At this point, can anything be done

[kramer]

Let's face it, were stck with the line we have. Wagner hasn't nuts to put Murtha in there full time and Thomas is too fat to move. Last week the DE pissed on him about half dozen times. And why is "making the offensive line a top priority" a priority now???

 

Offensive line makes protecting Taylor a priority

 

By ROBIN WASHUT

October 26, 2005

 

 

By the end of Nebraska’s 41-24 loss to Missouri, Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor had only been sacked twice.

 

As he walked off the field, though, the number of times he was hit made it feel like he’d been rammed by a Mack truck.

 

Of all the problems the Cornhuskers had in their loss to the Tigers on Saturday, the issue of protecting the quarterback was alarmingly absent throughout the game.

 

Though the Missouri game statistics staff didn’t keep track of quarterback hurries, Taylor said after the game that he couldn’t remember a game in which he took more hits than he did against the Tigers.

 

“The way that game went on Saturday, we had to throw it more than we normally would have to,” NU Coach Bill Callahan said. “With that being said, (Taylor) is more vulnerable. Most quarterbacks are when you get into a type of game like we did on Saturday.”

 

As much as the West Coast offense is based around balance, the Huskers were anything but in their play calling against Missouri, rushing the ball just 19 times while throwing 43 passes.

 

Because of a literally nonexistent running game that produced minus-two yards rushing, the Huskers were forced to drop back and pass nearly on every down.

 

In turn, the Tigers were able to open up their blitz packages and go directly after Taylor.

 

Not only did Taylor endure several hits that drew resounding “Oooohs!” from the crowd, but each of his two interceptions on the day came after he was hit while throwing the ball.

 

Despite his bumps and bruises, Taylor insists he still has the utmost trust in his offensive line.

 

“Everybody made mistakes that game,” Taylor said. “We have a great relationship, me and the offensive line. There are a lot of plays that everybody would like to have back, but we’ll fix everything that we messed up on last week, and we’ll get it done this week. There’s no blame, nobody’s pointing fingers after that game.”

 

As much as Taylor tries to play it off, the Huskers’ lack of pass protection could potentially raise some big problems if not corrected.

 

Taylor has taken every snap for the Huskers this season, and his backups – redshirt freshman Joe Ganz and freshman Harrison Beck – have never even played in a live collegiate game.

 

Fortunately for NU, Taylor has been quite durable this season.

 

For the offensive line, that’s a fact they don’t want to see get tested any more.

 

“That’s obviously something we’re going to work on this week,” senior guard Brandon Koch said of protecting Taylor. “Our job is to take care of Zac. We don’t want to get him hurt.”

 

The Huskers have generally kept defenders out of their backfield, allowing just 15 sacks on the season.

 

On Saturday, however, it became painfully clear that the Huskers have some issues with their pass protection.

 

The blame doesn’t focus solely on the offensive line, though.

 

Nebraska’s running backs have also had their share of troubles in picking up blitzes, and on Saturday there were several occasions where Missouri defenders easily evaded NU’s running backs to get to Taylor.

 

While the Huskers say they are working to improve their protection, they’re also aware of the importance of doing it quickly.

 

When Oklahoma comes to Lincoln on Saturday, the Sooners will bring a pass rush equally as effective as Missouri’s.

 

The Sooners are tied with the Tigers to rank 28th nationally in sacks with 20 on the year, and they are averaging nearly three per game.

 

The Huskers are well aware of the challenge that awaits them, and are intent on preventing a repeat of last week from ever happening again – not only for the sake of Nebraska’s offense, but for the overall safety of Taylor.

 

“We can’t let him get smashed around like that; he’ll get killed,” senior tackle Seppo Evwaraye said. “There were some shots he took (against Missouri) that when we saw them, we were like ‘wow.’ We probably owe him a steak dinner after that one.”

[DaveH]

It always has been. Now it's just a good title to an article.

[Redman]

It always has been. Now it's just a good title to an article.

Agree...There would be something really wrong if it is just becoming a priority. Although, it seemed they forgot about that priority against MU. The interior line is doing well, they just need to find someone (anyone...please) to replace Thomas and Evwaraye.

[NamelessHusker]

It's not that Wagner doesn't have the balls to play Murtha 4 quarters. It's more of a matter of "can Murtha take 4 quarters of heavy pressure". If anyone hasn't noticed, Murtha is still playing with a knee brace. He isn't 100% healthy yet and is still trying to get his foot strength back.

[chuckd]

 

I couldn't agree more. The fact is Murtha hasn't been at full speed pretty much since he got here. That means not only has he not been able to practice, he also hasn't been able to lift and condition. It would be great if he could play full time cause there is no doubt in my mind that he is a better (or at least will be) player than Thomas, unfortuantely he isn't at full speed or with much experience.

 

Just my two cents