I'm a Husker fan here is my take on the game.
Offensively what won't work against Nebraska.
1) Running between the tackles. No one has done that successfully against Nebraska this season.
2) Any pass that takes more than a couple seconds to develop because Gregory will get buried
what might work
1) The Option. This limits Suh and Crick, although the D-Ends and Linebackers are also very good and don't count Suh out on backside pursuit.
2) OU had a little success with Counters, but they will only work for a little while, as Pellini will quickly make adjustments
3) Short quick pass, but Gregory has to put the ball on the money or they will be pick 6's as NU's D-backs have been jumping routes well. Also the D-Line has batted down a lot of passes.
I'll give Bill Snyder a lot of credit, he'll find a way to do something. He did against OU's D, but I don't think I'll find a lot of people that won't agree that NU's Defense will be very difficult to accomplish much against.
Defensively the Cats don't have a whole lot to worry about, as this is the worst Nebraska Offense in as long as I can remember, but if Helu is healthy he will be difficult to stop. Robinson has done a nice job running the football also, but your run D is pretty good which will force Nebraska to be balanced. Zac Lee can hurt you on play action passes if they develop the running game, but in obvious passing downs he's not very effective. If Cody Green plays he's mobile, has a very strong arm, but is likely to make a few mistakes, being a true freshman.
I think the major factors that NU-KSU game will come down to are this.
1) Nebraska's kickers vs. Banks. Adi kunalic is a big leg kicker that doesn't give many opportunities for returns, but if he does the kick coverage unit has given up some big returns this season. The one at VA Tech essentially cost them the game, (either that or the one long pass).
2) KSU frustrating Nebraska early either by finding a way to move the ball early, Texas Tech did this by making big 3rd down plays when they had been shut down, or by completely stifling Nebraska's offense or causing turnovers. IF they don't do this 80,000 fans will be very hard to overcome.
3) Finding a way to win the field position battle because Alex Henry has a big leg and doesn't miss many. 3 or 4 field goals might be enough considering NU's defense. It would've been enough last week against OU.
4) Finding a way to score touchdowns. I don't really know anything about your kicker to be honest, but Nebraska has block 3 field goals in the last 2 weeks. They lead the nation in not letting teams into the red zone and the defense has only given up 8 touchdowns all season. 3 of those came when the team start inside the 10 yard line due to turnovers or a long kick return, so really 5 earned touch downs all year 3 by Texas Tech.
5) Win the turn over battle. Nebraska's offense has made costly mistakes this year (see ISU game).
Regardless of the Outcome KSU's turn around this season has been exciting to watch. I, of course hope the Huskers win, but I also hope that you guys kick the crap out of Mizzou this weekend. F#@K Pinkle and at least for this weekend I'll be pulling for KSU.
