We need to just leave Ciante on the field and test out our nickel package at all times. I think he would be able to carry the weight of going against some bigger guys. Our base is horrendous.
To paraphrase McBride.... We recruited speed, tackling ability and then size. Worked out great for NU. Just get our best athletes on the field. Screw this "a guy has to look a certain way" BS. Look at David. He did ok. Get our speed on the field. Make the O adjust to stop us. Quit putting sub par athletes on the field. The new Wisky QB is no Wilson. Blitz his a$$ into the stone age. Every play, and I mean every play put a hat on him. Make him QUIT.
Oh....I bet NEB will blitz...PLENTY!
Oh yea, they will want to knock Stave out of rhythm, making them run at us. I just hope we are ready for it.
Defensively, Wisconsin has not done well against the pass. They give up an avg 245 yds passing per game, while Nebraska averages 224 yds per game through the air. Wisconsin has given up 8 passing TDs and no INTs. They ranked #83 in the nation, while our passing offense is ranked #10.
As for the run, Wisconsin has done well defending the run, ranking #13 in the nation, averaging 80 yds per game. They have only given up 1 rushing TD. But they haven't been truly tested by a Top Ten running game. Nebraska has the 5th best running game in the nation, 14 rushing TDs, averaging 310 rushing yds per game.
Statistically, we can move the ball against Wisconsin through the air, and it will be interesting to see how the running game fairs against the 3rd best rushing defense in the Big Ten. The real question is can our defense stop Wisconsin when they run the ball. Though looking at the stats, Wisconsin's running and passing game is just as bad as our rushing defense.
Offensively, I'm not worried about the Huskers as long as Martinez plays smart, and we protect the football. THAT MEANS NO TURNOVERS!!!
Defensively, it will be interesting to see what Bo and Jon dial up to rattle a young QB in Stave and a potent running game, with or without Ball.