The Husker Offense started the game off very conservative with more rushing plays than pass plays and when they did pass it was in the 5 to 10 yard area. When they did finally challenge the Maine defense, Taylor connected with WR Frantz Hardy on a 73 yard reception that led to 3 points. For the day, Hardy had 7 receptions for 152 yards. Taylor finished the game going 15 of 36 passing for 192 yards. Before you say it I know what you're thinking, those numbers don't look any better than Joe Daily's last year. The numbers do look very similar but that is the only thing, Zac has a better command of the offense and throws a better ball. The Husker receivers dropped quite a few balls that hit them in the hands and the Maine defensive line was able to bat some balls down at the line of scrimmage. Taylor looked good and expect him to only get better as he gets more game playing time in this offense. RB Cory Ross was the team's leading rusher with 93 yards on 20 carries. He also scored the team's only offensive touchdown. Ross also had 2 costly fumbles that in a bigger game could cost us the game. Ross needs to protect the football better. If he continues to put the ball on the ground look for Callahan to sit him. WR Terrence Nunn was a breath of fresh air on special teams. He looked very comfortable returning punts for the Huskers. Nunn retuned 4 punts for an impressive 135 yards that's an average of 34 yards a punt, much better than the 6 yard average of last season. Just like last year, the turnover bug reared its ugly head. With 5 turnovers, in total 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions, the Huskers made the game look closer than it really was. Two of those turnovers occurred inside Maine's 5 yard line and the Huskers dropped 2 key passes also inside Maine's 5 yard line. The score was close for the majority of the game, but at no time did it seem that Maine would be able to win the game. With the exception of a 52 yard touchdown pass, the Maine Bears never penetrated deeper than the Husker 44 yard line. The Husker's defensive line dominated the Maine Bears. They racked up 11 sacks for 69 yards in losses, which left Maine with only 6 yards of rushing offense for the game. LB Bo Ruud was my player of the game. Bo recorded 5 tackles and half of a sack, but more impressive was the 27 yard interception he had for a touchdown to put the game away in the fourth quarter. Keep your eye on this kid; he looks like a good one. Next weekend the Wake Forest Demon Deacons come to Lincoln. They lost a close game to Vanderbilt this weekend 24 to 20. The Demon Deacons are going to be looking to get back on track with a win over the Huskers. With good defensive play, and if the Huskers can eliminate the costly turnovers, look for the Huskers to record their second win of the season. The Husker's offense should continue to improve. I predict Huskers 27 and Wake Forest 17. |
