What Nebraska Can Learn From Alabama

Alabama has won its second national championship in three years, a feat Nebraska has achieved twice.

While Husker teams of past could hang with this season’s Crimson Tide in a game, the 2011 Nebraska squad has a lot to learn from Alabama. Husker Corner breaks down the top five lessons the Tide could teach the Big Red.

• Ball control
  Turnovers have been a disaster for the Huskers the last few years. While fumble numbers tapered off in 2011, there were still a few key instances where Nebraska coughed up the ball in the red zone or while momentum was building. Alabama didn’t turn the ball over once against LSU in the National Championship Game, and if Nebraska can follow suit and protect the football, they’ll be able to capitalize on more drives, score more points, and ultimately win more games.

• Penalties, penalties, penalties
  Just over a year ago Nebraska set a school record for the most penalty yards. Just like the fumbling problem from 2010, the Huskers improved on penalties in 2011, but they still have a long way to go. The Crimson Tide’s lone penalty in the title game came on a punt late in the game. Clean games mean less yards sacrificed on penalties and, in the end, more wins.

• Defense still wins championships
  Over the last three seasons the Blackshirts have been on the decline. The Suh-led 2009 squad ranked near the top in points allowed and yards allowed, but 2010’s solid squad began the downward trend that ended with this year’s lackluster pass rush and off-and-on secondary. Alabama’s monster defense suffocated Jordan Jefferson and the LSU Tigers, as they did with just about every opponent this season.
  Bo may know, but Kirby is smarter.

• Even the best can be beaten
  Over the past decade, the Huskers have faltered against top opponents. Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 as well as Michigan and Wisconsin this season have kept the Huskers in check. Nebraska needs to buck up and stop fearing goliath if they want to reach that level again. Alabama put some great competition to rest this season. Although the Crimson Tide dropped a game to LSU earlier in the season, they were far from fearful of the Tigers.

• Play every game like it’s your last
  Alabama didn’t overlook a single game this season. The Tide whooped up on every opponent they faced, with the exception of a tough LSU squad earlier in the year. Nebraska offensive tackle Yoshi Hardrick admitted to overlooking Northwestern this season in preparation for the Penn State game. The Huskers need to realize that preparing for two weeks in advance doesn’t do you any good if you leave the current week with a loss.

By Chris Peters

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Photo Courtesy USA Today