Breaking Down the 2012 Nebraska Football Schedule (Northwestern)
By Jimmie Allen
According to our breakdown, the Huskers will be 5-1 (0-1) coming of their first loss of the season to Urban Meyer, and Ohio State. On October 20, Nebraska will take their first trip to Evanston, Illinois as a conference foe. Last season Northwestern came in to Lincoln and upset the 9th ranked Cornhuskers 28-25.
This season, Nebraska does not return three possible All-Americans on defense, and Northwestern will feature Kain Colter as their starting quarterback. In last seasons win against Nebraska, Colter racked up 172 yards of offense, and three touchdowns, two on the ground.
Last season Colter saw limited playing time at quarterback, this season he will be the full-time starter. Northwestern’s best offensive possessions against the Huskers, came with Colter in a shotgun formation, and running head coach, Pat Fitzgerald’s spread offense.
Nebraska could see some of the same struggles against Northwester as they will against Ohio State. With that in mind, Nebraska will have three weeks of preperation for a spread offense, and Nebraska will have better athletes on the field than the Wildcats.
Don’t be surprised to see a couple of the freshman linebackers get on the field in this game. Michael Rose, and Jared Afalava could see some playing time. They can both run, and help contain the outside, and possibly spy Colter if needed.
The key to this game is the safties of Nebraska. Daimion Stafford will control this game defensively. Colter is going to get his yards, either on the ground or through the air. If Stafford can play solid, stay at home football, and contain Colter, Nebraska can win this football game.
Just like the Ohio State Breakdown, Bo Pelini’s weakness has been a spread offense, with a mobile quarterback. Well, Fitzgerald and Colter are two of the best in the country, and will be looking to beat the Huskers, and celebrate at home this year and they have the talent to do so.
The giant elephant in the room, is the biggest game of the 2012 season is a week after the Northwestern game. After the Huskers leave the Chicago area, they have to come home to Lincoln, and prepare for Dennard Robinson, and Michigan. Under Bo Pelini, Nebraska tends to have a bad streak in the month of October, the 2012 season may be no different.
I think the Huskers get a win against, Northwestern, but a close one
PREDICTION
NEBRASKA 35
NORTHWESTER 31
By Jimmie Allen
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