By Erin Sorensen
Coming off an emotional win, Nebraska looks to improve and continue their path to the Big Ten Championship Game. While Northwestern is not looking like much of an threat to Nebraska, there are still things fans need to be on the lookout for.
1. Stopping Dan Persa/Kain Colter
Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa will be a good test for Nebraska’s defense. While it has been argued that Persa is not what he used to be pre-injury, he will still be a challenge for a Cornhusker defense that struggles against a mobile quarterback. If Persa is back to 100 percent, he will test Nebraska in preparation for a much more mobile quarterback like Michigan’s Denard Robinson.
What fans need to be on the lookout for against Persa is how the Nebraska front seven responds to Northwestern’s rushing offense. Right now, the Wildcats are ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten in total offense. This will put the defense in a tough spot to make big plays. If the front four can continue playing like Blackshirts, Northwestern should not be a big issue.
2. A Standout Secondary
The Nebraska secondary looked stellar against Michigan State last Saturday. It was clear that senior cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was back to his old self, while the rest of the secondary stepped up big. It was an all-around shining moment for a struggling defensive backfield.
However, the secondary has shown too many weaknesses at this point to assume it will be easy to control Northwestern’s pass game. The Wildcats’ passing offense is ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten with an average of 244 yards per game. Persa also has a 75 percent completion rate, 1,251 yards through the air and only three interceptions coming into today.
Fans will be looking for the Cornhuskers to play to the level they did last week. It will be interesting to see if the secondary can continue to earn their Blackshirts, or if Michigan State was a one-hit wonder thanks to Kirk Cousins’ immobility.
3. Clock Management
Nebraska has really stepped up in the last couple of games and taken control of the play clock. While having the ball more than their opponents, the Cornhuskers have been developing long drives that not only wear down the clock, but also typically result in points. This is a big step forward for a Nebraska offense that struggled to keep the ball for too long in 2010.
Today, the Cornhuskers need to continue that pattern of smart clock control. Long drives will keep the ball away from Northwestern and Persa. If Nebraska can continue its good habits when in possession of the ball, the score shouldn’t even be close.
4. Less Pressure on Rex Burkhead
While Nebraska fans would love to see a huge game from the junior I-Back, this would be a good week to let the workhorse rest. Coming off of cramps during the fourth quarter of the Michigan State game, Burkhead needs to save his legs for the upcoming weeks. Games against Penn State and Michigan will require him to make a lot of big plays; a game against Northwestern does not.
Keep an eye out for the younger running backs to get more playing time and experience this week. Between Aaron Green, Ameer Abdullah and Braylon Heard, Burkhead can take a break this week and let the freshman handle some of the load. Will he still be in most of the game?
Most likely, but don’t expect every ball to be handed to him. Every game matters to Bo Pelini, but this one matters a little less when looking at the big picture as far as Burkhead’s concerned.
5. An Active and Involved Crowd
Memorial Stadium was rocking against Michigan State last Saturday. Will the same Cornhusker fans show up against Northwestern? While the more hyped games, such as Ohio State and Michigan State, have brought an electric atmosphere to Memorial Stadium, it will be important to note how the crowds react to Northwestern.
If the game is a blowout, the crowd should still be involved. While Memorial Stadium is arguably classier than Camp Randall, there is something to be said about Wisconsin’s constant fan involvement. If Nebraska fans can replicate the excitement from Michigan State, it will be a big factor.
The Big Ten is full of tradition. Nebraska has theirs, but one thing that has been talked about all season for improvement is fan involvement. It has been improving greatly over the last couple of games, but it will be interesting to see how the fans treat this game. It wouldn’t hurt to get a little experience for a team that is about to step into an unfriendly Happy Valley next week.
Ultimately, Northwestern shouldn’t be much of a challenge for Nebraska. The game will provide some good growing opportunities, while also allowing some areas of the team to rest. It will be a fun game to watch, as the battle of the “NUs” takes place. Fans are guaranteed that.
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