Nebraska offense leaves unfinished business on field
Tommy Armstrong led a strong-willed Nebraska offense to a 36-28 victory over Southern Mississippi. Once again, the Huskers’ offense showed plenty of talent across the board. Overall, the Huskers gained 610 yards on Saturday. They even exposed a few new wrinkles for future opponents to prepare for. However, if the Nebraska offense is to realize their full potential, they need to score inside the red zone, or hit big plays for touchdowns.
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On the surface, 36 points looks like a lot, but the missed opportunities were jarring in the first half. Armstrong smoothly guided the Nebraska offense down the field on the first possession. An 8-play 71 yard touchdown drive culminated with an Armstrong to Jordan Westerkamp 6-yard touchdown pass. The play gave the Huskers a 7-0 lead for the third time this season.
Following great defense by the Huskers, Nebraska’s offense was right back on the field. Moments later, the Huskers were in prime position for another touchdown. Unfortunately, the Nebraska offense was stopped in the red zone, and had to settle for a 29-yard field goal. It gave the Huskers a 10-0 first quarter lead, and Southern Miss. looked helped to stop the Big Red machine.
Instead of rolling offensively, Drew Brown‘s field goal was a precursor of what was to come. The Huskers had four more scoring drives in the second quarter, but he drive was stopped short of a touchdown. Time after time, Drew Brown knocked in a field goal. His final one came as the halftime approached. Brown knocked in a career long 50-yard field goal. While it was nice to see the Huskers dominate the first 30 minutes, they were only up 22-0, after scoring six times.
The way Nebraska was flowing offensively, they should have had at least 31 points at halftime. Their lack of execution in finishing drives kept the game alive for the Golden Eagles’ comeback. We’ve already seen the offense go in the tank for multiple possessions this season, so there was hope, Nebraska would start the second half strong as well. Nebraska fans can only hope, right?
Tommy with the strong-arm
On the first possession, a nightmare scenario happened. Armstrong threw his fifth interception of the year. It lead directly to Southern Miss’ first touchdown of the game. Not only did Armstrong’s interception slowdown the offensive momentum, it destroyed the defenses stranglehold on the game.
Still, Armstrong led Nebraska to a pair of second half touchdown drives. However, other possessions were thrown away when Nebraska butchered field goal attempts. They still have the opportunity to be one of the best offenses in the country, but there’s something missing right now. Maybe it will appear when De’Mornay Pierson-El gets back.
Individually, the Nebraska offense had some standout players. First we have to mention Andy Janovich‘s role with the Huskers on Saturday. He carried the ball five times for 68 yards, while making a 53-yard catch in the first half. Janovich has big play potential from the fullback position, and he had fans reminiscing of past glory days with his long runs. While searching for another ball carrier to take the load off of Terrell Newby, the Huskers may have stumbled onto something entering Big Ten play.
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Overall, the running game gained 242 yards, led by Newby’s 76 on 18 carries. Armstrong helped out in the rushing attack with 63 yards on seven attempts. If the Huskers can continue to get over 200 yards, they’ll be headed in the right direction.
Jordan Westerkamp had a career day with the Huskers. He caught 11 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown. However, Westerkamp was not the lone receiving threat for the Nebraska offense. Brandon Reilly caught three passes for 112 yards. His biggest play came on a 49-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Taariq Allen got in on the act with his first touchdown catch of the season.
Tommy Armstrong completed 23/35 passes for 368 yards, and two touchdowns. He connected with nine different receivers on the day. Armstrong also took one bad sack in the first half.
Drew Brown made his first five field goals before missing a 51 yard attempt in the third quarter. His final attempt was blocked with 29 seconds left, setting the stage for the Golden Eagles’ game-tying drive attempt.
The Huskers will begin preparation for the Illinois Fighting Illini this week. If they move the ball as successfully, the Nebraska offense needs to finish off the drives with touchdowns.