Keys To The Game: Nebraska Versus Akron

After a close win in Arrowhead Stadium against Cincinnati, Nebraska returns home to Memorial Stadium to take on the Akron Zips. What do the Cornhuskers need to do to come out with a victory?

Affect The Quarterback

Nebraska’s defensive line was unprepared for Brendan Sorsby’s quarterback scrambles. The junior gashed the Blackshirts for 96 yards. He was also dangerous near the red zone. On his two rushing touchdowns, Sorsby used his 235-pound frame to reach the endzone untouched. However, redshirt freshman Williams Nwaneri tried his best to stop him. In his first game with the Big Red, the Missouri transfer was able to notch two tackles and pressure Sorsby. We should expect him to have a huge impact against Akron. But who else could give Ben Finley fits?  Keona Davis could be a candidate. The sophomore had three tackles against Cincinnati. But Riley Van Poppel has the most to prove. The junior didn’t have his best game against the Bearcats. However, he did enough to earn a single digit. Now, it’s time to see what he did on Saturday.

One Two Punch

Emmett Johnson was a force against the Bearcats. On just 30 touches, the junior was able to churn out 108 rushing yards. However, Dana Holgorsen shouldn’t have to lean on him every week. It’s time for other players to be productive.   After a great fall camp, Mekhi Nelson earned the right to be Nebraska’s backup running back. This led him to get some playing time in Arrowhead Stadium. However, the redshirt freshman didn’t do anything with it. Isaiah Mozee also failed to gain traction. But he did take a step forward in the receiving game. We should also expect him to get a few carries as well. This could be a good experiment for Nebraska.   Last week against Wyoming, Akron surrendered 228 total yards of offense.  It’s a possibility that they will give up even more. But not if they can key in on Johnson.

Stretch The Field

Dylan Raiola was conservative with the football against Cincinnati. Throughout the game, the Bearcats deployed three safeties, which limited Nebraska’s explosive plays. According to Sports Illustrated, this made Raiola upset that he “couldn’t push the football down the field.” Hopefully, Holgorsen lets his offense breathe against Akron. Last week, Wyoming quarterback Kaden Anderson picked apart the Zips’ defense for 260 yards. He was also able to throw a 35-yard touchdown pass. Nebraska should be able to double its output.  Transfer wideouts  Nyziah Hunter and Dane Key were able to easily beat Bearcat defenders one-on-one, which led to multiple touchdowns. The Huskers also have physical tight end play.  Luke Lindenmeyer was able to use his 250-pound frame to deliver key blocks downfield and catch passes. These two aspects should allow him to run past Akron’s secondary for easy yards.

No Fly Zone

Nebraska’s secondary was a bright spot against Cincinnati. Addison Williams’ unit was able to limit the Bearcats’ passing attack to just 69 yards through the air. This should allow the unit’s confidence to soar against Akron. Plus, the Huskers have the veteran pieces to limit the Zips over the top. However, it will take even stronger performances from  Malcolm Hartzog and Andrew Marshall. The two players combined for three tackles and one interception. Ceyair Wright is also capable of breaking out on the back end. The former USC Trojan had a quiet night against the Bearcats. However, the senior should be able to redeem himself against the Zips.