As we draw ever closer to the Badgers biggest game of the Big Ten season, it’s important we continue to look under the hood of the opposition. With that in mind we reached out our friends at Husker Corner, and specifically, co-editor Brandon Cavanaugh.
We’ll get the answers to the key questions facing Nebraska, including what’s up with the verbal games played by Pelini about star running back Ameer Abdullah and so, so much more. So, when you’re looking at this game please give them a follow on Twitter @theHuskerCorner and Brandon at @eightlaces.
Let’s get on with the Q’s and A’s, shall we?
MadTownBadgers: Ameer Abdullah’s injury seems to be troubling Bo Pelini, at least he seems to not know if he’s going to play or not. Is it just gamesmanship or could Abdullah actually not play on Saturday? Side Note: If he isn’t a go, how much trouble are you guys in?
Brandon: He’ll play. As long as he has two legs attached to his body, he’ll play. What we don’t know is how close to top speed he’s at. If he’s wearing a brace (and he has been), I think we’re looking at a guy who’s closer to 80 percent with a grade one MCL sprain.
It’s a troubling topic, though, because obviously Abdullah is this team’s heart and soul. Without him, Nebraska loses to McNeese State and likely loses a game or two more. It’ll be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Tim Beck works around this situation.
Nebraska has talented skill players though and if I were calling the shots, I’d have two seperate gameplans for every contest: one with Abdullah involved and one without.
MTB: Is Tommy Armstrong capable of beating this Wisconsin defense on his own?
Brandon: No. Tommy has all the tools to be a quality quarterback, but he’s still at a point where he has severe flaws in his game. His main problem is his reads. He’ll lock onto his first man or forget to check down.
If I were Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator and Abdullah was gone, I’d rush seven or eight and force him to beat my guys with his arm.
He’s no scrub, though and is incredibly fast if he gets a hole. Quarterback draws can yield major results, but can he do this all by himself? No.
MTB: The Huskers D isn’t so bad itself, but what has been the key to its success to date?
Brandon: Obviously, Randy Gregory’s been a huge part, but we’re seeing the arrival of defensive lineman Maliek Collins. Last year, his neighbor Vincent Valentine came into his own, but seems to be having a slump.
Defensive end Greg McMullen’s also stepped up off the edge and linebacker/pass rush specialist Marcus Newby has been occasionally effective.
The defense often goes into a hybrid nickel package that Pelini calls the “Peso” with a hybrid linebacker/safety. Not only has this helped overall, but it’s given a chance for one of the secondary’s best players to shine in Nathan Gerry.
I suspect we see a lot of him in run support and coverage. The guy’s shredded. An absolute weight room warrior.
There’s been good communication, too. There’s been issues in the past with players unable to get calls in and then boom, the offense already snapped the ball. That doesn’t seem to be an issue this season.
MTB: Seriously, what is Nebraska’s obsession with patriotic themed rivalry trophies? Love the sentiment behind the Freedom trophy, but that’s a second one for you guys since joining this conference.
Brandon: You’re pointing the finger at the wrong entity. This is all Jim Delany. It’s pandering and anyone with half a brain can see that. In fact, I recently wrote a piece about it spanning three opinion bases: my own, the Twitteratti and two friends who are not only Husker fans, but Navy veterans. None were supportive.
In fact, one of the Navy vets suggested an alternate trophy: The Golden Mug. Since Nebraska and Wisconsin have such a booming craft brewery industry, why not take advantage of it? I’d be on board.
MTB: Trophies are a big deal in the Big Ten, but do you see Wisconsin as a true rival yet? Or does it take more than the three pretty memorable contests (o.k. maybe one you’d like to forget) to get jazzed up about this contest?
Brandon: I think the series is getting there. The fan bases are starting to detest each other, trolling one another and let’s not forget this is a contest that should often help decide the division.
This could very well be the first time Nebraska has a rivalry based on hatred that goes both ways.
MTB: Prediction and why
Brandon: It’s tough. If I were gameplanning for both, I know what I’d personally do, but Tim Beck’s been a mystery to me. I know that Wisconsin has the ability to spread out Nebraska and take advantage of a linebacker corps that hasn’t performed well.
With a one-two punch of Gordon and Clement, the Badgers are going to get points.
Nebraska MUST get turnovers and get points as a result. I feel the Blackshirts’ secondary can take advantage of Wisconsin’s passing game, but the offensive hiccups could kill Nebraska’s drives.
I’m going to have to give the nod to Wisconsin, because Bo Pelini simply hasn’t shown he can win in these big spotlight games. Maybe that changes this Saturday, but it’s been seven years, so I’ll go with what the facts show.
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