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The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 12:07:43 PM

Title: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 12:07:43 PM
Five burning questions heading into Illinois week

1. What is the status of Jaimes?
Saturday’s win over Northern Illinois was a shot in the arm for Nebraska, but it came at an expense.

Starting left tackle Brenden Jaimes, whose 23 consecutive starts are the longest of any current Husker, left the game in the third quarter with an apparent right leg injury.

Frost would not disclose any further information on Jaimes’s status, but the injury was severe enough that Jaimes laid on the turf for several minutes and had to be helped to the locker room by NU trainers.

Sophomore Broc Bando took over at left tackle to finish the game and held his own, and if Jaimes is unable to play this week at Illinois, Bando would be in line to make his first career start in just his third career appearance.

2. What is the status of Taylor-Britt?
Nebraska suffered another big blow on the defensive side of the ball when playmaking sophomore Cam Taylor-Britt, who got the start at safety in place of the injured Deontai Williams, went down with an apparent shoulder injury in the second quarter.

Like Jaimes, Taylor-Britt was down on the field a long time before heading straight for the locker room. He eventually returned to the sideline without a helmet but did not see the field again.

Given that Taylor-Britt moved to a No. 1 safety spot due to Williams’ injury, the Huskers’ depth at the position suddenly becomes a looming concern entering Big Ten Conference play.

Senior Eric Lee Jr., who initially replaced Williams in the opener and started at Colorado, will likely get the call opposite Marquel Dismuke should Taylor-Britt miss any game time. After that, walk-on Eli Sullivan – who has played well in his opportunities – would be in line for a big jump in playing time.


3. Will McCallum get the nod at kicker?
With sophomore Barret Pickering out with an undisclosed injury, Nebraska’s placekicking situation has been an adventure over the first three weeks, to say the least.

Senior punter Isaac Armstrong got the start at kicker for the second straight game on Saturday, but after two blocked field goals and a blocked extra point, the Huskers went even further down their bench to find a replacement.

Sophomore walk-on defensive back Lane McCallum, who was a scholarship kicker at Air Force in 2017, came in and connected on all three of his PATs and looked pretty capable in the process.

Frost praised the former Norfolk (Neb.) standout after the game and said McCallum would continue to get more opportunities at kicker going forward.

It remains to be seen how close Pickering is to returning to action, but if he’s forced to miss a fourth-straight game this week, could McCallum take over as the new starter?

McCallum was an All-State kicker for Norfolk H.S. as a senior and holds the school’s record for points scored in a career (354), making 120-of-123 extra points and 20-of-31 field goals.

4. Has Nebraska found a running game?
One of the biggest issues Nebraska’s offense had through the first two games was the inability to establish any sort of consistent running game.

While the Huskers had a few big perimeter runs, they had gotten nothing in terms of grinding out yards between the tackles. The Northern Illinois game was a good step in the right direction, though.

Behind a career-night from Dedrick Mills (11 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown), NU rushed for a season-high 238 yards and four touchdowns on 7.2 yards per carry on Saturday.

There were still the big plays on the outside, but Nebraska’s interior rushing was much better. Overall, the Huskers had 11 carries between the tackles for 104 yards (9.4 ypc), three first downs, and a touchdown.

Mills’ emergence definitely helped in that regard, and the offense needs to continue to thrive in the power run game going forward.


5. Did Frost rediscover his aggressiveness?
One of the more interesting comments Frost made after the Northern Illinois win had to do with his admission that, for whatever reason, he may have lost some of his aggressiveness as a play-caller in the first two games.

“We preach to the guys - and maybe I needed to get the lesson from outside and from my assistant coaches last week - we preach a desire to excel and no fear of failure all the time, and if we want the players to be that way, we need to be that way as coaches,” Frost said.

“That means calling what we need to call, rolling the dice, letting them play, being aggressive. That’s the way I want our team to think.”

It was an encouraging sign of introspection for Frost, as it showed that he saw what many Husker fans had noticed in Nebraska not attacking enough offensively to put opponents away.

Other teams had started to pick up on it too, as ESPN college football analyst Adam Rittenberg tweeted on Sunday that other coaches had told him “they’ve noticed a lack of aggressiveness from Frost as a play-caller.”
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: MarqHusker on September 16, 2019, 03:45:40 PM
Night game?  Not going now.
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: Hawkinole on September 16, 2019, 03:53:37 PM
Despite this past Saturday's performance, Illinois is a much better team than they have been in years. Nebraska better be prepared.
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 03:56:31 PM
Night game?  Not going now.
the 7pm kick was a bit late for me last Saturday in Lincoln.

