Husker Football Numbers, Statistics, and Lies: Bye Week

NSL is a quick look at basic stats and where Nebraska ranks in all of FBS as well as the Big Ten. I pull out some random stats the dart landed on carefully curated statistics and then analyze where the numbers match the eye test.

There are 134 teams playing FBS football in 2024. The chart below is broken into quintiles the top 20% is colored dark green. These are followed by light green, yellow, light red and then dark red boxes where Nebraska ranks in the bottom 20%. The same pattern follows the Big Ten where a top 3 rank is dark green, 4-7 is light green, 8-11 is yellow, 12-15 is light red, and 16-18 is dark red.

Spoiler alert #SpecialTeams

Color-Coded Pile of Numbers

I knew the defensive section would look pretty good – and it does.

The only area that the Blackshirts are in average territory is in allowing first downs. So, Nebraska gives up some ground in the middle of the field. Once an opponent approaches the red zone, Robinson, Hutmacher et al. put up a big stop sign. The wall grows more impenetrable at the goal line where the Huskers are #7 in the nation in scoring defense.

“Death Row” is living up to its nickname.

If you have watched any Husker football games this season, you are also not surprised by the offensive section. That group has been promising and explosive at times. However, an anemic rush offense and lots of blocked/missed field goals leads to a red ranking in the red zone.

The Nebraska offense can generate yards and first downs, but it hasn’t been turning them into points consistently.

BUT BUT BUT…at least they are hanging on to the ball!!

Look at that gorgeous green color on the turnover margin, fumbles lost, and interceptions thrown lines.

Husker fan’s livers everywhere rejoice.

Then there’s #SpecialTeams.

Sigh.

In Case You Forgot, Here’s 2023

Here’s where the Huskers were midway through 2023. If we have to accept some special teams snafus in return for offensive competence, I’ll take that trade.

Twice on Saturdays.

Enjoy the bye week games Husker fans. Root for everyone to lose.

That’s what I’m going to do anyway.