Husker Corner Monday Mailbag: Illinois Fighting Illini Edition

I dunno about you, but I’m still enjoying the aftermath of that Miami game. Might have to pick that one up on DVD. However, it’s a new week and the Illinois Fighting Illini are coming to town.

Ameer Abdullah had a season-high rushing day against Tim Beckman’s crew last year. Envy the Illini, I do not.

Let’s get to this week’s questions from Husker Nation.

Brandon: This past week, I can understand his absence considering he’s an excellent blocker for the run game and…well, I’m assuming you saw the contest. That was Nebraska’s style of the day. Kenny had the opportunities he did largely because Jordan was basically a decoy.

Miami was likely expecting more of a vertical threat, especially after Kenny broke free for some big gains. The Hurricanes probably felt like it was a matter of time before the Huskers worked to hit No. 1 a time or two. Then they ran the ball 50-plus times.

He did have two catches for 85 yards and a score against Fresno State in what was essentially a tune-up, so that didn’t necessarily surprise.

You’ll likely see him plenty versus Illinois. They’re not the best when it comes to pass defense.

Brandon: That’s a good question, and one that’s very hard to answer. Nebraska’s facing another cream puff in Illinois that should be smacked around in a variety of ways.

The answer to your query will come when the Huskers travel to East Lansing. Ameer Abdullah had a career-best day against the Illini last year, but the uptick in talent from Illinois to Michigan State is a major one. Not only are the Spartans good, they’re well-coached.

Did they beat Oregon? No, but they were able to hang, putting up points and keeping it a contest for the most part.

Keep in mind that they were working against a legitimate Heisman candidate in read option specialist Marcus Mariota.

The biggest worry I can see for Nebraska fans against Michigan State is Tim Beck trying to copy what Oregon did (which he often does, anyway).

Eventually, the Huskers would find themselves in a hole too big to climb out of.

Abdullah’s a freak, but he can only do so much, especially when the ball isn’t in his hands.

I honestly can’t see Nebraska running the ball as much as it did against Miami. Michigan State won’t allow the Big Red to be that successful.

What are Ameer’s chances to win the Heisman? – Timothy Shaw (Husker Corner Mail)

Brandon: Winning the Heisman Trophy demands a resume, just like a job. In Ameer’s case, he’s got the story. It’s been covered countless times. He’s going to get major yardage and continue to break records.

He needs two things to have an opportunity to get to New York: at least 1,750 yards (2,000 is ideal) and hardware. By “hardware”, I mean a Big Ten championship.

If Nebraska makes it to Indianapolis and walks away empty-handed again, he may get a courtesy call, but he won’t have a legitimate shot.

Who’s your favorite true freshman so far? – Randy Offenheimer (Husker Corner Mail)

Brandon: This is a hard one. I’m going to put Drew Brown aside and say, “Yeah, of course I knew he’d be good! He’s a Brown brother and kicks for Nebraska!”

I think I actually said that one point when trying to convince myself early on.

De’Mornay Pierson-El’s been amazing to watch and I don’t think that stops. However, my favorite is Josh Kalu. He looks so natural in the defensive backfield.

He has such good awareness that plays just seem to flow around him, allowing him to be disruptive or force a turnover.

This is a guy that I feel should definitely be watched for the duration of his career as a Husker.

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