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Nebraska Cornhuskers: Offense needs another fast start

By Lyle Harrison

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-4, 1-2) are seven point favorites over the Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 1-2) according to CBS Sports. Offensively, the Huskers have the clear advantage over the Wildcats. However, the Wildcats present a clear and present danger on the defensive side of the ball.

It’s October and the Huskers have already lost a pair of home games this season. Offensively, the Huskers average 33.25 points per game at home. However, they weren’t able to secure wins in two of the games in the final minutes. To defeat the Wildcats, it will be up to the offense making plays in the final quarter.

From the beginning of the season, the Huskers’ offense has displayed too much inconsistency. Now they face a Northwestern defense, giving up 301 yards per game. To compare, the Huskers give up 341 passing yards per game. One look at this Wildcats’ defense, and you can tell they mean business.

Read More: Five Players to Watch vs Northwestern

When the Huskers’ offense is flowing, they get their rushing game going early. It’s not a coincidence that Terrell Newby had his two best starts during both of the Huskers’ highest scoring games of the season. Newby gained 198 yards in the 48-9 victory over South Alabama. Fostered by a 65 yard touchdown run, Newby raced for 114 yards in their 48-25 victory over Minnesota last week. Currently, he leads the offense with six total touchdowns.

With the running attack in the groove, Tommy Armstrong becomes a true weapon for the offense. However, he’s a big reason why the Huskers have been inconsistent this year. Armstrong is capable of making big plays from anywhere on the field. Still, those achievements can’t be followed by mistakes. Over the last two games, Armstrong hasn’t thrown an interception. He can’t afford one today.

If the Huskers are able to get the ground game going, they have a plethora of receivers ready to take advantage of a defense cheating up. Overall, the Huskers pass for 256 yards per game, but they’ve had their moments of ineptitude. Early in the Big Ten season, the Huskers had a pair of games where they didn’t even reach 256 yards combined. However, those troubles should be behind Armstrong and the receivers.

All season, the focus has been on Jordan Westerkamp, and rightfully so. He’s been the most active receiver with 35 catches, but the rest of the group has been solid. Alonzo Moore stepped up to lead the team with five touchdown catches this season. He’s a deep threat, especially from inside the opponents 45 yard line.

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Joining Westerkamp and Moore, is the Brandon Reilly. The WR leads the fourth ranked unit with 19.6 yards per catch. The Huskers would love to get him behind the defense early in the game. Despite his gaudy numbers, Reilly only has one touchdown this season. He needs to find the end zone soon.

The most important piece to the receiving corps could be De’Mornay Pierson-El. Combined with his prowess as a punt returner, Pierson-El can change a game in a hurry. He’s only in his fourth game back, and there’s been improvement throughout Pierson-El’s return from injury. Now that he scored his first touchdown of the season last week, Pierson-El will look to become an even bigger factor in the contest.

Without a doubt, this is a must-win for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Whether you like it or not, a Bowl game could be on the line today. In addition, the Huskers are at home, and they must protect Memorial Stadium from outside invaders.

Next: Can Northwestern's Defense slow the Huskers?

The kickoff is set for 12 noon ET. It’s an early kickoff, and if the Nebraska Cornhuskers don’t get the offense going early, it might be a long day.

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