LINCOLN, Neb.—For Nebraska, it’s a chance to start over. For Iowa State, it’s an opportunity to keep building.
The Cornhuskers (4-2, 1-1 Big 12) enter Saturday’s game against the Cyclones needing a win as much for their psyche as for their positioning in the wide-open Big 12 North.
There’s been much hand-wringing among the Husker faithful this week after a dismal offensive performance in a 31-10 home loss to Texas Tech that bounced Nebraska from the national polls.
A quarterback controversy resulted, with coach Bo Pelini going late into the week without announcing whether he’ll stick with Zac Lee, who started the first six games, or go with freshman Cody Green.
If last week’s loss to the 10-point-underdog Red Raiders was a minor setback in the second year of Pelini’s rebuilding project, imagine the fallout if Nebraska doesn’t beat three-touchdown underdog Iowa State.
The Cyclones (4-3, 1-2) haven’t won in Lincoln since 1977, and they haven’t won a Big 12 road game in 14 tries since 2005.
But they’re getting better by the week under first-year coach Paul Rhoads. They’re coming off a 24-10 home win over Baylor, ending an 11-game conference losing streak, and they’ve already doubled their win total of last season. They’re just two wins from becoming eligible for a bowl for the first time since 2005.
With each victory, belief in Rhoads’ system grows.
“You can coach and drill all you want and show how things are improving, but unless it’s backed up with success—and the best measure is a victory—you can’t take leaps forward,” he said.
While Iowa State rides momentum into Lincoln, the Huskers are trying to regain their footing.
Nebraska, which hammered three early opponents from the Sun Belt Conference, continues to struggle against BCS competition.
Other than a couple late breakdowns in a one-point loss at Virginia Tech, the defense has met, if not exceeded, expectations.
The offense, however, has lacked an identity. The running game has suffered because of Roy Helu Jr.’s banged-up shoulder and spotty play by the offensive line. Lee has been missing receivers and showing hesitancy in the pocket, and he’s also been victimized by drops.
As a result, the Huskers have failed to score a touchdown in 10 of 12 quarters against BCS opponents.
“We have some inexperienced guys. We have some new guys. We have some guys we’re tying to find the right combinations for,” Pelini said. “We’ve gotten hit a little bit by the injury bug and some different things. You don’t make any excuses—obviously, that isn’t what I do—but it’s very similar to what we went through on defense a year ago.”
The defense showed marked improvement the second half of last season and became a strength.
All Pelini wants now is for his offense to hold up its end.
“I think there are times we’ve really shined offensively and times we haven’t,” Lee said. “It’s been pretty up and down. We’re just growing and improving.”
Iowa State is much more competitive than a year ago. Its two conference losses have been by a total of six points.
The Cyclones’ ground game averages 214 yards to lead the Big 12 and rank 14th nationally. They have the league’s top rusher in Alexander Robinson (105 ypg).
Robinson has been bothered by a groin injury since late September, and he was limited against Baylor. Both he and quarterback Austen Arnaud, who bruised his right (throwing) hand on his fourth play against Baylor, are expected to play against the Huskers.
Rhoads wouldn’t venture to guess whether the Cyclones are catching Nebraska at a good time.
“I don’t know if I ever used the term ‘vulnerable’ with Nebraska football, and I won’t start using it right now,” he said. “Bo Pelini will have that football team ready to play, and we better come out fully taped and fully strapped up.”
