The Nebraska football team is starting to show signs it knows how to play defense again, but don't look for defensive coordinator Carl Pelini to be handing out the old Blackshirts just yet.
Nebraska had by far its best defensive performance of the year Saturday, keeping New Mexico State out of the end zone until the game was well in hand during the Huskers' 38-7 win at Memorial Stadium. The win put Nebraska at 3-0 going into its off week before a Sept. 27 showdown with Virginia Tech.
The Huskers kept New Mexico State's unique offense in check for much of the night. The Aggies did have some early success and drove deep into Nebraska territory on its first drive, but the Huskers held and were able to keep New Mexico State off the scoreboard when Zach Potter blocked a field goal.
Later in the first half, the defense came up big when Armando Murillo picked off a pass and returned it 57 yards to the Aggies' 20-yard line. On the very next play, Nebraska used a trick play that saw Marlon Lucky roll right with a pitch from quarterback Joe Ganz, stop and throw back to the left to wide open Ganz, who went 20 yards for the touchdown and a 14-0 Nebraska lead.
The Huskers made another impressive defensive stop in the third quarter in spite of two pass interference calls deep in Husker territory. The first gave New Mexico State the ball at the 2-yard line, but two sacks pushed the ball back to the 20-yard line. Nebraska was hit with a second interference call, but Matt O'Hanlon picked off a pass and kept the Aggies out of the end zone.
Nebraska limited the Aggies to 339 yards in total offense and looked much better than it did during their first two games. It wasn't the kind of effort that will make you think the classic dominating defense is back, but the effort showed that there is improvement being made and should give Husker fans hope that they'll be able to step up big for next week's game with the Hokies.
Comments