This week, the Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on the undefeated Oklahoma State Cowboys. This game is very important for both schools. For Nebraska, putting the Texas game behind them is essential. They need to get back into the win column as a loss here really could damage the mentality of this team. Oklahoma State on the other hand, is coming off a decisive win over the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. This will be Okie State's first "real" test. I'm sure Mike Gundy is using the fact that Nebraska has a loss, yet is still ranked higher than them as motivation. That's all fine and dandy, but when that ball gets kicked off, all of that stuff gets kicked out of the window. It's all about playing good football and executing at that point. With that said, here's the breakdown of the game.
Nebraska when they Pass:
Nebraska is coming off a game in which they really didn't get it done through the air. That was against the very good secondary of Texas. But if you watched the game you would've seen that opportunities were there. They dropped 8 balls and at least 4, did you get that, AT LEAST FOUR touchdown passes. Nebraska will not make those mistakes this week. As I said earlier in the week, I'd be surprised if the Husker receivers drop more than 2 passes in this game.
Statistically, Okie State ranks 114th in Pass defense, allowing 280 yards a game. To put that in perspective, there's only 6 teams allowing more yards than this defense. OSU has allowed 13 touchdown passes, while grabbing 8 interceptions. On the line, Nebraska has been a pretty consistent pass blocking team allowing 8 sacks this year. Oklahoma State is 42nd in the nation with 15 sacks.
Nebraska is definitely not the most efficient team when throwing the ball. Taylor Martinez still has a long ways to go as a passer after being benched by Bo Pelini and company. Nebraska's receivers haven't really stepped up this year and solidified themselves as a group. Individually, nobody has stepped up and adopted the role as the playmaker. I do believe they need to get Mike McNeil involved a lot more in the offense.
Nebraska will be able to throw the ball successfully if they have a running game and can throw off play-action. They're not going to line up 4 or 5 wide, throw the ball every down, and beat you. In fact, they wont even try. If Nebraska falls behind, they'll be in trouble. If they run the ball successfully or even somewhat successfully, they'll be able to pass the ball.
Edge: Nebraska(assuming they can run).
Nebraska Will They Run:
Nebraska has one of the top rushing offenses in the nation. And again, they're coming off a game in which they struggled. So I'm sure the coaches made it a point of emphasis this week in practice. I'm interested to see how Shawn Watson adjusts to the defense because Texas all but wrote the blueprint on how to stop this running game. Oklahoma State doesn't have the athletes that Texas has, but if you're a good enough coach your game plan and how you scheme will go a long way.
On paper, Okie State isn't a slouch when defending the run ala Kansas State or Washington. They rank 36th versus the run. Nebraska averages 302.2 yards per game, good for 4th in the country. I'd like to see Nebraska good to more of a traditional running game instead of heavily running the zone read. Or maybe, if the Zone Read just isn't working, don't force the issue like they did against Texas last week. Something else worth watching, does Taylor Martinez fumble this week? He really needs to do a better job of protecting the ball. It's simple fundamentals.
All in all, I don't expect Oklahoma State to be able to stop Nebraska for 4 quarters.
Edge: Nebraska
Oklahoma State when they Pass:
Oklahoma State comes into this game with one of the best passing offenses in College Football. Lead by 27 year old, Brandon Weeden and Sophmore receiver Justin Blackmon, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have the 3rd ranked pass offense averaging 361 yards per game. The aforementioned Justin Blackmon leads all receivers with 57 receptions for 955 yards, and an impressive 12 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Oklahoma State is the Nebraska pass defense is among the top defenses in several categories. They allow the least amount of yards at 117 per game. They're 2nd in the country in allowed completion percentage. Their tied for 2nd in touchdowns allowed with 4. They're tied for 3rd in passes picked off with 11.
Nebraska has plenty of talent through out the secondary. Prince Amukamara and Alfonzo Dennard are the best pair of corners in the country in my opinion. Their do it all secondary mates Dejon Gomes and Eric Hagg are also very good in coverage. And Freshman Ciante Evans has had his moments and earned praise from coach Bo Pelini.
Pass rush wise, I don't expect Nebraska to get much pressure on Brandon Weeden because, well, they don't apply much pressure on anybody. I don't expect them to blitz much because Oklahoma State's offense is pretty dangerous.
Oklahoma State is too good to not have their moments. Even with that though, I believe Nebraska's secondary will be too much and will get the better of them more often than not.
Edge: Nebraska
Oklahoma State when they Run:
I've always been a fan of Kendall Hunter for awhile. I've thought he was underrated for awhile, but he appears to be getting his due now as a Senior. This year, he's rushed for 100 yards in every game, but one against Tulsa. He had 11 carries and averaged 5.4 yards. Oklahoma State won that game 65-28. Kendall Hunter has 830 yards, with an average 6.1 yards, 10 touchdowns.
It's been well documented that Nebraska struggles with the run. They stopped Daniel Thomas because they keyed on him and Kansas State couldn't beat them with the pass like Oklahoma State can. Nebraska will not be able to focus all of their attention on Kendall Hunter like they did Daniel Thomas. Nebraska ranks 73rd in rush defense. They have a lot of problems stopping a team when they run right at them. Nebraska must play within the scheme, avoid breakdowns, and correct the tackling issue that they had last week when the missed, by Bo's count, 28 tackles.
In all, I believe Okie State's rushing attack will be too much to stop consistently. Kendall Hunter will force you to miss tackles and the fact that Nebraska's defenders really can't commit on stopping the run will allow Hunter to have running room.
Edge: Oklahoma State
Prediction:
As I said last week, I don't think Oklahoma State can match the focus and intensity that Nebraska will display today. Nebraska will be ready to redeem themselves on the road, which is convenient because they play better on the road. Nebraska wins this one, 34 - 24.
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