Nebraska Cornhuskers vs South Dakota State: Five Things To Watch For
By John Ackeren
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Nebraska vs South Dakota State: Five Things To Watch For
1) The Quarterback for Nebraska: Taylor Martinez has turf toe and it is unknown if he will be able to start, and if he does he might not be able to make it through the game. This means there is a possibility that senior Ron Kellogg III or redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong Jr. could get the call. With coach Bo Pelini’s track record, Kellogg would likely get the nod if Martinez can’t go. Kellogg has a better understanding of the offense and at a time that The Nebraska Cornhuskers need a big win over a FCS opponent, starting him would make sense. Armstong Jr. would make for a more interesting starter, since he is considered by many to be the future at the quarterback position for Nebraska.
2) A Simplified Offensive Playbook That Is Still Multiple: Offensive coordinator Tim Beck told reporters at last nights practice that he will be simplifying the playbook a bit after watching his offense struggle against UCLA last weekend. Beck also said that he wants to keep the offense multiple. Exactly how he will balance fewer plays and continue to keep the offense multiple is a bit of a question. Does he mean fewer plays but the same number of formations or fewer formations and more plays in others? It will be interesting to see how Beck works his unit this weekend against the Jackrabbits.
3) Nebraska’s Defense vs Jackrabbits Running Back Zach Zenner: Zach Zenner is a beast. Just look at his bio from the teams website. I don’t care what level you play at, rushing for over 2,000 yards in a season constitutes the title of Beast Mode. He will cause problems for The Blackshirts.
4) The Nebraska Cornhuskers Going For The Jugular: The Huskers had a commanding lead before letting off of the gas against UCLA. The Jackrabbits are nowhere near the same level of competition that the Bruins are, but this is an opportunity for Nebraska to get build a lead and continue to execute. The Huskers should play angry on Saturday.
5) Expect Ameer Abdullah To Go Off On South Dakota State: I saw more emotion from Abdullah than anyone else in the second half of last weeks loss. He looks like one of the only emotional leaders on the offensive side of the ball. He was bustin a@@ and trying to get his teammates hyped, but no one took his direction. Ameer is going to play with a purpose against The Jackrabbits.