Nebraska defense falls short in loss to Miami

The Nebraska defense was unable to contain Miami’s passing game during Saturday’s 36-33 overtime loss. The Huskers gave up 379 yards through the air, and lot of it came early on. Overall, the Nebraska defense was hit with 511 total yards. Still, it was not all bad for the Huskers. However, the loss highlights the issues in the passing game. Maybe they weren’t worthy of the “Blackshirts” before the season started. The Huskers are now (1-2) with one more non conference game.

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Coming into the game, Brad Kaaya was the best pocket passer the Nebraska defense faced this season, and he didn’t disappoint. Kaaya finished the day 25-42 passing for 379 yards, and two touchdowns. He added one interception by the Nebraska defense, but the Hurricanes had too many players running free in the secondary.

No one thought the Nebraska defense was going to be able to stop Brad Kaaya and the Hurricanes’ offense, but it was dreadful in the first quarter. After a couple of quick Nebraska offensive possessions, Miami drove down the field for two touchdowns in the first seven minutes. By the end of the first quarter, the Nebraska defense surrendered 17 points. The game had a familiar theme as the games against BYU and South Alabama. The receivers got behind the defense in all three contests this season.

The Nebraska defense played a much stronger second quarter, holding the Hurricanes to a single field goal. Despite being down 17 points at the half, the momentum could have shifted completely if it wasn’t for one of many Nebraska miscues. Tommy Armstrong threw an interception at the one yard line, as Nebraska was going in for a possible touchdown.

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Instead of using the missed opportunity as motivation to start the third quarter, the Nebraska defense gave up a touchdown drive on the opening series of the second half. This time they were gashed by the running game. Joseph Yearby broke through the defense for a 41 yard touchdown, giving the Hurricanes a 27-3 lead. It was disappointing to see the missed tackles on the play. In addition, the Nebraska defense had a difficult stopping Yearby. He finished the day with 17 carries for 125 and one touchdown. It’s the first time Nebraska was over matched up front. However, the Nebraska defense kept the rest of the running game in check. The Hurricanes finished with 132 yards on the ground.

Overall, the Hurricanes averaged 6.8 yards per play. All three of their touchdown drives were over 60 yards, and none of the touchdown drives took more than five plays. Those numbers show the Nebraska defense was hurt by huge plays.

Tyre Brady and Herb Waters both averaged over 20 yards per catch for the Hurricanes. However, it was Rashawn Scott’s nine catch, 151 yard performance that really stood out for the Hurricanes offense. The three players combined for 15 catches to help decimate the Nebraska defense.

Nebraska defense on the run

Despite those 511 yards given up, it could have been much worse for the Nebraska defense. As the game wore on, the Huskers got tougher in the red zone. They held Miami to five field goal attempts. Unfortunately for Nebraska, kicker Michael Badgley made all five of his attempts, including the game winner in overtime.

Freedom Akinmoladun had the lone sack for the Huskers’ defense. He finished the day with six total tackles. Joshua Kalu had the only interception for the Huskers’ secondary. It was not enough to slow down the Miami passing game, and its something the coaching staff must look into. The defensive backs need to make better plays on the ball. Safety Nate Gerry led the Nebraska defense with nine tackles.

Next: Five Nebraska players to watch vs Miami.