For the seniors of Nebraska football, It’s now or never. One last ride in Memorial Stadium. An ‘end of an era,’ as head coach Matt Rhule said Monday.
The Wisconsin Badgers will be rolling into Lincoln coming off three straight losses, which includes its 16-13 loss to No. 1 Oregon this past Saturday.
Here are three keys for a Husker victory over Wisconsin:
Stop the run
Nebraska has had its best shot of winning when stuffing the ground game. The Blackshirts have to be dominant in this. Wisconsin averages 169.3 yards rushing per game, 57th in the nation. The Badgers’ passing game is ranked 101st, for 193.8 yards per game through the air.
Wisconsin has had its way with the Huskers over the past decade. Who can forget the 2012 Big Ten Championship, when the Badgers ran for 539 yards, or 2014 when the Blackshirts allowed 581 yards on the ground. One thing is for sure: the Blackshirts playing angry will be their best shot. It will substantially increase their odds if they can force Wisconsin to throw it.
Score touchdowns in the red zone
Nebraska has only scored 19/39 red zone appearances this season. I’ll go back to what I’ve been writing about all season. Junior quarterback Heinrich Haarberg needs to be utilized similarly to how the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill. This past Sunday Hill had 138 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 18 passing.
Sophomore running back Emmett Johnson showed a spark out of the backfield at USC. Nebraska should consider running read options with Haarberg and Johnson inside the 25. The Huskers will have chances; if they can execute touchdowns, this will take pressure off the Blackshirts.
Play with heart
With the 105-player limit per roster coming to college football, this will be the last time many Husker players get an opportunity to wear the red N on Tom Osborne Field.
Seniors who were recruits of former head coach Scott Frost, such as defensive linemen Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher, safety Isaac Gifford, offensive tackle Bryce Benhart, linebacker John Bullock and more, have one last chance to get it done in front of 86,000 plus.
Prediction
I foresee Nebraska coming out fired up, giving 110 percent. The Husker fanbase will be passionate as well. However, I think it will be a sloppy defensive game for both teams.
This is a 50-50 ballgame. Both teams are 5-5. Can Nebraska finally do it? I think they sure can but going off the history, I have to give the nod to Wisconsin, 23-21. But if Nebraska can fulfill these three keys, they should be victorious. It could be a day to remember.
Check out a deeper dive here: Senior Day – Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
