A recipe for a Nebraska season that Husker fans haven’t seen in nearly a decade is cooking with the first 4-0 start since 2016. With many fans looking toward what could be an undefeated-vs.-undefeated matchup between Nebraska and Indiana, the Huskers can’t afford to overlook the Maryland Terrapins.
Defense Stands Tall Through First Four Weeks
Nebraska’s defense has earned their title of “Blackshirts” through the team’s first four contests, as they’ve boasted the fifth best yards allowed, a spot in the top 10 for points allowed, and the seventh-ranked pass defense in the country. Despite that success, the defense has made important preparation changes for Maryland.
“‘Phil Snow said, ‘Let’s add a tempo period,'” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said during his press conference Monday. “We practice it more until we get it right. Maryland is a tempo team no matter what.”
Maryland’s offense sits 44th in the country averaging 431.3 yards per game, with 283 yards per game through the air. The clash between Nebraska’s strong pass defense and Maryland’s air raid should show how Nebraska will fare down the road.
Lots and Lots of Points
If there’s one obvious improvement from the Huskers this season, it’s the offense’s ability to put points on the scoreboard. The Scarlet and Cream have put up 42.5 points per game, placing them 19th in the FBS.
Under center, Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been everything Nebraska fans could have hoped for and more. The transfer quarterback has tossed 10 touchdown passes and has scored twice on the ground, while only giving the ball away once through the air. That’s a story that needs to continue if the Huskers want to continue their win streak.
Huskers Must Focus On This Week
In their last outing, Nebraska put up an impressive performance against Michigan State, coming away with a 31-13 victory. On the flip side, Maryland had an awful showing against a now 23rd ranked UCLA team, losing 54-3 at home.
What does this mean for Nebraska? Despite that ugly loss to UCLA, Maryland can’t be taken lightly.The Terrapins’ only other loss is a nine-point defeat against unbeaten Virginia Tech…