Huskers’ defense must slow Jaguars’ ground game
The Nebraska Cornhuskers come into Week 2, desperately needing a win over the South Alabama Jaguars. Instead of dealing with the BYU Cougars’ high profile passing attack, the Huskers’ defense must slow the Jaguars’ ground game. Although BYU was successful against the Huskers’ run defense, they won’t have to deal with a scrambling quarterback this week.
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Coming into last week’s game against BYU, the Nebraska Cornhuskers were well aware of Taysom Hill’s running ability. Still, the Blackshirts were unable to contain the elusive quarterback for most of the game. Subsequently, Hill gashed the Huskers for 72 yards on nine carries, before sustaining a season-ending injury.
With Cody Clements running the offense for South Alabama, the Huskers won’t have to deal with an abundance of quarterback runs. However, Clements was the quarterback with the UAB Blazers, before abruptly ending the program after the 2014 season. Therefore, he fell into the lap of the Jaguars his senior season, and they expect a lot of production out of their first-year player.
During the Jaguars 33-23 win over Gardner-Webb, Clements had an off game by his standards. He completed 14/25 passes for two touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions. It will be disappointing if the Huskers don’t force a couple of turnovers in the passing game. Last week, safety Nate Gerry had a game-changing interception during Nebraska’s third quarter rally. However, BYU completed 60.9 percent of their passes for 379 yards, and two touchdowns. If the Huskers held the Cougars to 378 yards, the feeling around the football program would be entirely different.
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Due to the Jaguars penchant for running the ball, the loss of Jack Gangwish will hurt the Huskers‘ front four. South Alabama averaged 7.2 yards per carry, using explosive plays to make an impact. Xavier Johnson carried the ball seven times for 121 yards and a touchdown in week 1. He also took a 56 yard touchdown pass to the house for the Jaguars.
Unfortunately for the Huskers, Johnson wasn’t alone in his stellar play. Terrence Timmons averaged 12 yards per carry, while scoring a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Tyreis Thomas carried the ball nine times for 56 yards. The Jaguars are accustomed to making big plays, so Nebraska must be ready to play assignment football.
Added help for the Huskers’ defense will be the return of Michael Rose-Ivey. Highly regarded as the Cornhuskers’ best linebacker, Rose-Ivey is coming off of a one game suspension. Could he have made a difference on the final play against BYU? Impossible to tell, but he will be attempting to make up for lost time on Saturday. Rose-Ivey may find himself playing a little rush end to help replace Gangwish.
Keep an eye on Jaguars’ TE Gerald Everett. After transferring from UAB, Everett led the team with four catches, for 75 yards last week. He also caught the second of Clements’ touchdown passes.
Sep 5, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Daniel Davier (23) sits on the bench after losing to the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Brigham Young won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
At times, the Huskers provided plenty of pressure up front, but they were unable to capitalize on a consistent basis. Still, the defensive ends combined for three sacks in the loss for BYU. As long as the front four continues to get a push, while maintaining the rush lanes, the Huskers can become exceptional.