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Wisconsin Football: Nebraska Cornhusker Preview

By Noah Seligman

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 29: Corey Clement
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 29: Corey Clement /
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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 23: Linebacker Chris Weber
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 23: Linebacker Chris Weber /

Nebraska Cornhusker Defense

There was a time when the Nebraska defense and its “black shirts” were as good a unit as any in the country.  This isn’t the mid 1990s anymore but the Cornhuskers are still a tough out.

Here is where the Nebraska defense ranks nationally according to NCAA statistics:

  • Scoring Defense #54 (24.4 points per game)
  • Red Zone Defense #39 (.765)
  • Total Defense #34 (333.8 yards per game)
  • First Down Defense #70 (33 rushing, 54 passing)
  • 3rd Down Conversion #76 (.391)
  • Passing Defense #64 (228 yards per game)
  • Rushing Defense #22 (105.8 yards per game, 3.37 yards per rush)
  • Tackles-for-Loss #116 (4.4 TFL per game)
  • Team Sacks #90 (1.6 per game)

So on balance this isn’t an amazing defense by any stretch.  However, its main area of strength, rushing defense, matches up well with Wisconsin.  If the Cornhuskers can meet its average numbers they may be able to pull the upset.

However, one big problem is the lack of negative plays.  The Cornhuskers rank poorly in tackles-for-loss and sacks.  Nebraska will have a hard time slowing the Badgers if they can’t get pressure on Alex Hornibrook.

The two names to know on the Nebraska defense are linebackers Luke Gifford and Chris Weber.  Both are averaging better than six tackles a game for the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska appears to have a defense that is vulnerable through the air.  But we’ll need to see good Hornibrook on Saturday (and a healthy Troy Fumagalli) to take full advantage.