By Tommy Rezac
Nebraska’s offense was ready to play in the first half against Wisconsin Saturday, piling up 313 yards by intermission.
The Huskers would get only 68 more for the rest of the game. Offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf thinks one reason for the stark difference between halves might have been Nebraska’s “feast or famine” running game.
“We talked a lot about it today,” Langsdorf said, “about really being kind of a feast or famine run. We hit a 12-yarder, then we’d go zero. Then, we’d go one. Then, we’d 11. Then, we’d go one. Our most common runs have been zeros and ones. We got to get the most common runs to get in the four or five-yard range.”
Junior running back Devine Ozigbo carried the load for Nebraska Saturday, tallying 112 yards on 23 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Dropped Passes
Coach Langsdorf mentioned dropped passes among the receivers has been an issue. He counted four drops on Saturday that were “catchable” balls.
“It’s not been one guy or one group,” Langsdorf. “It’s been kind of a combination of (guys).”
Wide receivers coach Keith Williams said working on catching drills will be a point of emphasis this week.
Ohio State
“Strong” and “fast” were the two words most frequently used by Langsdorf and the offensive staff when talking about the Buckeyes on defense.
Much like Wisconsin, Ohio State ranks in the top half of the Big Ten and in the top 30 nationally in about every major category, including total defense (14th nationally, 5th Big Ten), scoring defense (10th nationally, 4th Big Ten) and pass defense (17th nationally, 4th Big Ten).
“We’re going to have to cover those guys up and do a better job of running the ball consistently,” Langsdorf said. “We’ve got to make more gains and more strides on a consistent run production and be able to hit some throws against them.”
Tanner Lee wasn’t sacked at all against the Badgers, but Buckeyes sophomore defensive end Nick Bosa, younger brother to first round NFL Draft pick Joey Bosa, leads OSU with four sacks and ten tackles for loss. His TFL total leads the Big Ten and ranks 12th nationally.
Tanner Lee’s growth
Tanner Lee’s line in the Wisconsin game (16 for 32, 262 yards, TD, INT) didn’t jump off the page, but Langsdorf has been pleased with his growth and progression through the last couple games.
“I think he’s been really good the last two games especially,” Langsdorf said. “I thought he had some really smart decisions. I thought he threw the ball accurately. He moved nicely in the pocket, had a scramble, stepped up a few times against some rush and made some throws. I just think he’s been really sharp and really solid. He graded out great in our last game.”
Cole Conrad
Junior center Cole Conrad is still recovering from an ankle injury, but when he gets back, Langsdorf says they’ll consider working him out at guard to provide some depth. Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said earlier this season that he wasn’t thinking about moving Conrad from his center spot.
Mikale Wilbon and Tre Bryant
Wilbon (ankle) and Bryant (knee) are both recovering from injury, but running backs coach Reggie Davis says they both got to practice Monday. Wilbon is considered likely to play Saturday, while Bryant remains doubtful.
Other Notables
Coach Cavanaugh was asked about the progress of the younger offensive linemen that are either true or redshirt freshman. One name mentioned in particular was true freshman and Stromsburg, NE native Hunter Miller.
“He’s smart, he’s athletic,” Cavanaugh said. “He’ll be a good football player here.”
Tyjon Lindsey’s Block
One thing Coach Williams was extremely impressed by Saturday was true freshman receiver Tyjon Lindsey’s block that helped Stanley Morgan, Jr. find a lane to run through during his 80-yard touchdown catch late in the first half.
You can contact Tommy at 402-840-5226, or you can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_KLIN.
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