Our punt return game is nonexistent, because we make no attempt whatsoever to block the punt or the opponent's defenders. This has to be the single most bizarre thing in the Bo Pelini Era - what the hell are they thinking with a punt return game like this?
Perfect example:
Bell has seven unblocked defenders within 18 yards of him, and he has yet to catch the punt. It is impossible that he could make any kind of return, and this possession is going to start inside the 15 yard line. If he fumbles (as has been known to happen), it is without question going to be a turnover - there are no other Huskers to corral a loose ball.
Penn State was able to get these guys downfield because we don't block them, and they know based on years of film that the majority of our defenders make zero attempt to block the punt. On the snap they move a yard or two upfield toward the punter, then stop. Every single team we play knows we're 1) not going to block their punt and 2) they can send everyone downfield to tackle the returner.
Here's what's supposed to happen. Ohio State knows that Penn State will make every attempt to block the punt, aggressively, so they have to keep defenders home to protect the punter. There are 10 Ohio State blockers behind the line of scrimmage at the time of the kick, or at most a yard past. There are eight Penn State players at or near the line of scrimmage, meaning the one Ohio State player not on screen here has to face two blockers before he can get to the returner.
Our scheme is clearly not an accident, it's clearly designed to work this way, and it is clearly not effective. Nebraska ranked 121st out of 123 teams in punt return yardage last year. On 23 punts returned (not counting those not fielded or fair caught), we gained a total of 70 yards.
You want to talk about field position problems? There's your problem, right there. It's in the scheme, 100%.
