With their offense struggling, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will drop their third Big 12 conference game in the last four weeks tonight at home to the Oklahoma Sooners.
After handing Missouri its first loss of the season three weeks ago, the Cornhuskers looked to be in prime position to claim the Big 12 North division and secure a spot in the conference championship. Two shocking defeats later, Nebraska was left questioning the team’s offensive abilities.
The Huskers only managed to post 10 points versus an average Texas Tech defense, losing at home 31-10 as 10.5-point favorites, and scored a lone touchdown against Iowa State in Lincoln as 20-point favorites. After throwing a trio of picks in the loss to the Cyclones, head coach Bo Pelini decided it was time to replace the ineffective Zac Lee.
True freshman signal-caller Cody Green directed the offense at Baylor last Saturday, but completed only 12-of-21 passes for 128 yards and an interception in the 20-10 victory.
If Sam Bradford doesn’t go down early in the Texas game the Sooners would have defeated the Longhorns. Say what you will about Big 12 defenses, but Bob Stoops still boasts one of the premier units in the country. The defense ranks No. 3 against the run (80.0 ypg), No. 8 in scoring (12.6 ppg) and No. 11 in total defense (277.3 ypg).
Kansas State dropped 30 on the squad last week, but Oklahoma held the Wildcats to three first half field goals and appeared to be in prevent-mode going into the second half with a 28-9 lead. Quarterback Landry Jones is settling back into the starting spot, distributing the ball to a myriad of receivers and throwing for 796 yards and seven touchdowns since Bradford went down.
Nebraska needs a win to stay in the North hunt, trailing Kansas State by a game, but the offense must show some life in order to stay competitive in this affair. The Cornhuskers have failed to reach 300 yards of total offense in three of the team’s last four games. The defense will keep this contest competitive, but the offense may not get into the end zone.
In Nebraska’s two recent losses the team lost six fumbles and surrendered six sacks, and the aggressive front seven of Oklahoma is registering 3.4 sacks per outing. Don’t expect a 62-28 shootout like last season in favor of the Oklahomans, but the Sooners will come away with another convincing victory.
Opening Line: Nebraska +6, O/U 41.5
Current Line: Nebraska +5.5, O/U 42.5
RHL Prediction: Oklahoma-23, Nebraska-10
