Three questions for the Michigan game

BIG ERN

BIG ERN

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1. Who starts at QB? Tommy looks to be the guy (especially in the run game), but has made some terrible decisions in the passing game this year. Ron is currently the hero, but lacks running the ball which our offense is predicated off of. Senior leadership on the road, or keep it on the ground with some fresh legs?

2. Can the defense keep it going? After getting beat up on the ground early the Nebraska defense rose to the occasion and made some big plays in the second half. Northwestern was really banged up, and Michigan has the likes of Gardner, Gallon, Funchess, and Toussaint. They have struggled to get the ball going on the ground this year though which is good for us.

3. Are our injuries too much to win on the road? I'm not sure who is going to play Saturday, but if we still do not have Bell, Martinez, Turner, Long, Cotton - is it too much?

Hoke is a perfect 19-0 at home since arriving at Michigan

 
1. I think we have no choice, but to rotate both QB's in at this point. They each have their specialties and it'll make Michigan adjust to each QB on defense giving us a chance to catch them off guard. Tommy throws a nice ball, but makes some poor choices, which is to be expected of a freshman. I think Tommy plays more because we need to focus on our run game, that's our strong point right now.

2. I think the defense can get it done if they attack the offense, not wait for them to come to them, seen more of that against NW and that was a good thing. More reacting than thinking, these kids are too young to think that much, it slows them way down. I think if we attack them, pressure Gardner a lot, they'll make mistakes. Having said that I think they are averaging over 40 points a game?

3. We are most likely going to have Bell and Turner back, unsure about Cotton at this point. We are banged up, no doubt about it, and Ron and Tommy need to remember to put the passes in a place where their receivers aren't gonna die.

We need a huge showing from our team over the remainder of the season, no doubt about that, it's not going to be easy. I guess if they make it to Indy though they should be battle tested once again and the ball has to fall our way at some point here in these CCG. No one outside of Nebraska thinks we have a chance, hell most in Nebraska doesn't think we have a chance. The team has no choice, but to come together to win it all, or fall apart as individuals and enjoy an insight.com type of bowl game.

 
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Regarding the QB... I hope it is Armstrong. He is learning and these experiences are invaluable for him and will prepare him better for next year. I do not know what to expect as to who will start... my hope though is for Armstrong --- who I hope has these bold passing problems (throwing into double coverage) out of his system.

I watched 10 minutes of MSU vs. Michigan --- and Michigan is horrible against the blitz. Perhaps the Huskers can blitz and place pressure on the Michigan backfield all day. Michigan looked horrible in general... just physically over-matched against MSU.

Michigan is beatable even by an average team... the Huskers could win this one. I think MU will, and probably should be favored, but NU does have a shot. As for our injuries... that may still play a role and mitigate against NU's success --- especially on the OL.

 
robsker said:
Regarding the QB... I hope it is Armstrong. He is learning and these experiences are invaluable for him and will prepare him better for next year. I do not know what to expect as to who will start... my hope though is for Armstrong --- who I hope has these bold passing problems (throwing into double coverage) out of his system.

I watched 10 minutes of MSU vs. Michigan --- and Michigan is horrible against the blitz. Perhaps the Huskers can blitz and place pressure on the Michigan backfield all day. Michigan looked horrible in general... just physically over-matched against MSU.

Michigan is beatable even by an average team... the Huskers could win this one. I think MU will, and probably should be favored, but NU does have a shot. As for our injuries... that may still play a role and mitigate against NU's success --- especially on the OL.
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so true, out OL is a mash unit now...playing both QB's seems to be Beck's idea.....without a decent front, the passing game is going to be tough...

 
Without a decent offensive line unit I'm not worried about what Michigan will do to us.........................I'm worried about what MSU will do to us with the #1 defense in the nation.

 
I think TA has to be viewed as the guy. If he struggles or we need to go primarily pass, then it's RK time. And this all presupposes that TM is less than 100% healthy.

I fear the defense will continue to be baffling but don't underestimate the value of momentum. I believe the main ingredient missing is believing. Defense has to be played with some emotion. If these young guys can string together some successes, it could easily snowball into something that will work.

As far as injuries, we are hurting pretty bad especially on offense. We would have to be crazy to think we have any advantage going into the big house. They're gonna be wanting to get back on track after getting prison raped by MSU. I expect a low scoring affair unless Michigan moves the ball at will against us. Our D needs to have it's best game of the past two seasons to break Hoke's home streak.

 
I agree with the qb rotation. We are absolutely going to have to continue to throw with Armstrong, however. The way I think you do that is simplify his reads by rolling him out on play action boots and waggles. Cuts the field in half for him, gives him the option of running, and also takes pressure off our pass protection, which we could see late in the NW game is going to struggle from here on out.

 
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Tommy starts- no question

The defense played incredible the second half- we have read it was not a coach adjustment but player's opinion. I am cool with that. The defense will ride the mo into the Big House.

But.... our O Line is beat to hell and the conference is way more physical than we can handle. So our defense will be spending lots of time on the field next week.

If we can piece together a win- it will be nothing short of a miracle for us.

 
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