Every week, the Husker Locker staff will be presented both questions addressing various aspects of that week's game.
This week:
Who is your Nebraska MVP at the midseason mark and why?
Brian: Rex Burkhead. He's been a rock for this team. He has become the leader that Ndamukong Suh once was.
Erin: I have two - One on offense and one on defense:
Offense - Rex Burkhead because he's an impact player. When he gets the ball, he makes plays. I feel confident that when given the opportunity, he will score. He's vital to our offensive scheme.
Defense - Lavonte David because he's a game changer. What he did against Ohio State sent a message about David's strengths on defense. He is a leader and he works incredibly hard to motivate others. Without him, the Ohio State game could have ended up very differently.
Greg: When I think of MVPs, I think of a player so valuable to the unit that he really can't be replaced. As great and hard working as Rex Burkhead has been, we have the personnel behind him to help. Lavonte David is the MVP of this team, due in part because of his outstanding performance, but also because of the lack of depth at the linebacker position.
Brandon: Rex Burkhead and it’s not even a contest. During a year where someone has needed to step up and take the reins as a leader, Burkhead’s done that for not only the young guns in the running back corps, but the entire team. If there’s one player that fans know will execute on Saturdays, it’s Rex.
Which player has been the biggest surprise so far?
Brian: By far, the offensive line. This was supposed to be the weak link for this team, and they have become the dependable force.
Erin: Stanley Jean-Baptise - Moving him to cornerback was brilliant. He's going to be a big star at that position.
Greg: Ameer Abdullah. Over the summer, I stated we needed to redshirt one of the freshmen running backs. I am pleased to say I was wrong. Abdullah has been nothing short of incredible, regardless whether he's returning kicks or lining up in the backfield.
Brandon: Not really a player, but the entire offensive line has been a stunner, honestly. This was an area that I believe a number of people were concerned about. The eight guys that Cotton/Garrison/Stai have been working with and rotating have been doing a fantastic job. The best part is that there’s plenty of talented youth behind these guys.
If you could only attend one more game during Nebraska’s regular season schedule, which would it be and why?
Brian: Iowa. Love the day after Thanksgiving mood that Lincoln has. Plus, the new rivalry of Iowa makes it worth while.
Erin: Nebraska at Michigan. To be in the Big House and seeing Denard Robinson live in action? Would be a pretty awesome experience. I think Michigan will be a big test for Nebraska's defense. If the Huskers can walk out of the Big House with a win, it will be a defining moment for the program.
Greg: Michigan - the team has yet to prove they can go into a hostile environment and win (Laramie doesn't really count).
Brandon: I’ve always wanted to go to The Big House for a college football game, so I’d definitely choose Nebraska/Michigan.
What does Nebraska need to do offensive and defensively to close out the regular season on a strong note?
Brian: Offensively: Keep doing what you have been doing. Not many defenses will be able to stop you, but you can stop yourself very quickly (Wisconsin).
Defensively: Find playmakers and you'll find comfort. The back seven is closer, but now they have to live without Jared Crick.This group has gotten better, but it has a ways to go. Let's hope that this bye week helped that.
Erin: What they did in the last half of the third quarter and entire quarter against Ohio State. It needs to be a consistent game of great play-calling by Beck, confidence by Martinez, speed from Burkhead, and a strong showing by the defense. It really needs to be a balanced game. If the team can channel the same passion as they did against Ohio State, this team will be pretty powerful.
Greg: Play every minute of every remaining game the way we played the last 22 mintues of the game against the Buckeyes.
Brandon: Offensively: Keep Martinez calm and take the pressure off of him. Continue to make Burkhead an integral part of things. I think we’ll see quite a bit more of the Diamond formation that we did against Ohio State. Martinez, Burkhead, Green and Abdullah is a four-headed monster that no offensive coordinator wants to try to defend against.
Defensively: Lavonte David appears to be emerging as the true leader of this defense, and he’ll continue making plays, so rallying around No. 4 seems the best idea. Rotating Rome, Moore, Randle and Steinkuhler at defensive tackle is likely needed to soften the blow of losing Crick.
Personally, I would’ve yanked Davis Santos’ redshirt by now, but halfway through the season, I don’t think that can be justified. In the secondary, Nebraska just has to keep trying to find that magical combination.
Follow the panel on Twitter:
Brandon: @HuskerLocker
Brian: @btbowling
Erin: @helloerinmarie
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