Husker Football: Iowa Report Card

Nov 28, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Kenny Bell (80) catches a touchdown pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Nebraska beat Iowa 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks: C

Nebraska starter Tommy Armstrong Jr. wasn’t perfect today, but he wasn’t terrible either. He found a way to make plays both with is feet and with his arm to get Nebraska the win. It really was a “tale of two halves” as the Husker quarterback only completed 1 pass in the first thirty minutes but ended with a 12 for 27 day, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. It was nice to see him spread the ball around and especially the three passes to Kenny Bell (two for touchdowns).

It’s a performance that the Texan can learn from going forward. After his first full season as a starter, the bowl practices will do him well.

I-Backs B

At times it seemed like the Husker run game was sputtering, but then you look at the stats: Ameer Abdullah averaged 8.2 yards per carry with a 13 carry 106 yards on the day. On his 53 yard jaunt down the field, Ameer showed his pre-injury explosiveness. Sadly Ameer only touched the ball 15 times on Saturday. You can question the offensive coordinator on that. With only one more game left for No. 8 in a Husker jersey I encourage all NU fans to enjoy it. He’s a one in a generation type of athlete and Nebraska was lucky to have him.

Of the other backs, Imani Cross notched three carries for 14 carries, 4.7 yards per tote. Newby had no carries in the game.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends B

Tip the cap to the receiving corps for stepping up and making plays for their quarterback in this one. Kenny Bell made an acrobatic catch early in the fourth quarter from 32 yards out in double coverage. Later, in overtime, he sealed the Husker victory by beating his man in the end zone and coming back to catch the game winner. (and making Sportscenter Top Plays of the Day)

Westerkamp added two catches, while Reilly, Pierson-El, and Taariq Allen all added one (including a touchdown from Allen).

Perhaps the most encouraging sign was the reappearance of Cethan Carter who made two big plays for the offense late in the game, including a 34 yard catch and run to set up the tying field goal. Can they continue to get No. 11 involved in the offense? They have 15 practices to find a way.

Offensive Line C

I was taking into account the injuries that piled up for the offense with the grade. Grading on a curve, if you will. But I think a C mark is fair for this M*A*S*H unit. The run game was solid, when it was utilized, however pass protection left a lot to be desired. Armstrong Jr. was sacked twice and faced a ton of pressure throughout the day.

For most of the day the line struggled with twists and stunts from Iowa’s defensive line, but as the game wore on things did improve. Could it be that third-team center Paul Thurston got his feet underneath him after his first real playing time? I think that’s part of it. I also think that replacements at tackle (Finnin for Price) helped as well. Experience will do this group wonders as they lose Cotton and Pelini next season. But others will be back. Bowl practices, again, are key.