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Last week the Huskers had a soul crushing loss to Colorado in overtime. It was a game many felt was well in hand as they cruised to a 17-0 halftime lead. Then came a third quarter with very little offensive production. Followed by a fourth quarter with a defense who could no longer keep up.
Even though it was a loss, Nebraska accounted for 469 yards of total offense. That’s 155 more yards than in the opening game vs. South Alabama. The offense was able to get into a rhythym in the first half and showed fans that they could move the ball and move it well. The defense kept NFL prospect, Laviska Shenault Jr. under wraps unlike last year.
While it may still sting a bit, it’s time to move forward and look ahead to this week’s match up against Northern Illinois. Speaking of losses that sting, the 17-21 loss to Northern Illinois at home in 2017 still hurts. It was a sure sign of the end of the Mike Riley Era.
The Huskies (1-1) are heading to Lincoln coming off a loss as well. Last week, they lost to #13 Utah in Salt Lake City 17-35. Their quarterback, Ross Bowers has passed for 528 yards so far this season. His leading receiver is Tyrice Richie and the leading rusher is Tre Harbison. As a team they have accounted for one sack and one interception in their first two games.
Saturday is going to be a great match up.
For more on the Huskies, check out Husker Mike’s Northern Illinois preview.
Date/Time: September 14, 2019 7pm
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE, Capacity 90,000
Surface: turf
Opposition Blog: Check out Hustle Belt.
Series Record: Nebraska leads the series 2-1. They are also 2-1 in Lincoln. The current win streak has Northern Illinois at 1-0 from the last meeting in 2017.
TV: The game will be televised on FS1. Play-by-Play announcer will be Justin Kutcher, analyst, Petros Papadakis, and Shane Vereen. It can be streamed through the Fox Sports Go App with a login from your cable/satellite/streaming provider.
Radio: Huskers sports radio network. The audio can also be streamed live for free at huskers.com. The crew will be: Greg Sharpe, Matt Davison, and Ben McLaughlin. Satellite radio options include: XM Simulcast 83; Sirius Simulcast 83
More streaming options: The official Huskers app is available on iTunes and for Android users. Another option is the TuneIn app for game audio.
Weather: It’s going to be sunny and 85 during the day. Great for tailgating. At game time it should be around 78. Some places show forecasts of a possible thunderstorm, but others do not.
Odds: Nebraska is favored by 14.
Trivia
The last time the Huskers and the Huskies met was in 2017. The Huskies left Memorial Stadium winning 21-17. Despite losing, Nebraska had 171 more yards of total offense than Northern Illinois.
Adrian Martinez totaled 356 yards of total offense in Saturday’s loss to Colorado. He has now surmassed at least 300 yards of total offense in eight of his thirteen starts.
Quotables
Offensive tackle Matt Farniok on the loss to Colorado
“Maybe that gut punch is what we needed to understand what it takes to dig a little deeper and find more of ourselves.”
Head Coach Scott Frost
“We’re not so good that we can have penalties or setbacks on offense and overcome second-and-16,” Frost said. “And we’re also not so good that we can make mistakes and give people big plays and expect to win.
Quarterback Adrian Martinez on his play in overtime
“I’m not gonna sit here and make excuses for anything. And that’s on me. If the snap was frickin’ 5,000 feet over my head. I don’t care, there’s no excuses. You know, and I think that’s an important thing for this team to know and a lesson to myself, you know, regardless where the snap is who gives a shit? You know, I gotta be able to make the play.
“Excuse my language.”
Offensive Line Coach Greg Austin on the Six Sacks from the Colorado Game
“It wasn’t even a frickin’ technique deal. It was a getting-your-ass-out-of-your-stance deal.”
Offensive Coordinator Troy Walters on getting more receivers involved in the game
“We’ve got to get more guys going, and that’s on me. I’ve got to get guys in early, get them in the flow of the game, because we’re going to need the depth as we continue the season. I’ll place all the blame on me. ... If JD, Wan’Dale and Kanawai, if they’re the only ones playing, they’re going to get worn down by the end of the season.”