First, I'd like to say that I've read most of your thoughts on the game this weekend and am impressed that you all are knowledgeable and level-headed. Most other boards can't analyze a game realistically, or simply say that the other team sucks and we're going to kill them, etc. etc. See sh****bevo.
You'll find most Nebraska fans like Texas A&M, as we are very similar culturally. We also have a mutual hatred for the Longhorns. I hope that the Nebraska fans you encounter this weekend are fun and polite, and I hope you all are the same. We really will miss you guys as well as the old Big 8 next year. Anyway, onto the analysis.
First, we know how intimidating your stadium is and I can't wait to see the record-setting student crowd you guys have. It's going to be unreal and I wish I could be there. However, we have played in another very loud stadium this year at Washington, and the away crowd gives our defense a chance to communicate. I think it will be tough early on, but we'll adjust to the crowd.
I've watched Tannehill in a few games this year and he definitely is a skilled player. I was also impressed by how fast he was during the OU game and know we'll have our hands full trying to defend him from scrambling. As far as passing goes, I think he will have a huge dropoff from previous games. Our secondary is the best in the nation and Pelini specializes in making good QBs look bad. He'll have good throws here and there, but I think he will be too inexperienced for such a veteran and talented secondary.
Your running game is much more of a concern for us. As you know, we have struggled at times during the run this year, although we do seem to be improving lately. Still, I'm sure Cyrus Gray and Tannehill both will have some big runs against us. If you can establish enough of a run game, this could mean a victory for you.
As far as Nebraska's offense vs. your defense, it all depends on how healthy Martinez is. I hate that he's probably not up to 100% and I'm sure you all would rather beat us if he were. But even if he's close, he does have the potential to beat teams with his arm. He's no Manning, but he had a 5 TD record-setting performance against OSU this year. What concerns me more is his decision making, as he's prone to making stupid, rash mistakes under pressure. If Miller or any other of your D front pressure him, he's more likely to fumble or try a pass that he shouldn't try. He will not have any breakout runs this game, your defense is too fast and too ready. He may pick up yards here or there on bursts though.
Our running game I'm not quite sure about. I was worried about it against Missouri and we tore them apart, so who knows. I expect it to be tough with few big breaks - and I think we'll have to grind it out, which is an advantage for you. We have a fumbling problem. But if we can establish a run game, burn clock, and have our secondary shut down Tannehill, that will help toward a Nebraska victory.
Reasons aTm might win: A QB who can run, a good running back, and the crowd. If you win, I highly doubt it'll be through the air.
Reasons Nebraska might win: Too strong a secondary and a run game that burns clock. Plus, Martinez has big play capability. (Also, don't be fooled by scores like ISU's. You probably didn't watch the game since it was on Gameplan, but most of their points came off Nebraska turnovers and had nothing to do with the defense.)
I'm encouraged by two things - your inexperienced quarterback who, though he has tremendous potential, has yet to play a defense this fast and good - and Pelini's end-of-season momentum. We are very good toward the end of the year, and I'm hoping that continues.
Anyway, I'm not even sure about venturing a score for this game as I really do think it could go either way. Probably somewhere in the late 20's to low 30's for either team. It sounds obvious, but whoever doesn't turn it over and whoever executes better will win this.
I'm hoping for a good one. Good luck with the rest of your season (after this game). And beat Texas.
You'll find most Nebraska fans like Texas A&M, as we are very similar culturally. We also have a mutual hatred for the Longhorns. I hope that the Nebraska fans you encounter this weekend are fun and polite, and I hope you all are the same. We really will miss you guys as well as the old Big 8 next year. Anyway, onto the analysis.
First, we know how intimidating your stadium is and I can't wait to see the record-setting student crowd you guys have. It's going to be unreal and I wish I could be there. However, we have played in another very loud stadium this year at Washington, and the away crowd gives our defense a chance to communicate. I think it will be tough early on, but we'll adjust to the crowd.
I've watched Tannehill in a few games this year and he definitely is a skilled player. I was also impressed by how fast he was during the OU game and know we'll have our hands full trying to defend him from scrambling. As far as passing goes, I think he will have a huge dropoff from previous games. Our secondary is the best in the nation and Pelini specializes in making good QBs look bad. He'll have good throws here and there, but I think he will be too inexperienced for such a veteran and talented secondary.
Your running game is much more of a concern for us. As you know, we have struggled at times during the run this year, although we do seem to be improving lately. Still, I'm sure Cyrus Gray and Tannehill both will have some big runs against us. If you can establish enough of a run game, this could mean a victory for you.
As far as Nebraska's offense vs. your defense, it all depends on how healthy Martinez is. I hate that he's probably not up to 100% and I'm sure you all would rather beat us if he were. But even if he's close, he does have the potential to beat teams with his arm. He's no Manning, but he had a 5 TD record-setting performance against OSU this year. What concerns me more is his decision making, as he's prone to making stupid, rash mistakes under pressure. If Miller or any other of your D front pressure him, he's more likely to fumble or try a pass that he shouldn't try. He will not have any breakout runs this game, your defense is too fast and too ready. He may pick up yards here or there on bursts though.
Our running game I'm not quite sure about. I was worried about it against Missouri and we tore them apart, so who knows. I expect it to be tough with few big breaks - and I think we'll have to grind it out, which is an advantage for you. We have a fumbling problem. But if we can establish a run game, burn clock, and have our secondary shut down Tannehill, that will help toward a Nebraska victory.
Reasons aTm might win: A QB who can run, a good running back, and the crowd. If you win, I highly doubt it'll be through the air.
Reasons Nebraska might win: Too strong a secondary and a run game that burns clock. Plus, Martinez has big play capability. (Also, don't be fooled by scores like ISU's. You probably didn't watch the game since it was on Gameplan, but most of their points came off Nebraska turnovers and had nothing to do with the defense.)
I'm encouraged by two things - your inexperienced quarterback who, though he has tremendous potential, has yet to play a defense this fast and good - and Pelini's end-of-season momentum. We are very good toward the end of the year, and I'm hoping that continues.
Anyway, I'm not even sure about venturing a score for this game as I really do think it could go either way. Probably somewhere in the late 20's to low 30's for either team. It sounds obvious, but whoever doesn't turn it over and whoever executes better will win this.
I'm hoping for a good one. Good luck with the rest of your season (after this game). And beat Texas.