Had planned to sleep on the daughter's couch (that's why I didn't reserve a hotel), but she had friends show up and there would have been a group of 20 somethings sharing her small livingroom, so I drove home after the game.  Got back about 2:35 and to sleep about 3am.

tough on an old guy
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 03:58:40 PM
Despite this past Saturday's performance, Illinois is a much better team than they have been in years. Nebraska better be prepared.
Illinois scored 35 last season in Lincoln.  I'm thinking and still hoping the Husker defense has improved.  Especially vs the run.

this game might be an indicator
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 04:07:23 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEmIfieWsAA5Dic.jpg)
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 05:45:52 PM
The Matchup

Nebraska opens Big Ten Conference play on Saturday night with the Huskers traveling to Champaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. The prime-time tilt at Illinois' Memorial Stadium is set to kick off shortly after 7 p.m. CT, with national television coverage on BTN and radio coverage available on the Husker Sports Network from Learfield-IMG.

Nebraska and Illinois have a history of opening league play against each other. Since their first meeting as Big Ten opponents in 2013, the Huskers have opened conference play against Illinois four times in seven seasons. Nebraska is 5-1 against the Illini since joining the Big Ten Conference.

Series History
Nebraska holds a 12-3-1 all-time edge in the series, including a 3-2-1 record in games played at Illinois.

Nebraska is 5-1 against the Fighting Illini since joining the Big Ten, with the lone setback a 14-13 loss in 2015. Nebraska's five wins have come by an average of 21.4 points.

One of Nebraska's memorable victories in the series occurred on Oct. 3, 1925, a 14-0 Nebraska win in Champaign. It was the only time in Red Grange's Illinois career that he was held scoreless in a home game.

Huskers Set to Open Big Ten Conference Action
Nebraska begins its ninth season of Big Ten Conference action on Saturday night in Champaign. The game marks the fourth time Nebraska has opened Big Ten play against Illinois


Huskers Looking for Win No. 900
Nebraska will be looking to reach a major milestone on Saturday night at Illinois. A victory over the Fighting Illini would be win No. 900 in program history.

The Huskers would join just four other programs in the 900-win club. The other current members of that club include Michigan (955), Ohio State (914), Texas (911), Alabama (908). Notre Dame and Oklahoma also sit at 899 victories. Notre Dame plays at Georgia this Saturday, while Oklahoma does not play this week.

Nebraska has reached its last two milestone victories on the road with win No. 800 coming at Kansas State in 2006 (21-3) and win No. 700 also in Manhattan in 1996 (39-3).
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 16, 2019, 05:58:37 PM
Nebraska preparing for a new-look Illinois this week
Illinois’ identity on both sides of the ball has been constantly evolving under head coach Lovie Smith, and that’s not a good thing.

Whether it’s firing coordinators, changing schemes, or adjusting around player personnel, the Fighting Illini have been a totally different team in their last three meetings with Nebraska under Smith.

That will be the case once again on Saturday, as Frost said Illinois had made some dramatic changes on both sides of the ball since the Huskers’ 54-35 win in Lincoln last November.

"I think they've changed quite a bit,” Frost said. “Last year we saw Cover 2 and man coverage. They're playing a little more quarters and versions of quarters and mixing in (Cover) 3 and man and still playing a bit of 2. They're doing a good job of disrupting and re-routing receivers to keep guys from getting down the middle of the field…

“Offensively, they've put up quite a few points. The running back (Reggie Corbin) is a really good player, I'm impressed with him. They have some really good people around him. We have to be ready to go on the road and have a big test."
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 17, 2019, 02:24:40 PM
Chinander  said Nebraska's defensive players have embraced creating turnovers. NU has nine takeaways this year, which leads the Big Ten and is three ahead of the next best total.
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 17, 2019, 10:43:33 PM
There’s confidence among bettors and sports books that Nebraska football has turned the corner as the Huskers enter Big Ten play on Saturday at Illinois.

The Huskers opened as 7.5-point favorites according to the Circa Sports book in Las Vegas, but that number had quickly climbed to 10.5 points as of Monday morning. By Monday evening, the line was favoring the Huskers by 13 points.

Illinois and Nebraska will be coming into Saturday’s game on very different trajectories. The Huskers finished off Northern Illinois on Saturday night in Lincoln, running to a 44-8 win over the Huskies that was never really in doubt. Illinois comes into Saturday night’s matchup in Champaign off a a 34-31 loss to Eastern Michigan at home.


Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: 847badgerfan on September 18, 2019, 12:05:05 PM
https://twitter.com/sryantribune/status/1173370339159617537
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: MarqHusker on September 18, 2019, 12:08:11 PM
I'm still not driving over to Champaign.   Stoopid night game. 
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 18, 2019, 01:06:45 PM
https://twitter.com/sryantribune/status/1173370339159617537

UNL should give cheap tickets to students when possible
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 19, 2019, 03:26:25 PM
>> Context-free quote of the week from Frost: "I'm a dinosaur."
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: ELA on September 20, 2019, 09:47:55 AM


Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-1) at Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1)
8:00 - Champaign, IL - BTN
Nebraska had the type of bounceback performance they needed last week, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.  But this game is absolutely no fun.  Illinois isn't good, but they have more talent than a team that just lost to Eastern Michigan, it's on the road, under the lights.  Granted, Nebraska fans always travel well, and Illinois is giving out free tickets.  Just how pro-Illini the crowd is is TBD.  Illinois' defense has been slightly better so far this year, but I'd expect a heavy bend but don't break appraoch against a Cornhusker team that has struggled big time in the kicking game to start the year.  The Huskers have used three kickers, and they've combined to miss 4 of 6 field goals, with a long of 36, and only one attempt longer than that.  They have a missed PAT for good measure.  There's been no word that Barret Pickering is healthy yet, but the addition of walk-on Matt Waldoch from the school's CLUB soccer team this week is probably a bad sign.  I'm most interested in seeing what's real in the matchup between Illinois' run offense vs. Nebraska's run defense.  A year ago the Illini were #6 in the nation a 6.1 ypc, this year so far they are #9 JUST IN THE CONFERENCE, at 4.2 ypc, against terrible competition.  I'd only expect that to go down.  Conversely, Nebraska's run defense was horrible last year, #109 in the nation allowing 5.1 ypc, but so far this year, just 2.2 ypc, 8th best nationally.  So what is for real?  Nebraska's run defense probably isn't what it's been so far, but it's clearly improved, but Illinois' inability to run the ball is legitimately concerning.  Against a UConn team that had probably the worst defense ever last year, Illinois mustered just 3.7 ypc, and picked up 50 yards on one play from the backup RB, so just 2.4 ypc otherwise.  Granted they were playing that game without Reggie Corbin.  He returned against Eastern Michigan and reeled off 144 yards on 18 carries (8.0 ypc).  The issue is that nobody else is stepping up, and Brandon Peters is not a running threat at the quarterback spot, as A.J. Bush Jr. was last year.  Last year the Illini had three running backs who each had 60+ carries, and each averaged 5.5 ypc+, plus a quarterback who ran for 733 yards in just 8 complete games.  This year, Corbin is back, but Dre Brown, Ra'Von Bonner and Mike Epstein have failed to fill out that stable, and Peters doesn't require a spy.  The Husker pass defense is still suspect, allowing the most yards per game, 2nd most per attempt, but have compensated with 5 interceptions, 2 more than any other Big Ten team.  Brandon Peters' pass efficiency has been solid.  SMall sample size, but he's 6th in the Big Ten, ahead of guys like Shea Patterson, Nate Stanley, Brian Lewerke and Josh Jackson.  I think he helps them stay in the game, but Nebraska pulls out a win in a sneaky tough environment.
NEBRASKA 31, ILLINOIS 26

Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 20, 2019, 09:55:25 AM
nice work

I hope it's not this close

don't need this to come down to a FG
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 21, 2019, 08:36:14 AM



Good Story
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 21, 2019, 08:52:00 AM
Marquee matchup
NU's run defense against Illinois junior Reggie Corbin

Nebraska hasn’t allowed more than 89 rushing yards overall in any of its first three games, while Corbin rushed 18 times for 144 last week against Eastern Michigan and enters play averaging 7.5 per carry for the year. Corbin was off to a great start against the Huskers last year — 59 rushing yards and 34 receiving in less than two quarters — before he was injured. Can Nebraska do a better job of containing the standout this time around?
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 21, 2019, 09:16:03 AM
Program win No. 900 and the first road victory in almost two years are in the Huskers’ sights as they square off Saturday night against Illinois.
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 12:13:44 AM
SAFETY
Marquel Dismuke, Nebraska
Nebraska got another victory on the heels of strong coverage, limiting Illinois to just a 49.5 passer rating as a team. Dismuke played an integral part in the win as he didn’t allow a single reception on four targets as the primary defender and came away with three pass breakups. He made seven solo tackles, five defensive stops and didn’t miss a single tackle.


Second-Team CB: Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

(https://media.pff.com/2019/09/Week-4-National-TOTW-Defense.png)
Title: Re: Nebraska (2-1) vs Illinois (2-1) Game Week
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 10:52:49 AM
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson was honored as the Big Ten's Freshman of the Week Monday, as he accounted for 186 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in Nebraska's 42-38 win over Illinois.

