Baylor Analysis

I was not able to catch the Nebraska-Baylor game because DirecTV and Versus couldn't reach an agreement, so Versus isn't carried on DirecTV anymore.  However, I listened to part of the game and caught the highlights.

With that being said, the Husker defense is still on the rise, but the Husker offense didn't show enough improvement to make Husker fans completely hopeful for the future.

Cody Green got his first start, and his numbers weren't off the charts, or horrible.  They were mediocre.  The difference on Saturday was that his mediocre stats were enough to get a Win, whereas Zac Lee's stats from the previous games couldn't result in a win (even against a team without their starting running and quarter backs).

Roy Helu, Jr. continued to post less-than-stunning statistics.  With just 27 yards on 8 total touches.  Hopefully, we can blame it on his ailing shoulder injury.

The running game got some yards finally, probably boosting the confidence of the offense line and skill players.  It actually probably gave relief to the Husker defense who has been heavily relied on this season.  Dontrayveous Robinson led the team in rushing yards (61) and tied for receptions (3), for 22 yards.  Right now he looks like the best back for Nebraska and hopefully he can take the load off of Helu, Jr.  Cody Green showed he could run more effectively than Zac Lee, and he adds a playmaking principle that Zac Lee undeniably cannot.

For the future I'd like to see: An increased production in the passing game.  With this being said, I think there needs to be an established running game that can produce play-action passing plays that utilize Mike McNeill, who has been neglected most of the season.  Also, Cody Green needs to just develop as a passer.  He just needs experience, and that cannot be rushed unfortunately

On the defensive side of the ball, I finally saw the breakout performance by another player due to the presence on Ndamukong Suh.  Suh had a relatively quiet game (5 tackles, 1 sack), but his presence was felt.  The offense had to consciously account for Suh, opening up the gates for other players.

Jared Crick had 5 (yes 5!) quarterback sacks, and has been recognized for many National Player-of-the-Week Awards.  Also, he tacked on 2 more TFL and had 13 tackles total.  The Nebraska defensive unit is developing into the defense that Nebraska was once used to during the '90s very quickly.

As a team, they produced 3 turnovers, which is definitely promising.  The last few weeks, the D has held up pretty well but haven't been able to make huge plays.  The game against Baylor was definitely a step in the right direction.  Crick had a fumble recovery and Dejon Gomes and Prince Amukamara each got an interception.

For the future I'd like to see: Nothing new.  The Huskers need to keep playing at high levels on the defensive side of the ball.  Their front 4 is daunting and any one of them can turn the game around.  If the Huskers can keep producing turnovers and limiting big plays, they'll have a chance to win each game they play the rest of the season.