The offense had good success in controlling time of possession and moving the ball on Penn State. The Huskers kept the ball for 39:45 nearly doubling the 20:15 that Penn State used. For the third game in a row the Huskers had a hard time scoring touchdowns when deep in enemy territory. The Huskers were inside the Lions 25 yard line 7 times during the game and only scored 1 touchdown. They also made good on 4 field goals, another one blocked and turned the ball over on an interception. Outcome of scoring opportunities when inside the Lions 25-yard line. Out Come Details Percentage Touchdowns 3 Yard run (Jammal Lord) 1-7 14% Field Goals 36,35,41,32 (David Dyches) 4-7 57% Turnovers Missed FG, Lord Interception 2-7 29% The Huskers turned the ball over twice as much as they scored touchdowns from inside the Lions 25-yard line. These types of numbers must improve or the Huskers will lose to a team with a legitimate offense. Jammal Lord didn't look good again throwing the ball. He was 4 of 6 for 60 yards and 1 interception. He under threw a wide-open receiver in the end zone for an interception. This week is sure to bring out more speculation on Joe Dailey and getting him more playing time. If there were any questions before tonight who the starting I-back was for the Huskers, Davis' performance on the first drive of the second half answered them. It was a 16-play 80-yard touchdown drive. Davis ran the ball 10 times for 49 yards averaging 4.9 yards a carry on that drive. He ran with power and determination and carried the Husker down the field for their only touchdown. Jammal Lord finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. The Husker Defense turned in another good performance holding the Lions to only 10 points in the game. The Lions had 203 yards of total offense, 154 yards passing and 44 yard of rushing on 21 carries. A second quarter Jammal Lord fumble on the Huskers 29 yard line set up the Lions' only touchdown. The Lions also score on a 47-yard field goal to end the first half. For the game, the Lions only had 11 plays in Huskers territory. The Blackshirts were lead by Linebacker Barrett Ruud who had 7 tackles and 1 fumble recovery. Cornerback Fabian Washington had a strong game with 6 tackles and an interception. The Huskers have 12 days to prepare for their first road game against Southern Mississippi. They need to improve in the passing game and stop making mistakes in the red zone. More TOUCHDOWNS and less field goals should be the focus for the next game. With this being the Huskers' first road game I think a big game from the defense is key. My prediction is Nebraska 27 and Southern Mississippi 6. |
