Husker Report Card: Missouri

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RUNNING GAME (A)

Quite a workload for Brandon Jackson. The junior running back rushed a career-high 32 times for 111 yards, and his iron man-like ways allowed Nebraska to do what it needed to do to win the game. The Huskers didn’t necessarily abuse Missouri’s run defense like some expected, but it’s hard to complain with 183 rushing yards.

PASSING GAME (B)

Improved from previous weeks. Missouri got zero sacks, and the biggest pressure of Zac Taylor resulted in a 7-yard scramble. Great catches by Maurice Purify on the jump ball for the touchdown, and by Nate Swift on the 34-yard reception that set up the final touchdown. Taylor’s completion percentage was boosted by the short tosses to the running backs. Still, there was the dropped pass on a key fourth-down play, and a couple of misfires by Taylor.

AGAINST THE RUN (B)

The Huskers, at times, stopped Tony Temple, but the running back also found some success on the counter run. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Chase Daniel doesn’t appear to be the same running threat as Brad Smith, but he’s still capable of making big plays on the ground, and the Huskers limited him to 13 yards on nine carries.

AGAINST THE PASS (B)

Nebraska didn’t shut down Missouri’s passing game, by any means, but came up with big plays and some key stops. Adam Carriker’s interception and his tipped pass that led to an interception were huge plays, as was Bo Ruud’s sack of Daniel on third-and-10 on the Tigers’ second-to-final possession. Great “ups” by Cortney Grixby to bat away a potential TD pass to tight end Chase Coffman. Daniel was overthrowing receivers often.

SPECIAL TEAMS (A)

This is a little more like it. Jake Wesch booted some kickoffs into the end zone, and the ones he didn’t, the Huskers provided excellent coverage. Take away the fumble on NU’s first possession, and Missouri’s average starting field possession in the first half was its 18-yard line. Good punt returns by Grixby, big field goals by Jordan Congdon.

GAME MANAGEMENT AND PENALTIES (A)

Nebraska had only three penalties, and it picked up a huge penalty by drawing Missouri offside on a fourth-down play late in the game. The Huskers also caught a break when Missouri declined a holding penalty that would’ve likely forced a long field-goal attempt; instead, NU converted on third-and-14, setting up a touchdown.

PLAY CALLING (A)

Kudos to defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove for finding a way to slow Missouri without two of his top linebackers. The “30” defense with true freshman Major Culbert at linebacker paid dividends. Offensively, good calls by implementing the running backs on the screens and swing passes. Another trick play, another touchdown.

OVERALL (A)

Feel better now? Of course, the big question is whether Nebraska can continue to turn in performances like this one throughout the rest of the season. Inconsistency from game to game won’t stop the grumbling, but it’s certainly been quieted after a solid outing in a game Nebraska had to win. Yeah, Missouri pulled a Missouri with its early mistakes, but give credit to the Huskers for taking advantage. A Big 12 North title is all but secured.