Nebraska football must embrace its strength in its defense
By David Crum
The Nebraska football team looks like it’s going to need to lean on one side of the ball if it wants to have success in the 2023 season.
Nebraska football’s defense has done exceptionally well outside two lopsided games (Colorado and Michigan). Though most college football experts note Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a special player, difficult for any defense to stop.
Without a doubt, Nebraska football fans would love a re-match against Colorado. First, the Huskers have a different quarterback, and the defense has emerged stronger from the first couple of games.
Like any team, experience builds confidence, and Nebraska football’s defense is making a name for itself.
The Nebraska defense held their opponents to less than 14 points outside the Colorado and Michigan losses. The defense nearly shut down Illinois and Northwestern entirely, allowing their opponents to score only 7 and 9 points in the last two games.
Nebraska ranks No. 21 in total defense. But more impressive is the defense stands at No. 4 in rushing defense and No. 8 for team sacks.
Tony White’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme is working. The secondary has some weaknesses, but the front six are holding their ground. Husker fans have not seen such an aggressive approach for several years.
Dare we say the Blackshirts can return to an elite level? It may be too early to jump to such a conclusion, but Nebraska fans should still take pleasure in what they are seeing.
Nebraska football defense will carry the team
The remaining schedule is friendly for Nebraska football . Not that it will not be competitive, but the defense gives the team a chance to stay in games and even win them.
In recent years, turnovers led to large deficits and defeats for Nebraska. Even with the fumbles and interceptions, Nebraska’s defense is affecting each game. Coach Matt Rhule has confidence in his defense, and they have had several victorious moments on key third-down and even fourth-down stops.
The head coach is new, as is the rest of the coaching staff, and several of the players. To win games, Nebraska football must embrace its identity, and at this point, it should focus on the impressive defense and running the ball. Rhule has done an outstanding job in obtaining players from the transfer portal. Likewise, White is proving to be a great defensive coordinator; opposing offenses are not looking forward to face.
Stay tuned, Nebraska football fans; the defense may just get the team an invitation to a bowl game.