By Erin Sorensen
It has been an interesting week for Nebraska fans left feeling disappointed by the Huskers’ performance last Saturday. Fingers have been pointed, remarks have been made, and head coach Bo Pelini has made it very clear he’s tired of it. For fans, Ohio State brings a new opportunity to the table. Wisconsin is in the rear view mirror and the Buckeyes are coming to Memorial Stadium. What will fans be on the lookout for this week?
1. Smarter Play Calls
At the beginning of the season, offensive coordinator Tim Beck admitted that he is stubborn. This comment came after quarterback Taylor Martinez audibled out of the same play Beck called five times in a row. Against Washington and Wyoming, however, it appeared that Beck was beginning to play to the strengths of his quarterback and leave the stubbornness behind. Then Nebraska traveled to Wisconsin.
Beck called for Martinez to put the ball in the air nearly 15 times right before the end of the second quarter. During halftime, Beck had twenty minutes to correct the issues of the offense and get the game plan back on track. However, the first play of the third quarter was yet another pass. Nebraska’s game against Wisconsin was essentially over with 14 minutes to go in the third quarter.
Nebraska’s offensive coordinator needs to find his rhythm against Ohio State and make better decisions for his team. His biggest mistake against Wisconsin was forcing Martinez into situations that he couldn’t thrive in. Tonight, Beck needs to play smart. Fans have seen him do it before and he can certainly do it again.
2. A Dominant Defense
This season has been a tough one for supporters of the Nebraska defense. Having been spoiled by the defenses of 2009 and 2010, Husker fans were shocked when the 2011 team appeared completely unlike their predecessors. Were the players of the past really that amazing or was there something bigger happening with the 2011 defense? Regardless, it has created worry for fans.
Tonight presents an opportunity for the defense to show up on a national stage for the second straight week. While the secondary will most likely remain weak, the defensive line has a chance to take advantage of a weak Ohio State offensive line. Nebraska needs be aggressive up front, allowing Ohio State to put the ball in the air as little as possible.
If Ohio State does get passes off, the secondary will need to step up and begin to make plays. Tonight’s homecoming matchup against the Buckeyes is a major test for the struggling defense. A strong showing is not only important to the fans, but very much so to the team and its future.
3. Confidence by Taylor Martinez
It has been nothing short of a rough week for Martinez. Both the media and fans have been relentless in criticizing the sophomore quarterback. However, one thing did not change through it all – the team’s support of their quarterback. Offensive lineman Yoshi Hardrick defended Taylor publically to news reporters and over Twitter. An account was even created by fans called @We_For_3. Players began tweeting out in support, saying Martinez was their guy and that they would stand by him.
Tonight is a new night for Martinez. Fans and media are irrelevant come the first snap versus the Buckeyes. This isn’t a make or break scenario for Martinez unless he makes it one. Confidence will come from the support of his team. Will Martinez break under pressure? That is for him to ultimately decide.
4. No Turnovers
Turnovers have killed Nebraska this season. Whether it was the three picks Martinez had against Wisconsin or the unnecessary fumbles due to poor ball management prior to the Huskers’ trip to Madison, they’ve all forced unnecessary suffering. Turnovers are uncalled for, and Nebraska is severely struggling with this issue. Good teams like Wisconsin will advantage of that weakness every time.
Whether it takes Martinez throwing less or coaching more heavily on the importance of ball management, this issue has to be addressed. It has been a concern since the 2010 season, which is far too long for a problem like this to linger. Nebraska fans will be looking for players to step up and hold onto the ball. Handing over possession can destroy an otherwise solid game. Both the team and fans are going waiting anxiously for the little mistakes to vanish.
5. Recovery from Wisconsin
It’s time to heal, Husker fans. Nebraska lost to Wisconsin 48-17, but it’s a new day. The matchup with the Badgers means nothing when the Cornhuskers and Buckeyes take the field tonight. Ultimately, this game provides the ability to recover, both on the national stage and at home. Once again in ABC’s primetime game, Nebraska has an opportunity to step up to the plate. If the team can put out an effort similar to their outing against Washington, this game provide a badly needed morale boost.
As for fans, it is time to support. Whether a fan of Taylor Martinez or not, it’s about supporting the team when the going gets tough. No one said tonight would be easy (but Ohio State’s suspended players sure help), so it is important for the fans to step up their game, too. Tonight is a team effort on all sides – coaches, players, and fans. Will Nebraska stand together in all kinds of weather? Only tonight will tell.
With five games under their belt, Husker fans have a lot of positives to look forward to against Ohio State. Will it turn out the way fans are hoping? If Bo Pelini has his way, you’d better believe it.
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