3 things we need to see from Nebraska football against Akron

After a nerve-racking win over Cincinnati last week, Nebraska football should have a headache-free Saturday at Memorial Stadium against Akron.

The only real question is whether or not the Huskers can cover the 34.5-point spread. Sure, it’s possible that Akron beats Nebraska, just like it was possible for Lloyd Christmas to get the girl in Dumb and Dumber.

That’s about the same chance the Zips have of leaving Lincoln with a win. They did leave Memorial Stadium with a “no contest” last time, after the weather caused the game to be cancelled.

If only Nebraska football had listened.

Regardless, the Huskers are finally on the upswing, after years of struggles under Scott Frost, and two mediocre seasons under Matt Rhule, who is 13-13 as Nebraska football head coach.

The win over the Bearcats was a good place to start. There are areas where Nebraska needs to improve, though, so instead of laying out keys to a win, here are three things we need to see from the Huskers Saturday night.

The D-line needs to be dominant

Nebraska’s defensive line has been a concern all offseason, and despite coaches saying it wasn’t an issue, it was in the first game. Nebraska football didn’t hit the quarterback once and allowed over 200 yards rushing.

Many of those came from Brendan Sorsby running it. But guess what? Bryce Underwood, Aidan Chiles, Nico, and Drew Allar can all run, too.

That won’t be an issue this week against Ben Finley of Akron, an experienced quarterback who has 46 career rushing yards on 108 attempts. He’s a career 54.4 percent passer.

He should be in hell on Saturday. Surely, Akron will try to get the ball out quickly. But if the Zips aren’t able to run the ball, Finley should settle in for a long day; at least what should be a long day.

If Nebraska doesn’t have a significant amount of QB hits/pressure, that will be a concern moving foward. Just like the run defense. After last week, the defensive line needs to respond.

More explosive plays

Nebraska football had just one “explosive” play against Cincinnati. You could say part of that was by design, but just because a team runs zone coverage doesn’t mean big plays aren’t possible.

The execution needs to be better. Jacory Barney probably scores a touchdown if he doesn’t fall on one play. Wide receivers were falling down, according to OC Dana Holgorsen, so he didn’t try many shots downfield.

The 24-yard completion to Nyziah Hunter was the lone play of more than 20 yards. That has to change on Saturday, and it should.

Akron allowed 426 total yards to Wyoming, as well as 5.7 yards per play. If this offense doesn’t put up similar numbers, that will be disappointing.

A big play on special teams

Matt Rhule said he was disappointed in the special teams last week. They were solid. Nebraska made both field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder, but the head coach wanted to see an impact play.

It didn’t happen last week. So whether it’s a return or a block, Nebraska needs to start making impact plays in the kicking game, and this Saturday feels like as good a time as any.

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