Huskers v Gophers: Who has the EDGE?

The players left the field with heads hanging in disbelief. The Husker fans across the nation were right there with them. Last Saturday’s game against the Badgers left a bad taste in the mouths of many Husker fans and a lot of unanswered questions: Can Nebraska Cornhuskers win the games that count? Is Tommy Armstrong the right man for the job? Is the scheme Bo is running on defense the correct scheme? Can the coordinators the Huskers employ turn the players into champions? Is Bo the right man for the job? I could think of many more questions to ask but I think you get the point. Many Husker fans are frustrated, tired of the embarrassing losses on national television, tired of the camera always focusing on the head coach yelling on the sidelines, and tired of the excuses.

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In the press conference on Monday, only a few questions were related to the upcoming Minnesota game as most questions dealt with the team’s demeanor and what, if anything can be done to fix the broken Huskers. The last question asked of Bo was if the players would wear their Blackshirts this week in practice, and his reply was, “I haven’t thought about that yet. But my guess is that I’m not going to change anything.” Turns out some did, some didn’t. Regardless it seems something needs to change.

So how do the coaches, players, and fans bounce back from something like this? A win is a temporary cure, but it is always good medicine. Huskers play their last home game of the season Saturday 11 am CST on ESPN. It’s Senior Day for the Huskers, and 13 of them on the active roster will be playing their last home game.

Oct 25, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) hands off to running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the game against Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden Gophers lost last week by just 7 points to Ohio State. Minnesota lead the series with the Huskers 30-22-2, and beat the Huskers last year 23-34. So who will have the edge in this year’s contest between Nebraska and Minnesota?

Nebraska ranks 32nd in total offense, averaging 460 yards per game – Minnesota ranks 33rd in total defense, allowing only 351 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska

Minnesota ranks 102nd in total offense, averaging 358 yards per game -Nebraska ranks 41st in total defense, allowing 369 yards per game.
Edge: Minnesota

Nebraska ranks 10th in rushing, averaging 264.4 yards per game– Minnesota ranks 53rd in defending the run allowing 152.7 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska

Minnesota ranks 27th in rushing, averaging 223.7 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 71st, in defending the run, allowing 123.8 yards per game.
Edge: Minnesota

Nebraska ranks 97th in passing with 195.1 yards per game – Minnesota ranks 27th in defending the pass, allowing 198 yards per game.

Nov 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers mascot Goldy points to the fans during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Edge: Minnesota

Minnesota ranks 123rd in passing, averaging 134.7 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 31st in defending the pass, allowing 199 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska

Nebraska ranks 4th in special teams efficiency – Minnesota ranks 12th in special teams efficiency.
Edge: Nebraska

Nebraska ranks 83rd in turnover margin with -0.2 – Minnesota ranks 18th in turnover margin with +0.8.
Edge: Minnesota

On paper the teams are fairly even. Both teams are 4-2 in the conference and still have a slim chance at making the Big Ten Championship Game, should Wisconsin falter. Vegas opened with the Huskers favored by 10 points. How will the Huskers respond and overcome the demoralizing loss suffered last week? Will the Huskers play their best to avenge last years upset by Minnesota?

Nebraska Cornhuskers v Minnesota Gophers: Who has the EDGE?

By Brent Craig | Nov 21, 2014