The Husker Locker staff will be presented a number of questions addressing various aspects of each week's game all season long.
This week:
Following Nebraska’s Blackshirt-quality performance against Michigan State, what are you specifically looking for from this unit against Northwestern?
Brian: We need to watch to make sure the dual-threats of Persa and Kain Colter. Persa is the better thrower, Colter is the running threat. Nebraska will not be able to do many things they did last week, like stunting and the all-standing rush that made Cousins look so helpless. Northwestern is a team that makes you play all four quarters. They can be tamed, but there needs to be an effort as good as last week’s.
Erin: I'd like to see exactly what we saw against Michigan State. Between Lavonte David and Aflonzo Dennard switching into "Beast Mode," I think the defense just needs to follow suit. It may be Northwestern, but this is a good opportunity to keep improving. November isn't the month to slack off. This team knows that.
James: Specifically, I am looking for Nebraska's defense to contain, while pressuring, Dan Persa. Despite being hampered by his Achilles' injury and turf toe, he's been completing 75.5% of his passes.
He actually broke a few decent runs against Indiana. With Northwestern's defense being so bad against the run, I'm not worried about the result. Consider this a tune up for the Blackshirts before they face the most dangerous running quarterback they'll see this season, Michigan's Denard Robinson.
Brandon: With Northwestern’s best running back out of the picture, the biggest potential problem is at quarterback. Dan Persa is one of the Big Ten’s most accurate passers, and while hobbled, he can still juke and jive. Kain Colter’ll do in a pinch, but he’s no Persa.
Up front, I’d like to see the defensive ends correct the over pursuit issues they’ve been having against mobile quarterbacks. Even if they don’t take Persa down, they’ll likely slow him up enough where Lavonte David, Will Compton or a Peso back can clean up.
Compton played his best game of the year last week. It’s time to build on that and be a legitimate threat in the middle forcing Persa to the outside where he’ll deal with speedy linebackers and defensive backs if the ends miss.
The secondary’s going to be truly tested, especially if/when the front four can’t get to Persa soon enough. Dennard looks to be back to his old self which should help immensely. If Baptiste/Green/Evans can assist he and Stafford, the Blackshirt secondary should have another solid outing.
How do you feel regarding the possibility of an emotional letdown after such a big win for the Huskers?
Brian: I’m worried about it. This is a trap game, with the big two-game roadtrip staring this team in the face. Northwestern can be scored on, and they are not the best road team. Getting on the Wildcats early and often would be the best thing for the home team.
Erin: I would be more worried about it if we were about to face Penn State of Michigan. Northwestern won't be a huge challenge for Nebraska, so being a little emotionally drained won't be a terrible thing. Last Saturday was a big win and it did take a lot out of our team, but I think they now have their eyes on the prize. I don't forsee Northwestern being an issue.
James: I've heard this several times over the years with Bo Pelini teams, and as far as I can recall, we've never suffered a letdown game loss. I think this game will be closer than people imagine.
Northwestern will score some points against the Blackshirts and take off that lusty shine after they shut down the Spartans last week. I think Bo has the team focused, and really not looking too far forward to Happy Valley.
Brandon: The worry’s always there, but the biggest thing that the Cornhuskers have going for them is that this game is in Lincoln. If it were in Evanston, I’d be more concerned, but with the home team behind them to reinforce positive energy, I think that Nebraska will be able to bounce back from any early mistakes.
If Persa’s giving the secondary trouble in the first half, look for the screws to tighten quickly in the second. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see some early blitzing before backing off just to keep Persa on his toes.
Do you feel that Rex Burkhead gets more rest this week following his 35-carry performance against Michigan State?
Brian: I hope so, you need him the last month of the season. Braylon Heard and the Ameer/Green combo had better be ready for touches. This game needs to be one where we get a big lead and rest some players that need it (Rex, Yoshi, Caputo, Kyler Reed).
Erin: He'd better. Northwestern doesn't have much to speak of in terms of a defense, so this is the perfect opportunity to give the younger backs some playing experience. We're going to need Rex at full-strength against Penn State and Michigan, so a lighter load this week for 'Superman' would be a good thing.
James: They'll try to keep him to 20 carries or so, but I'm afraid Nebraska is going to need to score a lot of points this week. Hopefully with Northwestern's tendency to give up some bigger runs and chunks of yardage, he won't need quite as many hard fought carries between the tackles.
That said, with 30-40 MPH winds expected in Lincoln, and Northwestern's lack of running defense - expect Rex and the I-Backs to carry the load.
Brandon: I do. I think he’ll go out and perform the way he always does. He’ll likely rack up 75-100 yards and a touchdown or three, but I’d expect his carries to be closer to 20-25. The younger backs should see plenty of snaps, especially Abdullah and Green.
Who’s your pick for surprise contributor for the game?
Brian: Jamal Turner. Sitting last week for “not practicing hard enough” and letting Tim Marlowe go by him has to light a fire under the young man. This isn’t high school. You need to work hard every day to become a go to man. Nebraska’s leading receiver needs to be on the field, and needs to be a player down the stretch.
Erin: I've said this before, but I'm saying it again: Brandon Kinnie. Kinnie has been wanting a big game all season, and Northwestern's defense, or lack there of, should allow the opportunity to put the ball in the air.
Northwestern has a weak secondary, so if the receivers can run solid routs and get open, there is no reason the ball can't go to them a few times. Give Burkhead a break, throw to Kinnie. Could see some big numbers for the wide receivers if the offense chooses to take advantage of the weak Northwestern secondary.
James: I like true freshman I-Back Aaron Green to have a breakout game with some big carries. The line is going to open huge holes, and with the emphasis on having Burkhead take fewer hits in the build up to facing the Penn State defense next week, Aaron is going to get a bunch of shots this week, and will take advantage of them.
Brandon: It sounds like Jamal Turner is back in coach Fisher’s good graces, so I’m going to say that No. 10 gets involved more in the offensive this week. It’d behoove Nebraska to do this as they’re going to need some sleight of hand during their trips to Happy Valley and Ann Arbor.
I wouldn’t say that Turner will go out and have 150 yards and three touchdowns, but I’m looking more for how he’s used. It wouldn’t shock me to see him carrying the football on a reverse instead of Tim Marlowe or maybe off of a pitch from Marlowe on a double-reverse.
