In an amazingly evenly played game through three quarters, the Huskers took a 28-26 lead to the fourth with both teams totaling 338 yards in the first 45 minutes.
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Nebraska wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) catches a touchdown pass over OR defensive back Reggie Daniels (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
It’s unfair to call this a “must-win game” for either team, but there’s a lot at stake for OR and Nebraska. Thus far, Prukop has thrown for six touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception in two games. On their first drive in the fourth, OR ran in a touchdown from 1 yard out. Riley was 0-7 against Ducks from 2008-14, his last seven years as Oregon State’s coach, and as he walked off the field he wiped his eyes. For starters, there is still a class difference both from a conference perspective (PAC-12 Big Ten) and a speed/athleticism (Oregon Nebraska) standpoint. Riley is recruiting well, and the program seems to be on better footing in 2016.
Meanwhile, Nebraska plugs along in Year No. 2 of Mike Riley coaching.
In four quick plays, OR navigated its way from its own 25 into Nebraska territory. Both teams enter the day with undefeated records, with one of them now having a national ranking and the other team seeking one, in this cross conference matchup.
Nebraska has struggled with penalties over the first two weeks, but so has Oregon. It’s a big game, for sure. “We have to coach it better to execute it better”. For the OR offense converting on big play opportunities is a key to defeating the opposing defense in Lincoln. Freeman isn’t the only option for the Ducks.
Browning finished 12 of 19 for 163 yards. Or will the Ducks have their way at the line of scrimmage? Running back Royce Freeman might be most risky of all, averaging 9.2 yards per rush. First-year defensive coordinator Brady Hoke also needs to come up with a way for his unit to stop the run. “Just getting the ball more times helped put me in a rhythm and get a good feel for the defense”.
Because Nebraska hasn’t faced a team that has a big running threat this year, one advantage that OR holds in this matchup is their Heisman-Candidate running back Royce Freeman. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong can hurt defenses with his arm or his legs and has a deep set of receivers at his disposal. OR was the new torchbearer after USC made its run and raised the bar, and then OR did it right after that. Last season, however, was the first time since 2007 the Ducks failed to win 10 games.
Armstrong Jr. took a visit to OR after receiving a scholarship offer but wanted to stay closer to home. Or does Nebraska simply have too much firepower?
OR immediately answered, however, with a 41-yard run by Kani Benoit. Then if they get a big play – bang, they’re at the line of scrimmage and coming at you.
This evenly matched battle in Lincoln went back and forth all Saturday afternoon. “What happens is you load it up and then you get a chance to be burned in the passing game”. Additionally, if Nebraska struggles to generate pressure on Prukop, it’s a tough assignment for this secondary to maintain coverage against Oregon’s deep receiving corps. “All the backs are always ready for their opportunity, and mine came today”. Typically, teams in the past who have found success have run the ball to bleed the clock and keep UO’s offense on the sidelines.
This will be an entertaining game between two very talented teams.
OR running back Royce Freeman took himself out of the 22nd-ranked Ducks’ game against Nebraska with an apparent leg injury. Turnovers and close losses plagued Nebraska in 2015.
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“For some teams, one mistake is 15, 20 yards”. This one is a tossup.
