#3 Oklahoma Vs. Nebraska | What You Need To Know About The Cornhuskers

2021 Nebraska Stats

Record2-1
Conference Record0-1
Points Scored Per Game34
Points Allowed Per Game13.3

Oklahoma and Nebraska is finally upon us! It’s easy to get lost in all of the hoopla surrounding the “renewal of the rivalry” and forget about the actual game that’ll be played on the field. FOX is doing it’s college football show from Norman, the Game of the Century is going to be mentioned over and again, and a ton of alumni are going to be in the stadium. All of that is going to hold very little value shortly after 11:00 once the ball goes in the air for the opening kickoff.

The Huskers come into Norman riding a two-game winning streak. Neither of those wins are going to get Scott Frost off the hot seat but an upset over the Sooners would definitely provide some much needed relief. Unfortunately for Frost Nebraska is 1-9 when playing on the road as an underdog under Scott Frost.

The Nebraska defense has looked very much the part of the black shirts of old over the last two weeks, holding opponents to just ten combined points. However in the opener against Illinois the Husker defense failed to get off the field in critical moments against a backup quarterback. Linebackers Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer lead the charge for Nebraska’s defense. The duo make up the top two tacklers on the team with a combined 43 takedowns between them and Reimer has an interception and forced fumble to his credit as well.

Nebraska’s defense is allowing opponents an average of 277.3 passing yards per game so you like Spencer Ratttler’s chances of making some things happen through the air. On the ground the Huskers are giving up 143.7 yards per contest which could open the door for either Kennedy Brooks or Eric Gray to hit the century mark for the first time this season.

Quarterback Adrian Martinez is the centerpiece of the Nebraska offense. It will absolutely go as he goes and that’s why the Sooner defense will be focused on him for every second of every offensive snap. Running backs Markese Stepp and Gabe Ervin Jr. are going to join Martinez in the backfield but it’s the junior quarterback who paces the team with an average of 7.5 yards per carry.

While the rushing attack is the strength of the Husker offense, Oklahoma’s secondary is going to have to account for Samori Toure on every snap as well. The senior receiver has burning speed and good hands. He’s averaging 23.5 yards per reception and will be the top option for Martinez on passing downs.

The offensive line is where Nebraska has struggled and the OU defensive front seems to be on the verge of taking advantage of a massive opportunity.

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