Midterm Report: Grading the Nebraska Cornhuskers
OK, so five isn't EXACTLY half of 12, but you get the drift. And, quite honestly, the Nebraska-Texas grudge match is as good a place as any to mark the start of the second part of Nebraska's 2010 campaign.
We've had positive surprises (T-Magic) and negative ones (Jackrabbits, anyone?) So at this mythical midpoint of the season, how does Nebraska grade out?
Offense
1 of 5
Pros
While some idiots were hoping Zac Lee would be the starting signal-caller for Nebraska, the addition of Taylor Martinez has added a home-run threat that NU has been lacking for a decade. Martinez's magic, however, has overshadowed solid campaigns from both of Nebraska's tailbacks, particularly a now-healthy Roy Helu.
Cons
While NU's run game looks unstoppable, their passing game looks a bit shaky. Martinez is prone to freshman mistakes throwing the ball. The wide receivers have been, for the most part, relegated to blocking duty. Nebraska also has picked up a disturbing fumbling trend which could cost them dearly as the season progresses.
GRADE: A-
Defense
2 of 5
Pros
Linebacker Lavonte David has turned into a tackling machine. Cornerbacks Prince Amukamura and Alfonzo Dennard shut down a Heisman trophy candidate and have enabled Bo Pelini to blitz far more often than he would be able to otherwise.
Cons
NU's hasn't gotten the kind of penetration and pass rush from the front four that they saw last year. While the increase in level of play from the secondary has made up for that deficit, it's a high-risk strategy. Linebacker depth is a huge question mark until Will Compton returns. There have also been some inconsistencies in focus as well (see State, South Dakota).
GRADE: A
Special Teams
3 of 5
Pros
Alex Henery has simply been money punting the ball and giving Nebraska field position advantages. He's been solid when called upon for field goal duty, as well. Adi Kunalic has recovered from the Big XII championship game faux pas and reliably (if not completely consistently) put kickoffs into the end zone.
Cons
Kansas State exposed a shaky side to Nebraska's kick coverage unit. Niles Paul has tried to lock down the return job, but his hands and his decision-making abilities are both causes for concern.
GRADE: B+
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Coaching
4 of 5
Pros
It took more than a little guts to throw a redshirt freshman in as your starting quarterback, but the T-Magic gamble has (to date) paid off for Pelini. Lost in that shuffle is that summer conditioning cost NU both starting linebackers, but NU was able to react and discover a possible star in Lavonte David.
Cons
It's hard not to look at the South Dakota State game and not think, at some level, Pelini and Co. didn't have the team ready. Pelini's teams have a history of not handling success well, so he'll have a challenge on his hands with Nebraska's current lofty national ranking.
GRADE: A
Overall
5 of 5
Pros
Nebraska's stout defense hasn't really surprised anyone. Nebraska's quick-strike offense has been the stunner, and it's still a little difficult to tell how much of that is reality and how much is mirage. NU has been dominant on the road, and has (with one exception) taken care of business at home.
Cons
While the wins over Washington and Kansas State were impressive, it is still difficult to use them as a gauge for just how good this team really is. Texas, even coming off two losses, will still be the most athletically gifted squad NU has faced this year. NU has also shown a disturbing trend to lose focus once a game is in hand at home—and sometimes even before the game is in hand.
OVERALL MIDTERM GRADE: A- (although an incomplete might not be inappropriate, until we see how NU fares against a talent-rich Texas squad while carrying the burden of being a prohibitive favorite)
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
