Nebraska Football: Grading the Cornhuskers' Game against Wyoming

Nebraska pulled away for a 38-14 win over Wyoming, going a perfect 4-0 in the non-conference season in preparation for its first season in the B1G Conference. However, Nebraska only led Wyoming 14-7 going into the half, and their performance was a cause of concern for many Nebraska fans.

So. let's take a look in more detail at how each of Nebraska's units performed, to get a better idea of what happened against Wyoming and what Nebraska fans can expect in the conference season to come.

Quarterback: B

OK, hear me out.

Yes, Taylor Martinez was all kinds of atrocious, especially in the first half. But here’s why I’m not downgrading him too badly. In the second half, Martinez was able to manage the game and get out of the way while Rex Burkhead did his thing.

Last year, it was far less likely to see that type of performance. It was either Martinez leading NU to a win, or Martinez flubbing his way to an NU loss.

To see Nebraska win with Martinez playing an average to below-average game is, in a crazy way, progress.

Running Backs: A

What more can you say about Rex Burkhead? 170 yards, two touchdowns and the shiftiness and power to make runs out of nothing led the way for NU’s win in Laramie. I know all about the speedy playmakers, but I remain convinced that Burkhead is the cog around which the rest of the Nebraska offense revolves.

The freshman backups played well, with Braylon Heard probably the most accomplished of the bunch. Ameer Abdullah’s somersault fumble is the only blemish on the unit and the only thing keeping them from the coveted A+ grade.

Receivers: B

The receiving corps had a solid, if not spectacular, performance against the Cowboys.

Brandon Kinnie finally got on the stat sheet in a meaningful way, showing both his hands and his size are advantages.

Quincy Enunwa showed himself a capable pass-catching threat and an excellent downfield blocker. Kenny Bell is evolving into a go-to deep threat, and Jamal Turner is seeing the ball more and more as the season wears on.

Offensive Line: B+

If a tailback is the player of the game with the kind of stat line Rex Burkhead had, a lot of credit has to go to the offensive line.

Pass protection was less stellar, at least until Nebraska functionally abandoned the passing game in the second half.

It appears that Nebraska is settling in somewhat to a predictable rotation on the offensive line, which means the chemistry and cohesion of the unit should improve as the season wears on.

Defensive Line: B-

Wyoming’s rushing totals weren’t spectacular, so at a certain level, the defensive line did it’s job. But to only get one sack against Wyoming, given Nebraska’s clear size and talent advantage, has to be viewed as a disappointment. Certainly losing a player like Crick from the line makes a huge difference. But there can’t be any “no Crick” curve on the grade this week.

Having said that, Nebraska fans are certainly hoping Crick feels better for the trip to Madison.

Linebackers: B

Again, a solid if not spectacular performance from Nebraska’s linebacking corps.

Lavonte David will likely be seeing his missed sack of Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith in his sleep the next few days—and he might get it a couple of times on the coaching film as well.

As with the defensive line, a lack of sacks downgrades the linebackers’ grade as well.

Secondary: D

While it was good to see Alfonzo Dennard on the field again, as the game wore on, it appeared that he was still bothered by the injury that had kept him out of the first three games of the season.

Starting Corey Cooper opposite Dennard was a surprise move and seemed to backfire as Cooper was beaten on a slant that went for Wyoming’s first touchdown. Of course, so was Austin Cassidy in pursuit as well as the rest of the secondary.

Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson has to be looking at Nebraska’s secondary play in the last two weeks and getting very excited for the matchup in Madison.

Special Teams: A

Alex who? Brett Maher continues to impress both punting and kicking field goals.

Yes, the “miss” at the end of the first half was questionable, but I saw on Twitter a good perspective on the kick. It was a 50-yard attempt…and went over the top of the upright.

Nebraska’s kick coverage looked tighter than it has in weeks past, and Ameer Abdullah remains a dangerous weapon returning kicks and punts.

Coaching: C

Tough to understand the decision to start Corey Cooper at corner opposite Alfonzo Dennard, which led to Wyoming’s first score and all kinds of consternation amongst Nebraska fans.

The offensive play-calling in the first half was also mysterious, with Nebraska throwing the ball more than running. And if Rex Burkhead had 170 yards on 15 carries, how much would he have had with 25?

Intangibles: B-

Ultimately, Nebraska accomplished what it set out to do, which is win all four of it’s non-conference games. But the unconvincing manner in which they did so leaves NU in a precarious place. Yes, the performances mean Nebraska will not be overconfident heading into Madison. But it also means that if things go badly to start the game against Wisconsin—and given how slowly Nebraska has started in the last two games, that’s not a stretch to imagine—then confidence could wane and things could get ugly for NU in Mad-Town quickly.

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