Secondary Primary for NU

There are many keys to tomorrow night's game between Nebraska and Missouri. From rushing offense to quarterback play or special teams, a person could argue that any or every element of the game is important, and probably be right. One particular area I'm zeroing in on is the play of the Nebraska secondary. Their health, combined with Missouri's personnel style and of play, makes them a primary part of determining the outcome on Thursday. Nickle and Dime The Missouri game is the start of conference play and an important milestone in the Husker's season-long quest to defend spread offenses. Nebraska will open the game in the "nickle" defense (five defensive backs) and play a lot of "dime" defense (six defensive backs) throughout the contest. It will represent the first real test of Nebraska's depth in the secondary. If NU intends to hold down Missouri's running game and pressure Blaine Gabbert, then they may commit another man to the line ...