Nebraska is set for a big matchup this weekend, which is now an opportunity for the Cornhuskers to take down a ranked opponent. Michigan jumped up two spots in the AP Top 25 this week, while Nebraska is still on the outside looking in.
This will most certainly be the toughest matchup Nebraska has had so far this season, and a lot of that comes from facing freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Underwood has impressed so far this season with an overall 628 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, but only two touchdowns and one interception.
There was hope the numbers would be a little bit better at this point in the season among Michigan fans, but this i music to Nebraska's ear as the defense has been playing lights out for the most part this season.
Right now, Nebraska's defense is averaging just eight points against opposing teams. The Cornhuskers allowed just 17 points to Cincinnati, shut out Akron, and then allowed a late fourth-quarter touchdown to Houston Christian this past weekend. The Nebraska defense has looked good for the most part this season and will be the key to keeping Underwood at bay.
Nebraska's pass defense will stifle Underwood in his first Big Ten game
Now, the Nebraska defense has struggled against the run a bit in the first three weeks of the season, but the defense in the pass game has been stellar, which doesn't bode well for Underwood. With Sherrone Moore out this week due to his suspension, Biff Poggi has taken over as the interim head coach, and one thing he called for more of this past week was more pass plays.
Underwood threw the ball more than he had in the first two games against Central Michigan this past weekend and has his highest completion percentage. This is where the Nebraska defense will be able to take over this game and shut Underwood down.
Nebraska has yet to allow a quarterback to have more than 100 passing yards this season; in fact, Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby only had 70 in the first game of the season. This is how Nebraska will have to take over this game and take Underwood out of the game for Michigan, and hopefully result in an upset win for the Cornhuskers and a spot in next week's rankings.