Norvell says offense couldn't get into flow
DALLAS — Nebraska’s offense “sputtered.” At times, it was downright “ugly.”
Just ask offensive coordinator Jay Norvell. He’s the one who used those words to describe what happened in the Huskers’ 17-14 loss to Auburn in Monday’s Cotton Bowl.
“If there’s anyone to blame,” Norvell said, “blame me.”
Blame could be ample for all, particularly with a passing game that generated a season-low 126 yards. More than half of those yards went to running backs.
“We just didn’t do enough,” Norvell said. “We didn’t give our receivers enough chances to make plays, and they didn’t do enough in the game, really, to make a difference when it counted.”
Nebraska’s inability to throw downfield was ghastly noticeable. Facing the nation’s No. 20 passing defense, Husker receivers seemed befuddled, not expecting to see the more-than-usual amount of zone defense Auburn played.
Combined, Nate Swift, Maurice Purify and Terrence Nunn had 61 receiving yards on five catches. Screens and swing passes generated most of Nebraska’s passing yardage, and those plays became less successful as the game went on.
“They didn’t blitz as much as they usually do,” Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor said. “They sat back in coverage, and obviously that makes it harder to get guys open.
“They’re good. They’re fast, and they can cover guys really well.”
Taylor attempted 26 passes, completing 14, with one interception. That pass was thrown into double coverage and tipped high into the air. Auburn linebacker Karibi Dede caught it and returned it 52 yards, setting up the Tigers’ first-quarter touchdown.
“We throw a slant in there, it bounces off the guy’s hand, goes up …” Norvell said. “It’s one of those things that happens.”
Nebraska’s longest pass came off a broken play. Taylor, scrambling under pressure, was able to locate an open Swift in the middle of the field for a 24-yard gain in the third quarter.
It was Taylor’s final completion of the game that went to a wide receiver.
Purify, who had one catch, came close to converting a third-and-11 pass in the fourth quarter, but David Irons batted the ball away at the last second.
“They’re good,” Purify said of Auburn’s defensive backs. “We prepared for them to be a lot more physical. I didn’t think they were as physical as Coach (Bill) Callahan was saying they were. But they’re good. They’re solid corners.”
On Nebraska’s second-to-final possession — set up by a turnover in Auburn territory — Taylor overthrew Frantz Hardy on a fourth-and-11 play. Coaches bypassed a 47-yard field-goal attempt with less than 2 minutes remaining.
“I just didn’t get a feel for the ball, didn’t throw it very well,” Taylor said. “That was a throw I think that I can make. I just didn’t get it to him in that crucial situation.”
Nebraska worked hard for 104 rushing yards, with Marlon Lucky getting 25 carries for 88 yards. Playing in front of friends and family from Dallas, Lucky earned the start over Brandon Jackson. Lucky added six receptions for 67 yards.
“Marlon’s been the workhorse throughout the bowl practices,” Callahan said. “He’s carried the load.”
Nebraska managed only 73 total yards and four first downs (one of those coming on a facemask penalty) in the second half.
Contrast that to the Huskers’ opening drive of the game, in which they gained 95 yards (overcoming a 15-yard penalty) in a crisp 80-yard series that resulted in a touchdown.
The Huskers weren’t able to maintain that momentum. An ineffective passing game was much of the reason.
“We didn’t make enough plays in the passing game,” Norvell said. “We didn’t finish drives. We wanted to be smart. We had some opportunities in the second half with some field position, and we just didn’t capitalize.”
Reach Brian Rosenthal at brosenthal@journalstar.com or 473-7436.
Just ask offensive coordinator Jay Norvell. He’s the one who used those words to describe what happened in the Huskers’ 17-14 loss to Auburn in Monday’s Cotton Bowl.
“If there’s anyone to blame,” Norvell said, “blame me.”
Blame could be ample for all, particularly with a passing game that generated a season-low 126 yards. More than half of those yards went to running backs.
“We just didn’t do enough,” Norvell said. “We didn’t give our receivers enough chances to make plays, and they didn’t do enough in the game, really, to make a difference when it counted.”
Nebraska’s inability to throw downfield was ghastly noticeable. Facing the nation’s No. 20 passing defense, Husker receivers seemed befuddled, not expecting to see the more-than-usual amount of zone defense Auburn played.
Combined, Nate Swift, Maurice Purify and Terrence Nunn had 61 receiving yards on five catches. Screens and swing passes generated most of Nebraska’s passing yardage, and those plays became less successful as the game went on.
“They didn’t blitz as much as they usually do,” Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor said. “They sat back in coverage, and obviously that makes it harder to get guys open.
“They’re good. They’re fast, and they can cover guys really well.”
Taylor attempted 26 passes, completing 14, with one interception. That pass was thrown into double coverage and tipped high into the air. Auburn linebacker Karibi Dede caught it and returned it 52 yards, setting up the Tigers’ first-quarter touchdown.
“We throw a slant in there, it bounces off the guy’s hand, goes up …” Norvell said. “It’s one of those things that happens.”
Nebraska’s longest pass came off a broken play. Taylor, scrambling under pressure, was able to locate an open Swift in the middle of the field for a 24-yard gain in the third quarter.
It was Taylor’s final completion of the game that went to a wide receiver.
Purify, who had one catch, came close to converting a third-and-11 pass in the fourth quarter, but David Irons batted the ball away at the last second.
“They’re good,” Purify said of Auburn’s defensive backs. “We prepared for them to be a lot more physical. I didn’t think they were as physical as Coach (Bill) Callahan was saying they were. But they’re good. They’re solid corners.”
On Nebraska’s second-to-final possession — set up by a turnover in Auburn territory — Taylor overthrew Frantz Hardy on a fourth-and-11 play. Coaches bypassed a 47-yard field-goal attempt with less than 2 minutes remaining.
“I just didn’t get a feel for the ball, didn’t throw it very well,” Taylor said. “That was a throw I think that I can make. I just didn’t get it to him in that crucial situation.”
Nebraska worked hard for 104 rushing yards, with Marlon Lucky getting 25 carries for 88 yards. Playing in front of friends and family from Dallas, Lucky earned the start over Brandon Jackson. Lucky added six receptions for 67 yards.
“Marlon’s been the workhorse throughout the bowl practices,” Callahan said. “He’s carried the load.”
Nebraska managed only 73 total yards and four first downs (one of those coming on a facemask penalty) in the second half.
Contrast that to the Huskers’ opening drive of the game, in which they gained 95 yards (overcoming a 15-yard penalty) in a crisp 80-yard series that resulted in a touchdown.
The Huskers weren’t able to maintain that momentum. An ineffective passing game was much of the reason.
“We didn’t make enough plays in the passing game,” Norvell said. “We didn’t finish drives. We wanted to be smart. We had some opportunities in the second half with some field position, and we just didn’t capitalize.”
Reach Brian Rosenthal at brosenthal@journalstar.com or 473-7436.
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