Nebraska Cornhuskers
Big Ten Conference
The Cornhuskers have made a splash in their inaugural year in the Big Ten Conference. They were throttled by Wisconsin in their first ever Big Ten Conference game, but bounced back and played much better for the reminder of the year. Now Nebraska is looking to bring home a bowl victory for the Big Ten.
2011 Record: 9-3, 5-3
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Holiday Bowl vs. Washington (L 7-19)
Big Wins: 10/29 vs. Michigan State (24-3), 11/12 at Penn State (17-14)
Bad Losses: 10/5 vs. Northwestern (25-28), 11/19 at Michigan (17-45)
Coach: Bo Pelini (39-15 at Nebraska, 39-15 overall)
Bowl Record: 3-1 at Nebraska, 3-1 Overall
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Beck
Defensive Coordinator: Carl Pelini
Strengths:
Nebraska boasts a very dangerous rushing attack. They have a two pronged attack which is led by sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez and junior tailback Rex Burkhead. Martinez has proven to be a dangerous scrambler, rushing for 837 yards and nine scores. Burkhead is a powerful runner who runs through contact. He has a big frame that allows him to run in-between the tackles effectively, but he also posses enough speed to get outside and make things happen in space. He found the end zone 15 times as well this year. Because their two headed monsters in the rushing attack are the quarterback and the tailback, they are always on the field together, which makes it even more difficult to defend. The Cornhuskers have been very good on special teams this year. Their punt coverage unit is one of the best in the Big Ten and their kickoff returns are just as effective. This sets them up in good field position and pins opponents deep into their own territory which forces them to throw the ball. This plays right into Nebraska’s hands, as teams have struggled to gain yardage through the air or even complete passes. Historically Nebraska’s formula for success has been play great defense, run the ball effectively, and play well on special teams. This year’s formula has been tweaked slightly, as they are missing one of the elements; the great defense.
Weaknesses:
Nebraska’s defense was supposed to be one of their biggest strengths this season, but that has not been the case. Their defense has the talent to pitch a shutout at any time, which makes them scary, but they have yet to put it all together. Their pass defense has been good, but that could be due, in part, to their inability to stop the run. When you cannot stop the run it is difficult to keep opponents off the scoreboard. Their biggest problem on defense is that they are not applying any sort of consistent pressure. They did not make a lot of plays in the backfield, nor did they record a lot of sacks. The Cornhuskers also struggle to throw the ball. As great as Taylor Martinez has been with his legs, his inability to throw the ball has doomed them at times. Furthermore, Nebraska has struggled to generate turnovers and to protect the football, resulting in a poor turnover margin. Martinez, when forced to throw, has made several bad decisions and these mistakes have cost the Cornhuskers.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Rex Burkhead, RB, 1,268 yards
Passing: Taylor Martinez, QB, 1,973 yards
Receiving: Kenny Bell, WR, 408 yards
Tackles: Lavonte David, LB, 122
Sacks: Cameron Meredith, DE, 5.0
Interceptions: Austin Cassidy, S, 2; Lavonte David, LB, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 223.92 (13th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 166.58 (104, 10)
Total Offense: 390.50 (58, 4)
Scoring Offense: 30.50 (41, 3)
Rushing Defense: 161.58 (66, 8)
Pass Defense: 189.08 (18, 7)
Total Defense: 350.67 (36, 7)
Scoring Defense: 22.83 (41, 7)
Turnover Margin: .08 (54, 8)
Sacks: 1.42 (94, 11)
Sacks Allowed: 1.25 (26, 2)
