The mailbag column is back.
It’s been a few weeks since the last one, we know. But it’s time to once again make it a regular occurrence.
By the looks of things, readers are dialed-in hard on Nebraska football. Many of the questions arrived with a sense of urgency attached. It’s that time of year, finally.
Let’s get it rolling.
Just keep asking if (the Huskers) are ready. ‘Cause they are not. Illinois has so many seniors, super seniors, experienced starters, and (Bret) Bielema. Physical football game coming in 11 days and I am afraid Illinois will be more ready – Jason Guretzky
I’m sure Scott Frost appreciates your confidence.
My sense is, Nebraska is indeed ready for Illinois.
My sense is, Nebraska players are well-aware of a palpable feeling of doubt and anxiety among many in the fan base and are hungry to prove people wrong.
That said, you don’t hear many bold proclamations coming out of NU’s preseason camp. The vibe is matter-of-fact and workmanlike, with a quiet confidence.
“I just want to win,” Husker inside linebacker Luke Reimer said recently. “I want to get to a bowl game. That’s it. Personal accolades, I don’t care at all. I just want to win. I’m tired of not going to a bowl game. I’m tired of having a losing season, not having the best season we can have. I’m pumped. I can’t wait to play Illinois.”
Frost, the fourth-year Nebraska head coach, has discussed the importance of his team building confidence early in the schedule. He genuinely likes his roster. But he’s right, the program is in need of an injection of positive energy in the form of W’s. Although Frost doesn’t say it, we know the Husker fan base is likely to turn negative quickly if Illinois prevails Aug. 28. That’s just the way it is around here, for better or worse, especially in the wake of the program’s struggles in recent years.
Frost has to be cognizant of how energy outside the program can seep into it. He has to have a plan in that regard.
You’re right, Illinois is a veteran outfit. Yes, Bielema knows what it takes to win in the Big Ten, having guided Wisconsin to three Rose Bowls. His offensive line has three super seniors, and a stable of running backs is ready to roll. Remember, though, the Illini lost their final three games of 2020 by double-digit margins after winning in Lincoln.
Nebraska will defeat Illinois this time around. I write that with confidence.
If Illinois prevails, it won’t be because Nebraska was poorly prepared mentally or physically or from a game-plan standpoint.
The Huskers will be dialed-in hard. That’s my sense after basically a month of interviews.
It should be a fun and fascinating season.
Do you believe Nebraska will be effective running the ball between the tackles at Illinois? What turnover margin wins the game for Nebraska or Illinois? – Chaz
Two questions in one. Nicely played.
Question one: I do believe Nebraska will run the ball effectively between the tackles against Illinois. The key: Commitment. Based on what I’m hearing in NU’s camp, a shift in offensive mindset is occurring. Of course, time will tell. Bottom line, you probably don’t bring Markese Stepp (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) into the program if you don’t plan to pound the ball along the ground a large share of the time.
Make no mistake, Frost’s system possesses that capability from a schematic standpoint – think Royce Freeman at Oregon. He had a combined 535 carries at Oregon during the 2014 and 2015 seasons while Frost was the offensive coordinator. Yes, 535.
Also, keep in mind Illinois ranked 116th in rushing defense last season, allowing 230.1 per game. Nebraska rushed 44 times for 215 yards (4.9 ypc) against Illinois, with quarterback Luke McCaffrey leading the way (26-122, two touchdowns). With Dedrick Mills sidelined that day, NU’s second-leading rusher was Wan’Dale Robinson (7-60), a slot receiver forced into running back duty.
Question two: Nebraska was minus-five in the turnover category against Illinois last season. This season, the Huskers had better be close to even in that category if they want to get out of Champaign unscathed in the loss column.
Based on practice observations, what positions are most critical to avoid injuries? For me it would seem to be QB, inside linebacker and tight end – Lloyd Harding
You nailed it, amigo.
Nebraska has three athletic and talented ILBs atop the depth chart in Reimer, Nick Henrich and Chris Kolarevic. But all three have fairly extensive injury histories. Long story short, the Huskers need those guys badly.
How many times will Bielema run the jet sweep on us? – Kenny Sailer
He’ll try it at least a couple times if only to remind Nebraska fans of Wisconsin’s blowout triumphs in 2012 (70-31) and 2014 (59-24). Psychological warfare. Never mind that those games were many moons ago and many Husker players are unaware of that history.
There’s no way that sort of history could repeat itself Aug. 28, right?
Right?
Who is Nebraska’s disrupter off the edge? Sacks? QB hurries? In my opinion, it is the key for the Blackshirts getting off the field on third down. Have you been getting out on your motorcycle this summer Sip? – Regg Carnes
Anybody remember Eric Martin? In 2012, Nebraska coaches basically made him into a pass rusher. It was a fairly incredible plan, and one that flourished. The 6-2, 250-pound senior recorded 81/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss after entering the season with only two career sacks and four TFLs.
Perhaps someone will come out of nowhere for Erik Chinander’s crew this season.
Is the evening meal “supper” or “dinner?” Thanks, I’ll hang up and listen – John M. Bishop
I seem to remember in the 1980s asking my mom, “What’s for supper?”
When she answered, “Fried chicken,” I seem to remember doing a dance resembling the one Chuck Barris often did on “The Gong Show.”
