Strengths
Running back: Although Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is not an offensive-minded coach, the Huskers have established themselves as one of the Big 12’s best running teams this season. Junior Roy Helu Jr. is currently third in the conference in rushing with 96.2 yards per contest and has crossed the goal line nine times in 2009. Helu should provide a good test for K-State’s run defense, which ranks 23rd in the country.
Tight end: The Huskers have not put much focus on their passing attack through their first 10 games, but when throwing the ball, starter Mike McNeill has been a reliable option. He ranks second on the team with 21 catches for a total of 211 yards and is tied for the team lead with three touchdowns this season. The Wildcats’ defensive unit will likely be focused on stopping the run, but K-State will need to keep an eye on McNeill in order to avoid getting burned.
Offensive line: Experience has not been an issue for Nebraska on the offensive front, as the Huskers’ starting unit includes a senior and three juniors. Nebraska has done a solid job of protecting the quarterback this season as the Huskers have only allowed 13 sacks in 10 games. K-State’s defense, which has recorded 18 sacks in 2009, will likely need a flawless effort if it wants to make any noise in Nebraska’s backfield.
Defensive line: Nebraska has proven to be dangerous in several areas this season, but the Huskers’ defensive front four has been the team’s strongest unit this season. Led by defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick – the team’s two leading tacklers – the four starters have combined for 191 stops, including 48 behind the line of scrimmage and 19.5 sacks. K-State running back Daniel Thomas was held in check last weekend against Missouri and he could be in for another long day if the Wildcats’ offensive line can’t neutralize the Huskers.
Secondary: A solid run defense may have been the story for the Huskers so far this season, but Nebraska’s secondary has also enjoyed a productive 2009 campaign. Three of the four starting defensive backs rank in the team’s top-10 in tackles. The unit has also made some noise in the turnover game as the starters have combined for eight interceptions and three forced fumbles. This could mean trouble for the Wildcats, as it’s likely they will have to look to Grant Gregory and their pass game if Thomas can’t get going on the ground.
Weaknesses
Quarterback: The Huskers have had several issues at signal-caller throughout the 2009 campaign. Junior Zac Lee has seen most of the snaps this season – he has completed 136 passes for 1,692 yards and 11 touchdowns – but he has been picked off eight times. In recent weeks, Lee has split time with freshman Cody Green, who has shown promise. In two games, Green has completed 33 passes for 308 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he has also been prone to throwing interceptions as he has been picked off twice. Green also provides another option on the ground as he has rushed for 131 yards and two scores. The Wildcats will need to be on their toes since each features a different style of play.
Wide receiver: As one would likely expect, poor quarterback play has translated into subpar numbers by Nebraska’s receiving corps this season. Junior Niles Paul has emerged at the Huskers’ primary receiving threat in 2009 with 29 catches, but he has only accumulated 567 yards and three touchdowns. No other receiver has caught more than 16 passes or scored more than once this season. K-State will need to play respectably against the passing game, but it’s likely the Wildcats’ main focus will be Nebraska’s ground attack.
Linebacker: The Nebraska linebacking corps has not been a liability this season, but the unit’s numbers have not been anything to gawk at through the team’s first 10 games. None of the three starters have held the starting role for more than six contests and their stats have consequently suffered. Outside linebacker Phillip Dillard has made the best of his opportunities – he ranks third on the squad with 54 total tackles – but neither of the other starters rank higher than 10th on the team in stops. The unit shouldn’t cause many problems for K-State’s offense, but that will likely be because of a dominant effort by the Huskers’ front four.
- Compiled by Justin Nutter
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