Turning the DL loose would be huge. I have no idea why they are not flat out stomping guys. I mean Miami I can understand, BYU em, maybe, but not dominating USA and Southern Miss is inexcusable with our supposed towers of power in VV and Collins (I know VV was/is hurt). DE, I think will be Gangwish and Freedom when Gangs gets healthy. Speed on one side and motor on the other.
I am really surprised at the capabilities of the O. The sweeps, FB, passing game, did I mention the FB? They are much further ahead than I would have thought in 4 games..... I would like a MUCH more reliable running game, but maybe that will come. Jan as a featured back?Right, the bottom line is -- let's say Riley gets the same 5-7 years here that Bo does. We don't know what the program might look like at the end of it, and it's folly to claim otherwise. It's fun to speculate, though.
> Dantonio-level MSU?
> Wisconsin-type solid?
> Some ups, some downs?
> Similar to Pelini? (borderline/outside Top 25 and trending down as the era ends)
> A total disaster? (If so, hopefully the recruiting is good, at least!)
Stick along for the ride, or bail, hey, it's up to you
Collins still dominates when he's 1-on-1, but he's been doubled so much this year he seems taken out of most plays.
Yeah, exactly. I can't fathom a reason we aren't terrorizing the QB on at least half our plays. I mean we have guys that should break past the first guy and at the very least allow the next guy to have a shot at a sack. Yet every time we get near the QB he somehow has these NFL type moves to dodge oncoming tackles. Baffles me, then, he delivers a 40 yard bomb to a receiver we have never heard of and we cuss at the TV.
Would agree. Can't remember the game, but Young was about to get to the QB and look like he slowed up. Have also noticed an inability to quickly change direction and recover if they run past. Freedom needs to stay on the field. IIRC, like 3rd most sacks nationally through 4 games.
Actually 17th most sacks through 4 games. Still very impressive.
I agree a healthy line should help but I don't think any of us should get caught up in the idea that some figurative leash is holding the defensive line back from really destroying people. I think it's a combination of health, learning the new scheme and player ability. They've obviously started the season doing a really good job stopping the run - pass rush and coverage are huge question marks, but I think we need to take this all in stride. Learning new defensive schemes after spending years with another one isn't a flip of the switch.
Spot on. For the first four games, we have looked very similar to a Charlie McBride defense in the 80's and very early 90's when playing Miami or Florida State in a bowl game. We absolutely got torched by their QB and receivers then because we simply lacked their speed. The reason LeVonte David was a beast at LB was because of his speed. Even though Bo commented time and time again how many times he screwed up, he quite simply made the play and was our best defender. Probably my favorite LB to ever play for Nebraska was Farley. The guy could absolutely get with it.
Catch Minnesota- Iowa, that might do something for ya.. There will be a quiz on Monday.
