Nebraska started out strong on defense block a punt on Baylor’s opening drive and running it back for a touchdown. But the story of the game was freshman Cody Green getting the starting nod. I’d grade his start out at a C+, he adds an explosive element to the offense in his rushing ability but a fumble and an interception for a pick-six kept Baylor in the game.
Notably, Baylor outgained Nebraska in offensive yards 276-274. But the Blackshirts came to play as Jared Crick set a new Husker record for sacks.
The Nebraska offense continues to struggle and as I said last week, the problem isn’t the Husker quarterback, but rather Shawn Watson. This guy has continually proven he has no clue what he is doing with play calling. When Nebraska can’t even put together a time-killing drive to end the game, something is wrong. something bigger than one position on the field. Less than 15 plays in this game were called to move the ball in the middle of the field. I’m convinced the rest were designed to maximize the number of yards Nebraska can gain moving from sideline to sideline. There is no attack in what Shawn Watson calls. Nebraska had the opportunity to put their foot on Baylor’s throat to start the second half and sputtered.
If Nebraska Shawn Watson can’t find a way to get this offense to move the ball the Oklahoma game, 7 days from today, will be an absolute debacle that could send the rest of the season spiraling out of control.
To Administrator:
After reading your article, I am getting the feeling that you are solely blaming Watson for our sputtering offence. I think you should spread the wealth, because we have more problems than just our play caller. Fact is that nobody on offence is executing effectively for an entire game.
Also, wasn’t Watson the play caller last year, which led us to 35 points/450 yards per game?
That is a valid point, and I’m open to be dissuaded. However, you have to fault the play calling this season despite the loss of talent Nebraska has had from last season to this season. In my opinion, the role of the offensive coordinator is call the plays that give the team the best opportunity to move the ball.
Watson’s offense take 3+ years to learn and that simply is not a viable long term option in college football. Injuries, player turnover, players leaving the program, etc – not having a simplified “scheme” that a replacement can be dropped in and perform effectively is a very poor strategy from the start.
I agree there is poor execution, but five 3-and-outs and 273 total yards of offense against a team that had been giving up nearly 400 yards of offense going in to that game was inexcusable.
Thanks for responding so quickly. It proves that you do run a quality website! I do actually agree with you about Watson’s play calling being substandard. I just don’t think that he should absorb 100% of the blame. I really think that our offence needs to get more physical, and needs some mental toughness. I am a firm believer that the game is won in the trenches. (On both sides of the ball) You can definitely see that on our team this year.
Our defensive line is outstanding = our defense is very good.
Our offensive line is suspect = our offence is struggling.
Once again, thanks for your input. I enjoy intelligent feed back!