Matt Rhule’s 4-1 Cornhuskers play host to Greg Schiano’s undefeated Scarlet Knights squad this weekend. What are the keys that will allow Nebraska to beat Rutgers inside Memorial Stadium? Let’s break it down.
Win Special Teams
Nebraska’s special teams was disastrous against the Purdue Boilermakers. On the team’s opening drive, redshirt freshman kicker John Hohl missed a 42-yard field goal. This would have given the Huskers an early lead in the contest. Instead, he would struggle from distance throughout most of the game. His other two attempts would have bad snaps by punter Brian Buschini. This allowed the Boilermakers to easily block the Cornhuskers’ kicks. It’s a recipe that Rutgers will look to use in Saturday’s matchup. There’s proof that the Scarlet Knights can seize this opportunity. Last week against Washington, the Scarlet Knights defense was able to make junior kicker Grady Gross miss on several field goal attempts. This emboldened RU’s offense to continue marching down the field. But it almost wasn’t enough. Gross had the opportunity to send the game into overtime in New Jersey. Instead, the Arizona native’s 55-yard try sailed wide right. Will a similar outcome happen if they stick with Hohl? Or will Tristan Alvano come back from injury to save the day?
Read more about Nebraska’s special teams issues in Which Nebraska Players Stood Out In The Win Against Purdue
Stop The Run
Tony White’s Blackshirts will have a tough test ahead of them. Senior running back Kyle Monangai has become a true threat in the Scarlet Knight’s offense. In four games, the New Jersey native already has 589 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Can Nebraska’s veteran defensive line put together another solid performance against the run? They showed glimpses of dominance against the Boilermakers. On just 13 carries, junior running back Devin Mockobee only gained 41 yards. Illinois transfer Reggie Love III wasn’t much better either. In his limited appearance against Nebraska, he gained 33 yards. If the team can contain Monangai, Nebraska can beat Rutgers. If they don’t White’s defense is in for another repeat of Illinois.
Rattle The QB
In his freshman season with the Cornhuskers, quarterback Dylan Raiola has been flawless under center. The former five-star prospect has already thrown for 1,224 yards and six touchdowns. He’s also made sure to keep the turnovers to a minimum. Through five games, he only has two interceptions. Athan Kaliakmanis has also been efficient as well. In his short time at Rutgers, he’s thrown for seven touchdowns and one interception. Last week, Washington’s defense helped his case. In that game, he threw for 115 yards and one touchdown against the Huskies. Nebraska’s defense won’t be so forgiving. Sophomore defensive lineman James Williams had two sacks, and senior linebacker John Bullock had a pick-six. Watch for these two players to attempt to disrupt Kaliakmanis’s passes. Senior Ty Robinson should also generate heavy pressure. The defensive lineman was able to sack quarterback Hudson Card once. Can he do it again against Kaliakmanis?
Ty Robinson came through for another B1G sack for the Huskers 😤#B1GFootball x @HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/ZmgvTGUjyx
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 28, 2024
Play Mistake Free Football
After a mistake-filled matchup against Purdue, it’s clear that Nebraska has to address its penalty problem. On Thursday, head coach Matt Rhule said that the Cornhuskers are “107th out of 134 teams” in the category. Meanwhile, Rutgers is averaging only four penalties a game. It’s a concerning statistic. But don’t sound the alarm bells quite yet. Raiola’s accuracy with the football has allowed wide receivers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor to cover up for NU’s offensive line penalties. But if the line ends up backing the offense up on second and third down, Raiola will have a long night ahead of him.