Robinson hauled in eight catches for 79 yards and two scores while also rushing 19 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. The Frankfort, Ky., native set season bests in rushing and receiving yards and scored the first three touchdowns of his career.

Robinson caught touchdown passes of 27 and three yards, as Nebraska rallied from four 14-point deficits, while he scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 8:00 remaining.

Monday's award marks the fifth time a Husker has won the weekly freshman award under Scott Frost,
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 11:35:39 AM
https://twitter.com/i/status/1175574593764917253
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: 847badgerfan on September 23, 2019, 11:43:51 AM
Lovie actually came out and said that his defense was playing better. He is delusional, at best.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: MarqHusker on September 23, 2019, 12:05:05 PM
Their DL isn't awful, and was clearly gassed in 2nd half (98 plays will do that to you).  I haven't watched them play prior to Saturday, so I can't attest to any improvement.   I will say, they are a physical defense, which I guess I wouldn't expect when you allow 700 yards.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 12:10:55 PM
a couple years ago they were a VERY young team, that's not true any longer

I think Martinez and Frost's offense can be pretty good when they get momentum, but way too many chunk plays for Lovie's defense

just not impressed with his post game presser

Frost's post game remarks I liked much more
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: Entropy on September 23, 2019, 03:17:07 PM
Illinois wanted to make the game physical and I think bought into the idea that they could be the more physical team.   UNL just had too much speed at the skill players position and held up mentally despite all the self inflicted wounds.  
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 03:25:50 PM
Ent,

I looked for your tailgate before the Northern Illinois game.  Did you move?  Are you cutting back on the trips or just done?
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: Entropy on September 23, 2019, 03:30:30 PM
I haven't been in Lincoln for 3 years now...  I'd say I'm pretty much done.  Still a fan.  It's in my blood.  That said, it will never be the same for me.  


TV and DVR are just fine now. 
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 03:36:40 PM
so, was the truck/Rig yours?  Helluva nice set up for tailgating
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: Entropy on September 23, 2019, 03:38:13 PM
I'm 50% owner.  Other 50% is my wife's cousin.  They still use it and go to most of the games.  
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: Entropy on September 23, 2019, 03:46:22 PM
I should never say never.  I know that may not be true.   However, near term, I don't see me back in Lincoln for game.  Life is just too busy as well.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 23, 2019, 04:08:44 PM
I enjoyed the Northern Illinois game.  Had a seat 20 rows up in the West stadium near the North endzone for $20.

But, I didn't enjoy it as much as I once did.  Just getting old and grumpy.

Since this is my daughter's senior year I'm going to make more trips, after she's out of Lincoln I probably won't go nearly as often.  One Sharkwater Tailgate a season is enough for me.

HuskerBob from the boards long ago emailed me about coming in for the Ohio St. game.  If I remember right, he's from Cali.  He has some type of relationship with John Cook.  I was hoping he might get a couple good seats.  I told Bob I'd make the trip if he was going to be back.  Hopefully I will hear from him soon.  I will stay home this weekend if Bob isn't in town.

I am planning to attend the Northwestern game with my daughter in a few weeks and planning to be at the Gopher game in Minneapolis for my road trip game.

My life isn't busy, but it's not as high a priority for me to actually be in the stadium these days.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: 847badgerfan on September 23, 2019, 04:45:21 PM
Funny how things change as we get olderish. I agree. It's not the same as it once was.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: Entropy on September 26, 2019, 11:19:25 AM
yep
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: ELA on September 26, 2019, 11:23:33 AM
No doubt.

I'm going to the Michigan-Rutgers game this weekend.  I try to go to one game a year with my dad, although I missed last year.  This year will be kind of cool because it will be my son's first game, so a three generation thing.  He's the same age as I was when I went to my first (Michigan-Maryland in 1990).  So for that it would be cool, but I wouldn't want to go more often.  My wife mentioned too bad we don't live where I could get season tickets to MSU, so I could take our kids more often, but honestly, even if I lived in East Lansing, I wouldn't get season tickets.  It's just such a better experience on TV now.  Aside from the "event" games, meh.
Title: Re: Nebraska (1-0, 3-1) vs Illinois (0-1, 2-2) Post Game
Post by: FearlessF on September 26, 2019, 11:26:16 AM
Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos said his Athletic Department is currently considering facilities upgrades for its football, golf and swimming programs.

Moos, making his monthly appearance on the "Husker Sports Nightly" radio program, also said that he had staffers tour Illinois' brand new football facility last week when NU was in Champaign, Illinois, to play the Illini.

"We did, and they came away very impressed," Moos said. "There is, literally, every team in the Big Ten has built a football facility or is in the process except for Nebraska. This is our competition, and that's why we're taking a real serious look at this.