Huskers need to cut down the penalties, ramp up the running game

After the first two games, the Sporting News has some stats and commentary on Nebraska’s (lack of a) running attack thus far in 2008.

One of the key things holding the Huskers back?

The Cornhuskers are amongst the nation’s leading teams in number of PENALTIES !!!?!?

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Penalties also have held back the Huskers. Nebraska was called for 12, seven by the offense. There were five false starts, including three in a row by two receivers and a tight end in the second quarter.

Through two games, the Huskers have 18 penalties for 163 yards, ranking among the most in the nation.

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Nebraska currently ranks 82nd in the country in rushing yards per game.

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The Huskers are 82nd nationally in rushing at 118.5 yards a game. San Jose held them to 53 yards on the ground through three quarters, and they finished with 99.

After Nebraska generated 138 rushing yards against Western Michigan in the opener, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said he went away from the run because the Broncos were crowding the line of scrimmage.

Pelini said there were no excuses for the low output against San Jose.

“We’re not all on the same page,” he said. “To be able to run the football, it has to be 11 guys doing their job. You have a breakdown here or a breakdown there, you have issues. We’re just not executing very well right now.”

Roy Helu Jr., the third I-back in the game for Nebraska, was the strongest runner, picking up 59 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

Marlon Lucky, the starter, had 23 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Quentin Castille had 7 yards on six attempts and fumbled at midfield after taking a pitch from Joe Ganz on an option play. The turnover occurred just as it looked like the offense was gaining traction in the second half.

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