they can weather the tough part of this schedule ahead, they have a CHANCE to be in the B1G championship game. At that point, this team will be hitting on all cylinders.
You are correct, it doesn’t all fall on the QB on third down, and that is something that the team needs to fix!
I don’t think that it was a two man show either; we had some receivers that made some spectacular plays after catching the ball as well. We actually have some great receivers this year and will have for the next several years. That is why this is an important milestone for T-Mart. He will get to 70%, maybe not this year, but he will.
I have never followed the Huskers blindly, not even as a little boy. I have always supported the Huskers, and stated when they have done badly. This is going to be a turbulent year with them, and one that they need their fan base to be there to help them!
Oldham,SD
9/25/2011
T. Frazier had a career passing pct under 50%. Yeah, according to the genius replies here he sucked too.
San Diego, Ca.
9/25/2011
That option pitch by Carnes, was sweet!
I don’t think Jones was even in the tv screen when Carnes lofted it out. Jones, has turned himself into a tough, 5th year walkon I-B.
One thing about the offense. It may not yet be a top tier running offense, and next week will tell the tale. Obviously, it’s no longer a pass offense. Which, to me, is a relief. But, it gives teams a lot to prepare for. As T-Magic gains proficiency and everybody does their thing, play-action is going to open things way up, similar to back when a Tight End would get only 10 receptions a year, but with 7 of those going the distance. When the timing was right, they’d be so wide open, they could stumble, gather themselves and still go untouched. Even T-Magic will be able to hit targets like that.
At this juncture, as a redshirt soph, Martinez compares well with where Crouch was, 4 games into 1999 and winning the job from Newcombe.
Keep in mind, with dual threats, the thing isn’t to compare pro style passing % efficiency, but explosive plays produced from passes- what you get per attempt.
Most of Nebraska’s passes will be big play vertical, with a few screens and flare outs to backs. Those don’t lend themselves to 60% pass completions.
I think as a first year OC, Beck compares very well with Solich as a player call and OC. Though, in fairness to Frank, his time was obviously split and he still wanted to develop the offense and call plays.
Consequently, I place this team at about where 1999’s team was, talent wise, with a tougher schedule.
9/25/2011
Yes, the game was tough to watch at times. However, it provided glimpses of what we are capable of. I still feel that Bo has treated these non-conference games as “pre-season”, if you will, games. A time to try different offensive and defensive schemes, to see what works and what doesn’t, and to see how different players react in different situations. Granted, this is not a team that is set to win 12 + games in a row, but they are also not going to lose from here on out. I also still believe that we have a decent shot at the Badgers. They have not played the caliber of non-conference teams that we have and have struggled at times against far weaker opponents. (see the first half of yesterdays match up with SDSU). We as fans need to stay grounded and realize that this is going to be an emotional year, and that we do not have to line up against those Big 12 North opponents any longer. Not that they are all that good, but honestly, do any of us want to see Bill Snyder simpering around on the sidelines? Or how about lining up against KU and kicking the crap out of one of our past hero’s? (don’t you just feel bad for Turner?). We get to look forward to new teams, coaches, and players who will become as anticipated as the old OU vs. NU games were. So - keep the faith, wear red wherever you are, and be proud. GO B1G RED!
9/25/2011
To Robert; “Sorry, Raker…two man show.” Really? I counted five Huskers scoring (including Maher*). Don’t try and cheapen the efforts of the O-Line, Receivers, and Back-Up I’s. They all played a part in this win. I’d like to think, with being predictable, the opposition still can’t stop what they know is coming (but this isn’t the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s).
My expectations aren’t 14-0 (that’s blind faith). But unlike you, I don’t see the Huskers falling flat in conference play. I thought our attack was well balanced. Beck stuck with the run because that’s what was working for most of the game. If it gets stuffed by B1G Teams (like YOU assume) then we’ll have to go to the air (duh). Hopefully we can channel the Ok.St. game from last year (minus the opposition scoring). Kinnie and Reed still play for us and our young receivers look like they can catch/hold onto the ball.
To all of the T-mart passing critics:
Frazier - Ended career with 49%
Frost - Ended career with 54%
Crouch - Ended career with 51%
Matinez - Sits at 59%
Why so low? Simple attrition. We like the run; power football. (Captain obvious right?)
*That first field goal counted.
Papillion, NE
9/25/2011
Ruggerhusker:
Actually in highschool Taylor Martinez had 3000+ yards passing and around 700 yards rushing his senior year alone.
9/25/2011
bshirt:
I keep telling that to people, apparently Tommie Frazier sucked as a qb too…
ALSO I dont think people realize that in a spread -run offense a 60% completion rating is not that bad.. If your a pro-style or a team like Texas Tech and you only have 60% your gonna loose a lot of games , If T Mart can get to 60% in this offense were going to be in pretty good shape.. For one you are throwing in situations that are much harder to complete, Third and longs and such or your making play action passes that are going down the fieild and have the ability to be big plays but also harder to complete… If you guys want a 70% passing rating we can always use the Callahan style of just throwing to the RBs, im sure we can complete 70% then,...
ANd last I knew the only stat that matters is the W in the win column and he has been winning for us!
9/25/2011
Let me ramble about some things.
From watching the days of Solich and Crouch, Huskers did not have all the talent at the WR and TE as the do now. (Crouch could actually throw the ball. ) I’m just thinking of the games all the games we fall behind and the QB couldn’t barely complete passes. Receivers couldn’t get open and if they did they dropped passes in tight coverage.
Then, I think about Jamaal Lord, dynamic runner, if he had any kind of accuracy, (when Matt Herian was wide open )we could have been National Champs in 2003….LOL.
Tampa Fl
9/25/2011
Adam31, did not know that, thanks for the info. However, I still feel that people are down on him, and need to cut some slack. I do wish that we had this offense last year and the year before. With what we had on defense in those two years, it would have been tough to catch us!
I think that this team will do fine this year, it won’t be a championship year, but the team will do fine! GBR!!!
9/26/2011
Do you think we can sneak Joe Ganz onto the field so he can play the passing downs? Championship!!!!!