The Maudfather
New member
The line opened at -17.5 in our favor. Northwestern has only been beat by more than 17 points one time this season and that was by Michigan. In their 5 losses this season, they have allowed a total of 994 yards rushing. They have allowed at least 100 yards rushing in every game except one this season (Illinois, who passed for 300+) and they have had two games allowing more than 300 yards on the ground, most recently giving up 319 to a pathetic Indiana team.
There are a couple of things that could keep Northwestern in the game though and it starts with Dan Persa. Persa has only played in 5 games this season, but is completing 75% of his passes this season, throwing for 1251, 9 scores and 3 picks. Our defense has given up a total of 1422 yards through the air, allowing 11 TDs and getting 4 picks. However, Persa is averaging 3 sacks a game and over the last 3 games we have held our opponents to a 41% completion percentage (26/53), 316 yards, with 1 score and 2 picks. That's truly remarkable considering how poor the secondary play was at the beginning of the season.
Another thing that may make this game closer than it should be is Taylor Martinez. Taylor is a pedestrian 90/164 on the season with 1256 yards, 8TDs and 7 picks. Everybody knows that Taylor's mechanics are about as poor as they come, but the decision making sometimes leaves Husker Nation scratching their collective head.
Who do I like? Nebraska has only covered the spread twice this year, but I like us to cover. I think that we have much improved pressuring the QB, which is very odd with our "prize bull" out. I think we force Persa to make some errant throws and get to him a handful of times. Rex and Taylor both have big days on the ground, as well.
Who ya got?
There are a couple of things that could keep Northwestern in the game though and it starts with Dan Persa. Persa has only played in 5 games this season, but is completing 75% of his passes this season, throwing for 1251, 9 scores and 3 picks. Our defense has given up a total of 1422 yards through the air, allowing 11 TDs and getting 4 picks. However, Persa is averaging 3 sacks a game and over the last 3 games we have held our opponents to a 41% completion percentage (26/53), 316 yards, with 1 score and 2 picks. That's truly remarkable considering how poor the secondary play was at the beginning of the season.
Another thing that may make this game closer than it should be is Taylor Martinez. Taylor is a pedestrian 90/164 on the season with 1256 yards, 8TDs and 7 picks. Everybody knows that Taylor's mechanics are about as poor as they come, but the decision making sometimes leaves Husker Nation scratching their collective head.
Who do I like? Nebraska has only covered the spread twice this year, but I like us to cover. I think that we have much improved pressuring the QB, which is very odd with our "prize bull" out. I think we force Persa to make some errant throws and get to him a handful of times. Rex and Taylor both have big days on the ground, as well.
Who ya got?
