Nebraska vs. Michigan: Grading the Cornhuskers Game

I really didn't expect Nebraska to win today, but I didn't think they would be dominated both on the field and on the sidelines.

Michigan thoroughly dominated Nebraska 45-17, in front of one of the largest crowds in Ann Arbor.  The first half wasn't great but the second half was as bad as it gets.

Where does the team go from here?  How do they respond in six days against Iowa?  I'm not sure, but let's look at how each unit did today.

Quarterback

I have to be fair, the wide receivers did him no favors in dropping at least four passes, but Taylor Martinez was still awful.  Just nine completions in 23 attempts for just 122 yards and less than 50 yards on the ground.  Martinez showed no poise in the pocket and was sacked often as his pocket presence was non-existent.  D is the grade here.

Running Back

This is usually one of the strengths of this team but today, they were a non factor.  Rex Burkhead had just 36 yards rushing and the group struggled to generate yards.  The best run of the day was by WR Tim Marlowe.  The Michigan defensive line was good but this group failed to make one single big play.  D is the grade.

Wide Receiver

Another terrible performance by this unit, even though I think there is a lot of talent here.  The drop passes continued today even though Brandon Kinnie wasn't responsible for one.  The perimeter blocking wasn't bad but it doesn't come close to offsetting the half dozen or so dropped balls. F is the grade here.

Offensive Line

I was very disappointed in how this group played today, especially center Mike Caputo.  The line as a unit was unable to generate a lot of push and allowed the front four of Michigan to create a lot of penetration.  I know the group is suffering with a lot of injuries, but at this time of the year, almost every team has them.  D is the grade here.

Defensive Line

I thought Cameron Meredith has his best game as a Cornhusker and Terrence Moore had a really nice interception but this group also struggled to make enough plays.  Baker Steinkuhler was nowhere to be found today and the group got worn down in the second half.  This unit as a whole lacks the ability to create constant pressure or penetration.  C is the grade here.

Linebacker

If LaVonte David didn't play today, Michigan would have had a lot more than 238 yards on the ground.  David was everywhere, as he amassed nearly 20 tackles.  Will Compton had some nice plays but also over ran a few plays that allowed Michigan to gain a lot of yards.  I know this group had a tough task today and David was spectacular but they only get a B.

Defensive Back

Alfonzo Dennard got beat early but really settled in and played a fine game.  I wish I could say the same for the rest of the group.  Andrew Green got beat badly on a 38 yard touchdown pass and Lance Thorell got exposed all day.   Austin Cassidy wasn't effective in helping against the run as he consistently seemed to lose containment.  D is the grade here.

Special Teams

Brett Maher averaged 46 yards per punt and made a nice 51 yard field goal but also had a punt blocked after fumbling the snap.  Add in the the fact that Kenny Bell and Tim Marlowe fumbled and Michigan successfully ran a fake field goal and this group gets a D+.

Coaching

I'm just disgusted at this group.  I don't know what Head Coach Bo Pelini was thinking today-he appeared to have the same flawed game plan against Denard Robinson as he does against every other dual threat quarterback!

Having the defensive ends try to keep outside containment is a nice start but what about more pressure?  I've never seen a coach so reluctant to blitz when it's clearly evident that it's necessary.  This was the first time this year that Denard Robinson looked like the 2010 version of himself.

It was nice to finally see Jamal Turner see the field.  I can't confirm that Turner has spent the last few weeks in the Pelini "dog house" but it sure appears that way--why else would our most dynamic player be on the bench for the last few weeks?

I really had no idea that former secondary coach Marvin Sanders would be missed so much.  While Andrew Green had showed recent improvement, the group outside of Dennard isn't physical, doesn't tackle that well and don't even turn around to defend the pass at times. 

I don't miss former WR coach Ted Gillmore at all but the unit doesn't have one reliable member at the moment.  The blocking from this group is very good but if they can't catch the ball regularly, they aren't helping the offense enough.

I'm really curious to see how this team responds next week against Iowa.   Not only does the game have an impact on a bowl game but it's a pretty big recruiting weekend with top recruit Andrus Peat scheduled to visit.

There is some potential good news:  I really love the recent commitment of Zaire Anderson at LB, who I think can possibly ease the loss of graduating LaVonte David.