Preparing for South Carolina
Tim Beck spoken openly with the media this week on various topics, including bowl opponent South Carolina. While the game planning for South Carolina will not start officially until Friday, the coaches are doing their homework. The offensive coordinator seems to think the Gamecocks will be the best athletic and speedy defense the Huskers have faced.
The Gamecock defense is not one to be taken lightly. They have a Senior defensive end in Melvin Ingram who has been named an AP All-American, and a safety to the second team. It is no surprise that the squad is comprised of many players who are very talented. The team ranks 4th in total defense in the country, and 2nd in pass defense. They are only allowing 268 yards/game and less than 19 points/game. Nebraska will have to attack this team on the ground, taking greater advantage of the 135 yards allowed on the ground.
Regardless of those statistics, Tim Beck is working closely with Taylor Martinez to prepare him for the dangers of facing a highly ranked SEC defense. Dropping farther back and working on down field vision in the passing game will be critical to buy the necessary time and recognition to make the right play. The defensive line will not give Martinez very much time to decide and execute. AA Ingram was responsible for 8 solo sacks, 28 solo tackles, and 6 QB hurries himself through the year.
And do remember the rest of the solid DE rotation. Freshman Jadeveon Clowney is responsible for 12 solo stops, 6 sacks, and 6 QB hurries and his counterpart Junior Devin Taylor has compiled 28 solo tackles, 5 sacks, and 6 QB hurries. Martinez may not get many chances to check past his 2nd option in the passing game with the quickness these players have.
With the questions surrounding Mike Caputo's status for the bowl game, it will be critical for the offensive staff to over prepare for this South Carolina team. Along with some uncertainty of Guard Andrew Rodriguez, the offensive line is going to have to step up the level of effort from players who have not started or been regularly part of the rotation.
San Diego, Ca.
12/15/2011
Nebraska’s shown the ability to convert on 3rd and long, with run plays. That alone makes the offense a success this year and lays in a foundation, for next season. It was only a couple of years ago, when 3rd and two meant drop back and face the blitz.
This offense is much better set up for quick reads and especially, play action.
Not saying this means no problem, against South Cack, but, procedure and false start penalties are way down, from past seasons.
What I am saying is, this isn’t a late ‘80’s Nebraska team facing a late ‘80’s Miami or, Free Shoes St. Teams that could overwhelm really good Husker run offenses. Offenses that couldn’t pass a lick, unless runs opened up the pass.
Nebraska will be able to run its offense, because it won’t have to respond to score after score, from the Gamecocks offense.