Keys To Success (Ohio State)
By Jimmie Allen
Nebraska can not come out slow, or fall into a rut. If they do then the doubts and “here we go again’s,” start to set in. This game is the key to getting the season back in the right direction.
No Ohio State is not ranked. Yes they barely beat Toledo, but this is still THE Ohio State University. This is still Nebraska’s first Big Ten game in Lincoln. This is a team that can not start 0-2 in conference and be able to meet the expectations that they set preseason. We have heard all week that sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez has heard the criticisms for his performance last week. If he wants to silence the critics, this is the time to do it. The Husker offense will need Taylor to have a big game against an Ohio State defense that ranks in the top 10 in the nation.
GET THE RUNNING BACKS INVOLVED……ALL OF THEM
In Nebraska’s loss to Wisconsin Taylor Martinez had 2 more passing attempts then Rex Burkhead had carries. This can not happen if Nebraska wants to be a successful offense. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck has to put Martinez in better situations, and has to be run first minded. Beck got the senior fullback Tyler Legate involved early with a 4 yard first down run. Getting Legate involved more often would be one more weapon defenses have to focus on other than Martinez. Ameer Abdulah had two carries on Saturday, Aaron Green had zero. Nebraska has to get everyone in the backfield involved. This will take pressure off of Martinez, and make the offense more wide open.
FIND NUMBER 10
Freshman phenom Jamal Turner had 5 catches for 84 yards on Saturday. Two of those catches came in the 3rd quarter, then the Huskers never came back to him. Getting the ball in Turners hands on sweeps and screen plays could be a viable option in the future. It will be up to Beck to get Turner involved.
GET AFTER…..WHO EVER!
More than likely freshman Braxton Miller will get the start for the Buckeyes tonight. But, senior Joe Bauserman, will get in the game at some point. It will be imperative that the Blackshirts get to both of them early and often. Nebraska’s front seven needs to make them both as uncomfortable as possible. Bauserman is 39 of 76 with 5 touchdowns, and one rushing. Miller is 39 of 20 with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Husker Corner Score Prediction
Huskers 26
Buckeyes 13