Husker Corner Monday Mailbag: Miami Hurricanes Edition

Through three weeks, the Husker football team sits atop the Big Ten West division standings and look to sweep its non-conference schedule. It won’t be snowing or frigid, but Husker fans of all ages get their wish as the Miami Hurricanes come to Lincoln.

This is a contest scheduled many a time on NCAA Football video games less than a week from coming to life. As anticipation builds, we went to Husker Nation yet again for their queries a week before the big battle.

Brandon: From what we’ve seen through week three, it’s hard to pick against Nebraska. The Huskers are in the weaker division, don’t face Michigan or Ohio State and the Nittany Lions play only twice in October against the aforementioned teams.

Meanwhile, Nebraska should only have to worry about Michigan State in Big Ten play. I can see Rutgers and Northwestern putting up a fight, but the Huskers have no business losing either of those contests.

I see the Big Red in a better bowl with a few more wins than the Nittany Lions at this point.

@theHuskerCorner I find it a little disconcerting that NU can't get short yardage on the ground when necessary. Should I worry?
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) September 15, 2014

Brandon: Through three games, it’s a valid concern, especially since the Huskers have gone against the Nos. 122 and 124 rushing defenses in the country. I don’t have a number for McNeese State, but that Ameer Abdullah was only given room for 54 yards says a lot.

This likely poses a problem against Miami which boasts the No. 15 rushing defense in the country. Jake Cotton’s had nothing but trouble over the past two games and he continues to get the starting gig. Abdullah can make something out of nothing, but not on every play.

We’ll see if you should be concerned for the remainder of 2014 this Saturday.

@theHuskerCorner TA is best with vertical passing game but not very accurate on crossing routes. Won't BIG DCs just shut vertical down?
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) September 15, 2014

Brandon: If I’m a defensive coordinator facing Nebraska, my main goals are to not only force Armstrong to pass, but identify his main targets and lock them down. His tendency to lock onto his first target will be his undoing down the road.

Let’s say Kenny Bell, Jordan Westerkamp, Alonzo Moore and Lane Hovey trot out onto the field. I’ll take the chance making his likely first and second reads’ lives hell.

Yes, Moore or Hovey may eventually make a catch or two, but I’ll sacrifice any yardage they can actually gain for the points that’ll be left off the board.

@eightlaces Which Nebraska team will we see Saturday vs Miami?
— JA Sanchez (@Jj19husker) September 15, 2014

Brandon: I think we see a combination of McNeese State and Florida Atlantic. I don’t expect Nebraska’s offensive line to suddenly get a good push up front which is good news for Miami’s front four.