Grading the Huskers: NU/ISU

Hopefully this becomes a weekly tradition here at HuskerCorner, where I can share bits of my game previews (written 11/5) as analysis for the game. Two weeks in a row baby!

"However, I could easily see Nebraska not looking past the Cyclones and the game still be close."

The Cyclones were a very game squad on Saturday, and smelt blood once Taylor Martinez couldn’t go with a bum leg. He was replaced by K-State’s Michael Beasley….oh wait, that’s Cody Green (sorry, same dumb look on their face). I’ll hold my thoughts on Green’s performance for the report card down below.

The game was a nail-biter played in unusually high winds that dictated the pace of the game. Neither team could get much offense going in the face of the wind. Obviously, the game found its way into overtime, where the Cyclones tried to sneak out a victory in the form of a fake extra point. That call takes balls, of which Paul Rhoads has plenty apparently. Props to Iowa State for playing a hell of a game, in what will most likely be the final contest between the two teams for the foreseeable future. I, for one, will be supporting the Cyclones in the Little 10.

Now let me slip on my professor’s monacle right quick….

(More……….)

Rushing Offense: The RexCat (raar!) was unveiled for the first time in 2010, debuting rather successfully. After rushing for only 4 yards against Missouri, Sexy Rexy chimed in for 129 yards on Saturday. He split carries with Helu, who appeared to gain 5 yards (no more, no less) on every carry (longest run was 9 yards). The Hawaiian gained 99 yards total, but lost a fumble that led to a field goal. The Huskers’ first touchdown was a 12-play drive consisting of all runs (with all but one coming out of  the RexCat formation, unofficially). The Nebraska offense was dependent on the running game all day without the services of T-Mart, and they came through with just enough plays. Saved the RexCat for the perfect time. Grade: B+

Passing Offense: Cody Green did just enough. I’m not saying I believe Cody Green is good (I sure thought he’d be better coming out of high school), but I would say that he showed up and played well. He made some plays on 3rd downs (when given the chance). He was pretty handcuffed going into the wind, which was probably the right decision (just ask the Iowa St. holder). And most importantly, he avoided the big mistake. The question kinda becomes would you have blamed Cody Green if the Cyclones converted the 2 pointer for the win? I say you can’t. Green provided 24 points (7 via the defense), which is about what you ask for from a backup QB, especially given the windy conditions that Ames, Iowa had to offer. Not bad Code Man, but give me T-Mobile back please. Grade: C+

Rushing Defense: The Cyclones ran the ball, and they ran it alot. Alexander Robinson ended with 32 carries for 101 yards, pretty respectable numbers. It was the exact gameplan I expected from them. Not built for big plays, the Cyclones depend on grinding the ball down the field, which they did. Austen Arnaud did get loose for 63 rushing yards as well. In the end, allowing 157 rushing yards, with a defense of this caliber, is too many. Grade: C

Passing Defense: The token Nebraska walk-on safety strikes again! This time, Austin Cassidy read a crossing pattern beautifully, broke on it for the pick, and took it back to the house. Without that play, the Huskers most likely lose the game. The Blackshirts were without “The Fonz” (Alfonzo Dennard) once again, and his presence was missed. Opposing teams are able to find room to throw the ball without one half of the best tandem of cornerbacks in the nation (yea, I said it) in the lineup. Both will be playing on Sundays in a few years (and both will be playing next week). The secondary gave up some plays, but also made some plays. The bigger disappointment was the pass rush. After harassing Gabbert all game long last week, Austen Arnaud was given too much time to find open receivers. With a good pass rush, the Blackshirts are one of the best defenses in the country. Without one, they quickly become very mediocre. Grade C

Special Teams: My only note scribbled down before the overtime period commenced was, “Trust our kicker more than theirs.” Fortunately, it didn’t come down to that. Sloppy plays like Rex faircatching a punt at his own 5 yard line and Niles Paul fumbling a kickoff return were overshadowed by what turned out to be the final play of the game. I supported Rhoads’ play call, until I read that it was the backup punter throwing the ball. I figured it was a backup QB. You can’t expect a non-QB to make the proper adjustments to throwing into winds like that. This grade plummets with a conversion on the fake, but has skyrocketed with the season-saving play being made. Grade: A-