Fresno State will be traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska this Saturday to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
This is both teams’ second game of the season and the ‘Dogs are trying to get on the same page before their first home game against North Dakota on Sept. 17. A big opportunity to do that will be against the Cornhuskers who are the 10th-ranked team in the country.
Josh Peterson is a student at Nebraska and has his own sports talk show on 90.3 KRNU, the campus radio station. Sports editor Jerry Huerta caught up with Peterson and talked about what the ‘Dogs can expect going into a rowdy Memorial Stadium environment with over 80,000 Cornhusker fans.
Q: What can Fresno State expect from Nebraska’s offense?
A: The offense was so secretive in the offseason after various staff and personnel changes. On Saturday, it was a group that looked confused. It was a group that didn’t look like it knew what it wanted to do. You’ll see some option from a team that shouldn’t run the option. You’ll see a fast quarterback who can’t really throw (Taylor Martinez). And you’ll see a lot of young guys at the skill positions. It’s definitely an offense that doesn’t get long-sustaining drives, but scores in bunches on big plays.
Q: What kind of quarterback is Taylor Martinez?
A: He’s definitely fast, but I wouldn’t describe him as an “athlete” by any means because he has very little lateral movement and a throwing motion that will never look normal.
Q: What kind of offense will Nebraska run?
A: It’ll continue to be a hodgepodge of all sorts of random offenses. Former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson always wanted his offense to be “multiple” and this was something that always bothered ‘Husker fans and media alike, because it seemed like he didn’t know what he wanted to do. I’d say it’s the same with new offensive coordinator Tim Beck. The only thing I know for sure is that it’s a hurry-up offense. Anything after that will be found out as the season progresses.
Q: What are some thoughts on Jared Crick?
A: He’s one of the best defensive linemen in the country. He’s so talented and strong, and his knowledge of the defense will only help him during his senior year. What I like most about him is that he seems to pick his spots, much like Ndamukong Suh did in the 2009 season. He’s not as good as Suh was, but Suh was a once-in-a-generation talent.
Q: What can Fresno State expect from Nebraska’s defense?
A: They’re a fast defense, but still green in a lot of areas. The defensive line is stacked, very loaded there. The linebackers have so many questions though. Outside of LaVonte David, there really isn’t anyone there that makes Husker fans feel warm and fuzzy. Expect some missed tackles from this group. The defensive backs are decent, but not as good as they’ll be once senior cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is back. Watch out for a guy like Daimion Stafford. The junior college transfer had a huge hit on Saturday and his athleticism is something to see.
Q: Which players are difference makers in the secondary and on the defensive line?
A: Crick and Dennard are the two obvious names. They should both be first-round picks in the NFL draft this April. But, look out for Cameron Meredith on that defensive line. His motor never stops, and he seems quicker this season. He had two sacks in the opener that showed me he might be poised for a big year. Outside of Dennard and Stafford in the backfield, I’d watch out for a guy like Ciante Evans. The true sophomore got some valuable minutes in 2010, and he seems greatly improved, if only through one game.
Q: Is there any dangerous players in the return game?
A: The three young running backs should all get chances throughout the year to return some punts and kicks, and all of them have huge-play potential. I’d throw wide receiverJamal Turner into the mix as well. I like Abdullah the most out of them and honestly expect a touchdown or two from him.
Q: What will it take for Nebraska to beat Fresno State on Saturday?
A: Not to be mean or shoot down any upset chances, but I just think they need to show up and play their game. While questions are still there all over the place, this is a very talented team that should be able to do what it wants, for the most part, on Saturday night.