5 things to watch for Nebraska football vs. Indiana

Going into a three-game stretch against Rutgers, Indiana, and Ohio State, we said we were going to learn a lot about the Nebraska football team.

Through one game, we learned that Nebraska could finally win a one-score game, by way of a 14-7 win over Rutgers. The Huskers are 5-1 and one win short of clinching a bowl berth.

Indiana stands in their way. The 16th-ranked Hoosiers are 6-0. However, people aren’t taking them seriously but a win over 25th-ranked Nebraska football (coaches poll) would change that.

Here are five things to watch.

Can Nebraska football stop the run?

Many fans are going to focus on dynamic quarterback Kurtis Rourke who has 14 touchdown passes compared to two interceptions and throws for 292 yards per game.

The Huskers have to find a way to contain Rourke and his dynamic group of wide receivers. There’s no question about that. But Indiana also has two backs who have over 350 yards rushing. The Hoosiers average 200 yards per game, plus 5.1 yards per carry.

If Indiana is able to run the ball like that against Nebraska, which allows just 2.6 yards per attempt, it’s going to be a long day for the Blackshirts on defense.

Getting pressure on Rourke is essential

Stuffing the run is key because that will put Indiana in tougher down-and-distances. That will allow guys like James Williams to tee off. It will also give defensive coordinator Tony White the chance to get creative.

It’s hard to dial up much when it’s second-and-five or third-and-two all game. Nebraska was in that situation often against Rutgers. It can’t allow Indiana to live there because the Hoosiers will make it tough to get pressure.

Regardless of the situation, the Nebraska football defensive line has to dominate on Saturday or it’s hard to see the Huskers leaving Bloomington with a win.

Who wins the turnover battle?

Nebraska football and Indiana are a combined 11-1 this season. One reason for that is two teams are each positive when it comes to turnover margin. The Huskers are averaging 1.7 takeaways per game and just 0.7 giveaways. Indiana is forcing 1.2 takeaways and has given the ball away 0.7 times per game.

So Rourke and Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola have been stellar at protecting the ball. Raiola has three turnovers all year but two in three Big Ten games.

The Huskers can win this game, but they need to win the turnover battle. That means a clean game from Raiola and another takeaway or two from the defense.

What about special teams?

The special teams have been a nightmare since the start of Big Ten play. Against Illinois, Nebraska football missed a go-ahead field goal in the final minutes from 39 yards out.

Against Purdue, there was another missed field goal, as well as two that were blocked. Rutgers blocked two punts and considering all that, Nebraska should consider itself lucky to be 2-1 in the Big Ten.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said he was “excited” for the special teams after some adjustments during the bye week. He also said kicker Tristan Alvano is day-to-day, but the performance of specials will be a key factor in Saturday’s game.

The Huskers have to play a clean game, otherwise, it could doom their hopes of an upset.

A tough test for the secondary

Rourke is a dynamic passer. He can run too but what makes him even more dangerous is the collection of talent surrounding him at wide receiver.

Tommi Hill might be ready to go this week and the truth is that Nebraska needs the cornerback to return desperately. Ceyair Wright has been stellar. Marques Buford was great against Rutgers, but this is an all-hands-on-deck situation.

Elijah Sarratt has 29 receptions for 513 yards and two touchdowns. He also had over 1,100 yards as a freshman for James Madison. Indiana has three other wideouts with at least 200 yards receiving and another who has 183 yards. Five different receivers have multiple touchdown receptions.

The Huskers will be tested and they will need the best effort of the season from the secondary to leave Indiana with a win.

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