Nebraska Football: Previewing the Cornhuskers' Game Against Texas A&M

For Nebraska fans watching the game against Texas A&M, November 20, 7:00 p.m. CST, Kyle Field, College Station, TX, on ABC

YOU’LL BE HAPPY IF...

...NU CAN IGNORE THE PERCENTAGES: Throughout the week, we’ve heard varying descriptions of how much better Taylor Martinez’s ankle has felt. Given NU’s relative struggles on offense against a Jayhawk defense that had been atrocious against the run, whatever those percentages were last week didn’t add up to mean “good enough for Martinez to be T-Magic.” If Martinez can perform as he did earlier in the season, without nursing a sore ankle, Nebraska’s offensive threat will increase exponentially.

...THERE’S A REASON HE WAS A RECEIVER: Midway through this season, the Aggies were floundering, and head coach Mike Sherman (otherwise known as Bill Callahan South) looked like he was on his way out. He made a big gamble by benching preseason conference player of the year Jerrod Johnson at quarterback and replacing him with QB-turned-WR Ryan Tannehill. The Aggies have responded by winning four straight—but against some pretty poor defenses. NU will be, by far, the best defensive outfit Tannehill will have faced. If NU can make Tannehill look like the converted wide receiver he is, things will go well for Nebraska on Saturday.

...THE BLACKSHIRTS FIND BALANCE: One of the reasons for the Aggies’ success with Tannehill at quarterback has been the balance between the run and the pass which their offense has found. Nebraska’s defense is very aggressive, which can lead to openings when a player overcommits. If the Blackshirts play smart and defend well against A&M’s multiple offense, they should find success.

YOU’LL BE SAD IF …

...THE AGGIES HAVE “ENSUING” HIGHLIGHTS: Last week, Kansas very nearly took the opening kick-off in for a touchdown and had significant returns on two other occasions. The Aggies have a dangerous return specialist in Coryell Judie and are 20th in the country in kickoff returns. In a game that could be fairly even otherwise, surrendering field position on long kick returns could make a huge difference.

...HEIGHT MAKES MIGHT: Texas A&M receiver Jeff Fuller doesn’t have the skills or the pedigree of Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon, but he does check in at 6’4”. He will likely be facing man-on-man coverage from 6’1” Prince Amukamura or 5’10” Alfonzo Dennard. The Cowboys burned NU deep by underthrowing passes and letting Blackmon use his height against the shorter NU defenders. Look for the Aggies to take a page out of that playbook.

...NEBRASKA STAYS IN FIRST PLACE: No, not in the Big 12 North. NU’s 33 fumbles lead the FBS. The fact that NU has lost only 11 of those fumbles is amazing, bordering on miraculous. To be successful, Nebraska cannot continue to ride its luck and put the ball on the Kyle Field carpet.

THE BIG PICTURE

Nebraska is in a unique and unexpected position coming into Saturday’s game against Texas A&M. On the one hand, at 9-1 and No. 8 in the BCS, NU maintains an outside shot at a National Championship berth. Staying in that hunt makes Saturday’s game a must-win, with all the attendant pressure. On the other hand, NU has a functional two-game lead in the North, meaning NU can still win the North and play for a BCS bowl by beating Colorado. Although the motivational picture is cloudy, what is clear is how well Nebraska has played on the road. If Martinez is healthy enough to present a credible running threat, NU should have enough success moving the ball to outscore the Aggies.

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 31, Texas A&M 20