Husker season is finally here and this past weekend the team opened up against Tennessee at Chattanooga. While the final score was good for the Big Red, the game left a lot to be desired from fans, and I'm sure the coaches and players as well. Yes, the final was a 40-7 win to open the season but there were certainly areas of concern and the team will need to fix some things and improve prior to starting their Big 10 play here in the near future. I'm no expert or I'd be looking to be a coach somewhere, but here were my thoughts on opening weekend.
I'll start off my observations with the Offense. While they did manage to put up 40 points, 12 of that was field goals from stalled drives and one of the drives ending in touchdowns began on the 3 yard line. Martinez had a couple of big runs that showed he still had good speed, however when it came to the passing game he seemed quick to leave the pocket and many passing plays were limited to quick, short passes. I would like to see him sit in the pocket a bit more and take a few shots down the field to spread out the defense a bit.
In the backfield Burkhead was and will be a great threat. However it was noticeable that there wasn't that change of pace back such as Helu was last year to come in from time to time. The Huskers could really use a speed back to step in from time to time and I hope to see someone step up into that role. Burkhead is a great threat but the team needs a second threat from the backfield.
Speaking of second threats, the team lacks one in the receiver slots as well. This past week there were some dropped passes and that needs to stop, but overall there wasn't a guy that stepped forward and claimed he was going to be a threat on each passing down. Martinez needs a go-to guy or two and a playmaker out there.
Fumbles are one thing that the team wanted to cut down on from last year, and they started the season losing 2 of 4 fumbles once again. The team really needs to work on their ball control. Penalties were down from last year's average however so that is good news.
Defensively the team had some solid performances but shows signs of needing some work. The front line will be counted on to provide more pressure, and that may come as teams drop back more. Tenn-Chat took away some of that pressure with quick passing primarily to the back out of the backfield, something the Black Shirts need to do a better job of covering from what I saw in the first game. They play a lot of man and the fact the team had new corners were apparent and may need more safety or linebacker help if the young guys continue to show a weakness compared to last year's squad.
On special teams the loss of Henery wasn't felt yet as the kicking game, both field goals and kickoffs as well as punting, were solid with the kickers doing their jobs well. The return game wasn't anything special and mishandled the first kickoff resulting in poor positioning and losing a fumble as a blocker ran into the returner on one punt, so there is certainly work to be done there as well.
Perhaps it was just opening game nerves, or perhaps it was things that truly need further work, but either way I'm sure Pelini will have his squad working hard for next week's game against Fresno State. The first game did end up 40-7, but there were things that screamed out as areas to fix yet before getting to real competition. The game wasn't a dominating performance as one would hope for, but I have faith in Pelini and the Husker program to work on what needs fixed and come out stronger against the Bulldogs next Saturday.
Fresno State came into Lincoln this past weekend and really played a hell of a game. They also exposed a number of the issues that had worried me after week 1 as well.
ReplyDeleteMartinez can undoubtedly run but the offense is lacking beyond that. They still need another serious threat to step up and the passing game has yet to show me anything resembling a serious threat. Fumbles were aplenty still too.
Defensively the front couldn't pressure the quarterback Carr who did a great job throwing on the run and in roll-out packages. They also gave up a number of yards rushing right into the heart of the team. They need to really start to step up and earn their 'blackshirts'. A few turnovers and more plays from the front four would be a good start.
The special teams were good and bad. Some good returns in there but plenty of good returns allowed as well. Part of this could be because of the line drive punts from the Nebraska punter.
Overall another win, though close this time, and we'll see how they come out against Washington next week. Still plenty to improve on prior to Big10 play...