WACO, Texas—Two weeks ago, Nebraska was climbing the national polls and considered a favorite to win the Big 12 North.
Things have quickly changed for the suddenly sporadic Cornhuskers.
A lackluster showing against Texas Tech and eight turnovers in a rare home loss to Iowa State have defensive-minded head coach Bo Pelini searching for ways to spark Nebraska’s sputtering offense.
More than anything, Pelini and the Huskers (4-3, 1-2 Big 12) seek to end a two-game slide and get back in the division race at Baylor (3-4, 0-3) on Saturday.
“It’s not something where we’re outright getting beat and getting killed out on the field.” Nebraska nose tackle Ndamukong Suh said. “We’re causing a lot of these problems for ourselves. I don’t think the confidence is shaken at all. We just need to tighten up and take care of business.”
Nebraska was ranked 15th heading into its Oct. 17 home game against Texas Tech. They tumbled quickly out of the Top 25 after being thumped 31-10 by the Red Raiders.
Last week against Iowa State, the Huskers committed a school record-tying eight turnovers in a 9-7 loss, their first to the Cyclones in Lincoln since 1977.
Pelini wasn’t in a good mood this week after his watching his punchless offense make numerous errors in these games. The former Nebraska defensive coordinator was critical of the unit and promised personnel changes.
The second-year Nebraska coach hinted that quarterback Zac Lee, who has started all seven game this season, and backup Cody Green may both see action against the Bears. Pelini did not say who would start.
“Our consistency across the board has not been good enough to sustain drives, finish drives,” Pelini said. “I thought we started rolling pretty good the other day at times and then you lay the ball on the ground. It’s been one thing after another.”
Baylor has had its own offensive problems.
Since star quarterback Robert Griffin was sidelined with a right knee injury, the Bears are 1-3. Their offensive woes have been magnified in conference play, scoring only 24 points in a three-game losing streak.
Blake Szymanski was supposed to play under center after Griffin was sideline, but he’s been slowed by a bruised throwing shoulder. Baylor coach Art Briles said Szymanski hasn’t done much in practice this week.
Redshirt freshman Nick Florence, who was third on the depth chart before the season, is expected to make his fourth start of the season.
“His world changed dramatically,” Briles said of Florence. “He went from leaning back in a chair to sitting up real straight.”
Baylor is 0-7 against Nebraska all-time in the Big 12 and has been outscored 299-89 in those games. The Huskers won last season’s meeting 32-20.
“All the past games and stuff have nothing to do with this coming Saturday,” said Bears senior linebacker Joe Pawelek, who is slated to make his 41st straight start.
