Minnesota vs. Nebraska: Game Grades, Analysis for the Huskers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers proved they are worthy of being talked about as one of the better teams in the Big Ten, defeating Nebraska at Memorial Stadium 28-24. The final box score can be found here, thanks to NCAA.com.

The Huskers looked as if they were going to run away with the game, as they led 21-7 at the half. But turnovers on offense and a lack of discipline on defense proved to be costly, and they now have to fight for a decent bowl instead of having a chance to reach the Big Ten title.

It was a game the Huskers could have and should have won. But when you lose your top two receivers and a key offensive lineman, that’s an uphill battle for any team, no matter how good it is.

Here are game grades and analysis for the Huskers.

Positional Unit	First Half Grade	Final Grade
Passing Offense	A-	B
Running Offense	B-	B-
Passing Defense	B	C+
Running Defense	D	D
Special Teams	A	A
Coaching	A	C

PASSING OFFENSE

For a team that does not throw the ball a lot, the Huskers did a solid job though the air with 223 yards. Tommy Armstrong showed great pocket presence and made some big throws, especially in the first half. But he did struggle in the second half, as the front seven for the Gophers got after Armstrong, and he could never get back in a rhythm.

Another aspect that did not help the Huskers' cause was De’Mornay Pierson-El fumbling two receptions that would have led to 14 points for the Huskers.

RUNNING OFFENSE

The run game for the Huskers was solid, but it was not at its best. Ameer Abdullah had only 98 yards on 20 carries, while Armstrong had 45 yards on 12 carries. Imani Cross played well, spelling Abdullah with 31 yards on six carries. Minnesota did a great job tackling Abdullah at the point of attack, which is why he could never really get going like he has all season long.

PASSING DEFENSE

The Huskers allowed only 135 yards though the air, but the Gophers aren’t really known for airing it out anyway. Nate Gerry had a big game in the secondary with 11 tackles and two pass breakups, while Randy Gregory had eight tackles and one sack. However, Mitch Leidner did have some big throws in the second half and was never really pressured.

The Huskers give up only around 200 yards per game through the air, and they were below that Saturday. But there was some miscommunication late in the game, which led to Leidner making some key throws.

RUNNING DEFENSE

The good news is that the Huskers did not allow a running back to rush for over 400 yards. The bad news is that the run defense still had some issues and was the reason the Gophers got back into the game. Leidner rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, while David Cobb, who left the game with an injury, rushed for 80 yards and one touchdown.

The biggest problem for the Huskers is that they overpursue and lose containment. It’s something they can easily fix, but it’s been a huge problem the last two weeks.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The special teams for the Huskers was the only thing that was consistent. The play of the game came when Nebraska blocked a field goal in the first half and it was returned for a touchdown. Drew Brown made his lone field goal, and the Sam Foltz was able to average 43 yards per punt. If the Huskers were able to win the game, it would have been because of the blocked field goal, but it just wasn’t enough.

COACHING

Bo Pelini did a good job getting the Huskers ready for this Big Ten contest, because they looked a lot better than what they showed against Wisconsin. But they did not make the proper second-half adjustments and were outscored 21-3 in the second half because of it.

Pelini has done a good job getting the Huskers to nine wins each season, but with a loss like this, have the Huskers reached the ceiling with this coaching staff?