Linebacker Demorrio Williams had another impressive performance recording 10 tackles and 2 sacks making his sack total for the year 6. Linebacker Barrett Ruud had 6 tackles, 1 sack and forced a fumble. Safety Josh Bullucks made another interception making it 5 interceptions for the year. Cornerback Fabian Washington had both an interception and a fumble recovery. The Blackshirts held the Trojans to only 150 total yards for the game. With the exception of a Cornhusker fumble with less than a minute to go in the game the Trojans only crossed the 50-yard line 2 times with the deepest penetration being the 45-yard line of Nebraska. The Blackshirts only allowed 150 yards of total offense showing that the defense is deserving of their number 1 ranking. The Cornhuskers offense started the game off slow only scoring 3 points the first 4 times they were inside the Trojans' 30-yard line. David Dyches missed 2 field goals both deflecting off the right upright. Quarterback Jammal Lord completed 7 of 12 passing with 1 interception for a 53% completion rate. Quarterback Joe Dailey in late relief went 2 for 3 passing and 1 touchdown for a 66% completion rate. The Cornhuskers threw for 160 yards with Tight End Matt Herian accounting for 110 of those yards. Harian made 3 receptions, the longest for 77 yards and a 21-yard touchdown reception from Joe Dailey. The Cornhuskers used 10 different players to rush the ball for a total of 195 rushing yards. Lord led the team in rushing with 72 yards and 2 touchdowns. Josh Davis was the leading I-Back rushing for 38 yards and I-Back Cory Ross rushed for 16 yards and a touchdown. Frank Solich and Barney Cotton seem determined to stay with Jammal Lord at Quarterback no matter how many mistakes he makes or how bad he throws the ball. This means the defense is going to have to play lights out for the rest of the year. Barney Cotton is also going to have to find new and innovated ways to get others involved in the offense. With the Big 12 schedule getting underway the Cornhuskers need to feature one back. I-Back Josh Davis showed in the Penn State game that he has the skills and toughness to handle the job. Josh needs the majority of the carries if he is ever to get into the rhythm of the game. The Cornhuskers will be visiting the Missouri Tigers and will try to win their second road game this year. The keys for victory for the Cornhuskers are: 1. Most important they must establish the run with Josh Davis. He needs to get 25 to 30 touches during the game. 2. The Cornhusker defense must contain Missouri Quarterback Brad Smith and limit the number of big plays. 3. The Cornhuskers must win the turnover battle. 4. The Cornhuskers need to win the Special Teams battle. 5. Quarterback Jammal Lord must complete 3 to 5 passes when needed. I believe the Cornhusker defense will have a big day against the Tigers. Look for Demorrio Williams to have a big day and add to his sack total for the year. The Cornhusker defense could even score off a turnover. Josh Davis will run for over a hundred yards and have a big game. Jammal Lord will also have at least one hundred yards rushing and be proficient passing the ball. My prediction is Nebraska 34 Missouri 12. |
