In the first three games of the year, there was a distinctive vibe— a fire, a high level of intensity that Nebraska’s defense was consistently bringing. They bullied their way to dominant performances, rushing the passer like bulls to a matador. It was resemblant of the year past and of the expectation set for now.
They did not bring that vibe last Friday night.
The loss can’t be solely blamed on the defensive effort. Dylan Raiola overthrew a wide open man in the end zone with 3 minutes to go, and on the ensuing fourth down, kicker John Hohl missed the go-ahead thirty-nine yard field goal. If either of those outcomes go Nebraska’s way the game is likely over and the Huskers win, but it wasn’t Raiola or the special teams that were to be the backbone of this team— it was the defense.
All the talk and hype and high expectations in the off season were based on the Blackshirts having continued success. The hope for Raiola was that he would at the very least take care of the ball. He did that against Illinois and more. The special teams was always a question mark and a worry heading into the season. To be surprised by the missed field goal would be simple ignorance. Nobody imagined the defense would be the reason for concern.
On the bright side, there’s another opportunity right around the corner.
Nebraska heads to West Lafayette for their first road test of the season against a struggling Purdue team, and it’s arguably the easiest game left on the schedule. Tony White should have the defense coming out with their hair on fire and ready to roll. A big bounce back game for White’s unit would pay massive dividends for the rest of the season. If Purdue comes out finding holes in the soft zone and their offensive line does their job, expect to see Nebraska play a little tighter and dial up the blitz. Nebraska fans want to see adjustments when the game plan is faltering.
Dylan Raiola and the rest of the offensive cast have the chance to continue proving their worth against the Boilermakers on Saturday afternoon. Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor both shined last week, and the connection between them and Raiola will keep improving down the line. The running back room has been solid to this point as well, but more touches for Emmett Johnson in space could further diversify the offensive portfolio. Marcus Satterfield’s group is slowly trending toward being the strong suit of this team, and against a Purdue team who gave up sixty-six points to Notre Dame just a few weeks ago, that should continue.
Even if Nebraska comes out and puts up a fifty burger, and the defense gives up thirty plus for the second week in a row, concern will linger.
This is a veteran, hard nosed defensive squad, and they are expected to right the ship. I suspect they will.
Score prediction: 35-13, Nebraska moves to 4-1.
