After watching the loss against Michigan State, Nebraska Football fans have the right to be nervous as they sit only one win away from bowl eligibility.
In previous years, Maryland would have been an ideal opponent to gain such a victory and achievement (bowl invitation). Today, Maryland is much different, sitting at 5-4, and being led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Maryland is not the most impressive team in the Big Ten, though they have had some glamourous moments. One being they destroyed Michigan State 31-9, the team Nebraska Football just lost to.
Maryland, though has been struggling, losing four straight.
As apparent in the past few weeks, Nebraska Football can compete, and their defense remains solid. Granted, their secondary had many disappointing moments in last Saturday’s match. However, one more pertinent issue continues to hurt Nebraska: turnovers.
Nebraska football must stop the turnovers. Heinrich Haarberg has disappointed fans of late. Once a steady hand, he is throwing costly interceptions and fumbling the ball himself.
It appears that Matt Rhule will not make a quarterback change, but they need to address the offensive approach. In order to get that next win, Nebraska needs to concentrate on running the ball. Undoubtedly, Maryland is studying film and knows turnovers have been a problem for Haarberg and others.
Nebraska Football needs to find a way to hold onto the ball
Haarberg looked flustered in the pocket in the Michigan State match and had few opportunities to escape the pressure.
Nebraska may fall short of a bowl game; if this occurs, it is on their shoulders for not protecting the ball. The defense has held strong.
The Huskers rank no. 32 in rushing yards and no. 126 in passing offense. While being ranked no. 32 in rushing yards is not a stellar stat; it proves much better than their passing attack.
With a young receiving corps, Haarberg has no real proven targets outside of tight end Thomas Fidone.
Maryland ranks no. 26 in rushing defense. Nebraska must take advantage of this stat and pound the ball. Marcus Satterfield needs to be creative in getting more running opportunities for Haarberg. The mentality is simple: The Huskers need to look to run the football.
Most importantly, Nebraska Football must address the issue of turnovers.