Nebraska Football: 5 Things We Learned from the Minnesota Game

Nebraska knocked off Minnesota, 41-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. Nebraska led 34-0 at halftime, and the second half was a combination of decreased focus and offensive experimentation that allowed Minnesota to make the score respectable.

So what did we learn from Nebraska’s first B1G road win?

Minnesota Isn't Very Good

When deciding what the takeaway from this game is, there’s no escaping the deficiency of the opponent. To their credit, the Gophers played hard for four quarters for head coach Jerry Kill. But they lack the talent level to compete and lack the execution to keep things close.

Yes, Nebraska has some good takeaways from the game, but any highs off this win have to be tempered. There’s no more Minnesota’s on Nebraska’s schedule.

Less Taylor = More Success

Taylor Martinez was 13-of-22 for 162 yards and a touchdown in the air and had 10 carries for 60 yards and no scores. Not incredible numbers, right? And yet, Nebraska racked up 515 yards of total offense and controlled the game.

It’s not that Martinez isn’t a special offensive threat—clearly, he is. But when Nebraska’s offense is more than just the T-Magic show, and Martinez doesn’t help the opposition (like he did against Wisconsin), Nebraska’s offense can be formidable.

The Tackling Is Better but Not Better

The bye week certainly showed dividends for Nebraska in terms of tacking technique. Not only did the mechanics improve, but Nebraska’s defense looked more confident and aggressive in attacking the ball carrier.

There’s definite improvement that needs to be made, and a far more formidable offensive threat in Michigan State coming to town next week. But at least there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.

Another Pelini Position Change Success

Last month, Stanley Jean-Baptiste was a wide receiver. A month later, he’s a starting cornerback and is playing a solid game, covering well and making tackles in space against a speedy and elusive mobile quarterback.

Nebraska has been laboring all year to find a starting corner to place opposite Alfonzo Dennard. The brothers Pelini may have worked some more position change magic and solved their problem.

Brett Maher Isn't Alex Henery Yet

While the game was never in doubt, Brett Maher did struggle in nearly every phase of the kicking game. When finally called upon to punt, he shanked his effort. He badly missed an (admittedly long) field goal attempt.

Yes, Alex Henery had his struggles, particularly in his senior year. But Maher hasn’t quite reached the “Mr. Automatic” stage that Henery reached at the end of his Nebraska career.

Like what you read? Follow me on Twitter @patrickrunge to track my thoughts and observations about college football—and one or two other topics—throughout the year!

And if you would like to contact me directly to schedule an interview, ask a question or to get my recipe for a killer peach cobbler, you can send an e-mail to [e-mail]. (DISCLAIMER: Peach cobbler recipe might not be all that killer.)