Huskers Should Know Areas to Improve
4 comments so far
September 10, 2008 by
I don't have any pretty charts this week or any interesting statistics that tell the tale of what made this game. It was pretty obvious Niles Paul's return for a touchdown jump started the Huskers, and the defense stood tall when they were needed. Being fortunate enough to see the game in person this week, I have some observations that tell more about the game than the final statistics. First statement: we would not be discussing the perceived weaknesses of this team had the 1st and 4th quarters been switched.
What made the fourth quarter so powerful was the playmakers. This game was all about getting the ball into the hand of the guys who can do something about it. Or in the case of Suh, taking the ball out of the hands of the offense.
Unfortunately, our number one playmaker, Joe Ganz, was just “off.� It should not be all on Ganz to make the game happen, but it is his job to make sure someone else gets the ball. It's on Bo Pelini to realize that the Ganz was having his rhythm interrupted and game plan accordingly. Get a quick slant to Swift, screen pass to Helu, or run a reverse to Niles Paul. Pelini may need to think about running one of those types of plays early in the game to get a positive tone set right away.
On offense, our tone was set for us on our first drive. A sack, penalty, incomplete pass, sack then punt to give them good field position is not the way a first drive should end. Once they got the ball, our defensive bend, don't break, strategy didn't have enough room to give. San Jose State was just daring us to stop the inside handoff that was working for them throughout the game.
One thing more than anything was obvious to me: Helu should be the starting running back next week against New Mexico State. He's been explosive and dynamic on every down. He looks like he's trying to find the end zone every time he gets the ball. Niles Paul is the same way. His quickness needs to be utilized in a screen package or reverse along with being our number one kick/punt returner. (Can he throw the ball? Do we need a trick play in our back pocket for some of our Big 12 opponents?) We need to get Swift the ball out into the flats or open field and let him make the plays. Taking as much pressure off Joe as we can is the best way to see our offensive numbers explode.
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JBLING22 Sep 10 08
I actually disagree with you that Helu should be starting this game vs New Mexico State.. Yes he might be the best overall back at this point, he looks great in the open field.. But have you ever actually watched a 3-3-5 played, its all about speed, Its a defense for people whom can't find enough big man, that means there will be a bunch of fast guys running backs down ( I Hope Im wrong, but its usually the case).. While Helu is the fastest and best back on the outside... This running game is going to be all about power and I think you have to give that one to **GASP** Castille or Lucky..
Dwayne Sep 10 08
Helu has shown me more signs of explosiveness and power in the few carries that he's garnered and I think he may have more quickness than either of the other two. I would've loved to see Helu or even Lucky for that matter, get that option play. I like the combination of a couple of backs but one guy to me seems to need to get the majority of carries. There were a lot of plays that USC ran for Bush a few years ago that got him out in space which is how I would like to see Lucky utilized. I'm no coach but how can what many people see during a game appear to be disregarded with the I backs? And I like Marion Lucky a lot. Sorry Marlon, had to do it.
JBLING22 Sep 10 08
Theres no doubt that running game has to improve, but we also have to remember that in an offense such as this, you have to take what they give you... If teams consistently want to stack 8-10 guys in the box your not going to be able to run and therefore have to pass... With that being said I'm more worried about our pass blocking at this point, the real reason for the 8 guys in the box.......
tom Sep 11 08
I'd rather be able to outrun our opponents than crash right through them. In addition to being fast enough, Helu has proven that he is just as strong as any back because he has shaken off tackles that I've seen Lucky bounce out of bounds to avoid. It's not just about pure strength, but being able to shrug and shimmy through a pile or brick wall. Helu is the same size as Lucky with less top speed, but just as much acceleration. And I don't care how big or strong Castille is, what is the point if he can't hold onto the ball?