Linebacker Keno 34-43-52

June 7, 2007 by Steve Hanway

We can’t let linebacker week go by without touching on the 3-4 we’ve heard rumors about since the end of last season. The simple math is that Nebraska has four quality linebackers with starting experience and replaces four starters on the defensive line. Why wouldn’t you at least consider getting all four linebackers on the field?

Is it earth shattering? Is it wildly different than anything Nebraska’s tried before? No and no. The difference between the old 5-2 and a 3-4 is pretty minimal. Heck, a defensive end like Scott Strasburger weighed all of 205 lbs. Sure, that was 1984 but the point is they still dropped him into coverage at times and for all intents and purposes he was a linebacker. So we’ve seen the 3-4 before. It’s a good run-stuffing look and it could come in real handy against a team like Texas A&M.

But what about Nebraska having been in the 4-3 for the last 15 years? Well, not always. We’ve seen the Huskers take Carlos Polk and bring him up to the line before the snap. Or Barrett Ruud. Or Demorrio Williams. So if the Huskers now want to bring Steve Octavien up to the line at times. It’s hardly reinventing the wheel.

The question isn’t whether to use a 3-4, but when. It can be a great run-stuffing defense on early downs. It can be a good way to show blitz (and actually blitz) in passing downs. There’s a reason the Patriots have had so much success with it, and why the Huskers had a lot of good years with the 5-2.

So don’t fret Husker fans. Just like with Keno, 34, 43, and 52 can all be lucky numbers. You just have to pick the right one at the right time.

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