TheGipper

USC

Sounds about right. Before the husker game, mich gave up around 16.7 ppg and right now sparty gives up 15 ppg. Even after the loss to nebraska, mich is 14th in the nation defensively in points per game (Michigan state is 10th). Our offense is the best Michigan State will have seen. Interesting note: Michigan is much better against the pass and Michigan state is much better against the run (ypg: NCAA.com stats, strength of schedule not included). Michigan's offense is without a doubt better than Michigan state's . Nebraska has the talent and ability to hand out a spanking in East Lansing (whether it does or not remains to be seen), but it depends on defensive consistency, and acceptable special teams play. Our offense will turn the ball over at least once, we will gain 70% of our yards through the air. We win if we keep the turnover margin in the black. And,our defense will play well, but allow Bell 2-4 long runs.

Although I would like to see us play an old foe from the big 12 in a decent bowl, I don't think it'll happen for at least a year. "The first matchup between nebraska and (insert prime time big 12 team) since nu left!" will garner big ratings (read: money) if we and they are top ten(ish). If we make the rose bowl, it will be a packed house and bigger paycheck if we end up playing a team from out west.

I see us holding D.R. to below-average production, but (of course) it's how we respond to the inevitable big play that scares me. Our offense will put up numbers vs a Mich defense. Their defense is good, however, they haven't felt a punch in the mouth like our running game and strength at the receiver position. We have a chance if we win the turnover margin and/or play calling game (per usual).

This is Bo's first head coaching gig, that can't be easy. Especially for a guy who spent his career (so far) worrying only about defense. A head coach is a high-level manager, someone who spends less time than he would like to with the guys who earn the paychecks (players, who earn the wins). It took Devany, Osbourne, and Solich time to figure this out... The job of the head coach is to set everyone up for success. This includes above all, scoring superior recruits and outstanding specialty(line, d-back, qb) coaches (he hasn't mastered this yet). Bottom line: this team is Talented, Emotional, and hasn't exhibited any discipline as of yet. Yes, the coaching is responsible. T-mart will never be a leader(mark my words), and for that reason his O-line won't ever overperform. With a national level line, he would be in the Heismann discussion, but this is NU, in 2012. Here is the bottom line, it will take some time (read: Bo experience) and more than one or two position-coaching switches before this team can be regarded as consistent. It goes without saying that we won't see offensive consistency and dependability with T-mart at the helm. At NWestern we saw great offensive production, excellent defense(similar to the opening part of the O.S.U. game), and confidence in the face of adversity. The mistakes we saw were inexcusable and should have led to a loss if a 6-1 record is anything. The bottom line is that Bo is a good coach, but he hasn't yet filled all of the assistant coaching positions with people who deserve it. I think the play calling and defense are showing improvement. I would put the criticism on the line(s).

The Huskers aren't a bad team. Sure, the talent isn't NFL quality, and sure, there are more questions (about T-magic, the coaching) than answers at this point in the season, however, in certain parts of every game, there have been flashes of excellence. It is my firm belief that winning the turnover/big mistake margin in the vs Michigan game will determine the result.