Nebraska running back Sevion Morrison breaks a tackle by Fordham linebacker Ryan Greenhagen during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska rolled past Fordham in the home opener. Listen to Huskers head coach Scott Frost speak to the media after the game Saturday.
They say teams should take a big leap between the first and second games of the season. Fordham isn’t Illinois, but the Huskers executed much better on offense and the defense forced three turnovers. Here’s a look at some key areas from Saturday.
Running back production
Entering Saturday: The Husker running backs combined for 54 yards on 19 carries (2.8 yards per carry) in a 30-22 loss at Illinois. The offensive line struggled to create some lanes, and NU’s leading rusher not named Adrian Martinez was Gabe Ervin (33 yards on 12 carries).
Saturday: Nebraska’s running game seemed to have some zip when USC transfer Markese Stepp was in the game. He was easily the Huskers’ top back, finishing with 101 yards on 18 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry. Ervin, who started, had 17 yards on six carries (2.8 ypc). NU finished with 329 rushing yards on 65 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per tote.
First-down yardage
Entering Saturday: How can a Husker offense spinning its wheels a bit find some momentum? By generating big gains on first downs.
Saturday: With less than 8 minutes remaining in the game, Nebraska was averaging 7.3 yards on first down. Adrian Martinez was 9-of-11 passing for 130 yards on first down, and the Huskers averaged 5.4 yards per first-down rushing attempt. Even better for Scott Frost’s offensive unit: No penalties on first down.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login