2007 Opponent Preview…Nevada
5 comments so far
July 17, 2007 by
You can’t expect a quarterback to step into the hostile environment of Memorial Stadium and come away with a win in his first game. But that’s exactly what the Nevada quarterback (whomever they choose) must attempt to do. The Wolfpack are among the better teams at the line of scrimmage in their conference. Dominic Green was an all-WAC lineman a year ago and will line up at center. Matt Hines stood out as a nose guard and linebacker Ezra Butler is also considered a quality linebacker.
What might be scariest about Nevada is their kickoff returner, who averaged 25 yards per return. With the new kickoff rules (and perhaps a new set of special-teamers for NU) they might be starting drives with good field position. They also went on the road late in the season and beat Louisiana Tech 42-0 (a team Nebraska beat 49-10 in Lincoln) before taking Miami to the wire in a 21-20 contest.
In addition to the new quarterback, the Wolfpack will have a new starter at running back. So you wonder how well they’ll take care of the ball against a team like Nebraska that is sure to make some jarring hits.
It’s hard to see anything other than a Husker victory, but it’s completely fair to say that Nevada is a worthy opponent. Their 8-5 record was only a half-game worse than Nebraska’s 9-5 record. While it may not be a close game, it’s not without intrigue. How will Nebraska’s new defensive line match up with a good Nevada offensive line? How will Nebraska’s new offensive line (and new offense) look against a defense with some playmakers in the front seven. And perhaps, most compelling, how will the new quarterbacks look?
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Navy Sker Jul 17 07
Steve you failed to mention there vaunted Pistol offense.
Darren Jul 17 07
Spot on assessment, Steve. Nevada is a quality team these days. And at BRN, we don't dole out "worthy opponent" status to just anyone. You hear that Sun Belt conference?!
Navy Sker - you are right to bring up the "pistol" offense. For those who don't know, it is a sort of gimmick offense with teh QB in a shorted-shotgun position behind center. It is the sort of thing that makes me happy we play the Wolfpack first and not second on the schedule. NU will have more time to focus and prepare for that offensive formation.
ze robertinho Jul 17 07
NV is the type of team that in the glory days we would have recognized as a decent opponent but would've still figured to beat them by 4 tds.
I think we're getting more back to that mindset and just think we have way too many horses for NV.
I'd be surprised if this team was better than KU.
Close first half--maybe--then 'see ya': NE 38, NV 14.
Navy Sker Jul 18 07
Not to mention they love to roll out there QB, something that gave NE fits against Oklahoma.
battle.borne Aug 14 07
Nevada fans are under no misconceptions, it will be hard to compete in Lincoln with a new QB. But our defensive front seven is quality and may cause some problems for a youngish NU dline.
I think Nevada's defense keeps the score down a bit and Keller is not able to get into a rhythm.
NV 17
NU 34