This year's Blackshirts would've been right at home in the 90s
12 comments so far
October 20, 2009 by
There's going to be plenty of time this week to discuss the offensive woes, a potential quarterback change, Helu's "chronic" shoulder problem, and the fact that Shawn Watson, looking for any source of help, probably sent Bo through the roof by calling it that. Those, after all, are the prescient issues because Nebraska's defense is so good.
But let's take a closer look at just how good the defense has been thus far. You've no doubt already read about Nebraska's performance against Tech--lowest offensive output in three years for the Red Raiders and the fewest yards gained in a win during Mike Leach's ten years in Lubbock--but, not surprisingly nor unjustly, it was overshadowed by the loss.
Still, that game was further proof that this Nebraska defense is not just improved over last year, not just good right now, but is on pace to be historically good, ranking right up there with the halcyon Husker days of the 1990s.
Below are the ten best performances by a defense at Nebraska over the past 20 seasons, sorted by yards allowed per game. Nothing fancy, just a 13 game projection (so we'll assume the Huskers are at least going to a bowl) based on their numbers through six games thus far:
That's some fairly elite company. This year's defense would rank fifth in terms of total yards allowed and first in total points allowed over the past 20 years at Nebraska, a list that includes three national title winners, five conference champions, and an overall record of 102-12 (.897). There are only two teams on the list, 2003 and 1990, that didn't win at least a share of their most immediate championship (either Big 8 or the Big 12 North) and none of them finished ranked outside the Top 25. Need a more modern perspective? The numbers the Huskers have put up so far would rank, on average, 5.6 and 2 in the country over the past five years in total and scoring defense respectively.
Of course, this is just a projection based on what the Huskers have done to date. There's no guarantee they'll keep it up, especially when you consider that half the games those numbers are based on came against Sun Belt teams, right?
No, there is no guarantee, but the schedule, at least in terms of offensive statistics, is closer to equal than you might think. The average national rank of the offenses Nebraska has faced so far is 52.5 against 49.7 for the remaining teams, and a rank of 54.7 in scoring offense versus 50.5 for the rest of the schedule. In 2008 the Nebraska defense gave up about 40 more yards on average per game in the Big 12 than they did out of conference, which, through two conference game this year, is basically the number for 2009 too.
But enough with the numbers, what's the point, we already knew the defense was good. The point is how good. Right now this is a championship caliber defense, good enough to win any championship that's still on the table.
Which ones they win, if any, is largely up to the offense. There's a lot to be said about that side of the ball but I promised that I wouldn't at the beginning of this post so instead I'll leave you with this: Bo Pelini was hired at Nebraska to "fix" the defense and, while you never brush the dust off your hands and call the job finished, in 2009 he's more than fixed it. When you're the head coach, however, you've got both sides of the ball. What he does on offense from this point on might be remembered far longer than even an historic defense.
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Glenn Baker Oct 20 09
One phrase that kept repeating in my mind regarding your article is "Defense Wins Championships". While the national championship is out of the questions we can still win the North and possibly the Big 12. I did not use the b word but I use now- Blackshirts! They are back and they will only get better. Pelini just needs to figure out who he is as a coach which means the offensive side of the ball. Once again an excellent article.
GBR!!
Dustin Oct 20 09
Completely off topic, and I'm probably not the first to point this out, but after this weekend Phil Steele's big XII North picks seem a lot more possible.
Brandon Oct 20 09
Dustin,
Phil's picks did have a great weekend, but I'll be surprised if KSU wins another Big 12 game this season.
Dustin Oct 20 09
Agreed.
iggy Oct 20 09
What I find most surprising over the last few dasy is how down everyone is on this team after the TTU loss. It was frustrating to sit through, but it is only one game and with KU and MU both losing in addition to havign still tougher games on thier schedules I think we can all agree that the situation for NU has not changed much at all. It would have been great to win that game on Saturday but ultimately that game will not define this season unless the team lets it. We all knew coming into the season that we had inconsistency issues at WR, depth issues and RB, and a new QB that was a big unknown.
So what has changed? Our WRs are still inconsistent, our RB depth is an issue, and I think Green is going to get the nod over Zac from this point forward. We're still better off than at this point last year with arguably an easier road left.
I wouldn't be shocked if we don't lose another game to be honest.
A lot of season left to go. I came into 2009 thinking 9-10 wins + plus a shot at a Conf Title. This is still on the radar if not an easier goal given what's left.
WyHuskerFan Oct 20 09
Is it just me or do others find it incredibly sad we look forward to playing Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas State and Colorado because we feel we can win those games? What happended to the Husker faithful who looked forward to playing anyone anywhere? Fans appear to be happy with just being competitive again and taking a long view of the season. Win the North, get spanked in the conf championship, and win a trip to the "It Don't Matter bowl" again. I don't want to hear about next year, or building a program for the long haul. It's inexcusable to lose a home by 21 with the talent this team has. Six games into the season and we still can't focus! Still commit too many dumb penalties! Quit playing before the whistle blows! Have no identity to rally around. Are you kidding me. This is about coaching. You damn right the buck stops here.
James Moore Oct 20 09
I had no idea that the number stacked up that good for the defense compared to other units of the past. Not stocked with NFL players like the standout Blackshirt units of 94, 95, 96, 97 & 99 but wasn't expecting such a close statistical comparison. NOW, if we could only get our current offensive line to become a little less nice and a little more mean. Hopefully last week was their wake-up call. . .
caveman99 Oct 20 09
I think the interesting stat is that the Blackshirts are giving 40 yards per game LESS than they did for the 4 non-conference games. This D is getting stronger as the year goes on, I can't wait to see this D vs. OU and KU. Good stuff Brandon!
darren Oct 20 09
QUOTE - "But enough with the numbers, what's the point, we already knew the defense was good. The point is how good. Right now this is a championship caliber defense, good enough to win any championship that's still on the table."
(((Applause)))
Well said, sir. Very well said.
PSW Oct 20 09
Staggering numbers. I think the only thing this defense doesn't do is score touchdowns. We might need them too if were going to win any championship left on the table.
Chief's Son Oct 21 09
All great comments! Now if Bo will take the passion and zeal he has for defense, and transfer it over to the offensive line play, and demanding excellence from the quarterback/receiving corps, this team could be very, very good.
chris Oct 21 09
PSW said "...I think the only thing this defense doesn't do is score touchdowns. We might need them too if were going to win any championship left on the table."
Agreed.