Looking at the stats Nebraska had 19 running back carries for 54 yards with an average of 2.8 yards per carries. Ervin's longest run was 11 yards, Stepp was 7 yards, and Johnson longest run was 7 yards. I heard Huskers were going to give their starter up to 25 carries. Seems like Ervin disappeared in the 2nd half. Stepp showed some promise but only had 3 carries in the game but had 1 big reception for 30 yards. In the 2nd half I mainly recall seeing Johnson. We didn't seem to be winning the line battle so wondering why a smaller running back would make a difference? I noticed a trend for years when Huskers get less than 4 yards running on 1st down, the game plan is to throw the rest of the series. We look so obvious that we are going to pass that teams can prepare better for pass defense. In 1 broken-down play, Martinez surprised everyone with a 75-yard touchdown run. Overall, Martinez holds onto the ball too long and doesn't know how to secure the ball when contact is coming.
The solution is, Quit this shotgun formation. Cam may look better instead of seeing a negative 20-yard loss on a bad snap. Keep the defense guessing rather or not it will be a run or a pass. Don't give up on the run so easily. Nebraska stopped Illinois running game at the beginning. However, they grinded out 178 yards by running backs and had a lot of 8-minute drives.
The solution is, Quit this shotgun formation. Cam may look better instead of seeing a negative 20-yard loss on a bad snap. Keep the defense guessing rather or not it will be a run or a pass. Don't give up on the run so easily. Nebraska stopped Illinois running game at the beginning. However, they grinded out 178 yards by running backs and had a lot of 8-minute drives.
