Some thoughts from the first half of Nebraska vs. Illinois:
- Final drive for Nebraska - loved the completion by Armstrong to Westerkamp, and hated the interception. It looked like Armstrong simply didn’t read the coverage correctly. It was a costly pick, as Illinois tacked on a field goal to take their first lead of the game.
- Tackling. Tackling. Tackling. It’s been inconsistent by Nebraska in the first half, and its been costly when the Huskers have missed.
- I though Illinois botched their penultimate drive of the half in the red zone. You go to a backup quarterback all the sudden, and then miss on a wide open halfback pass? Not a good way to close.
- The Illinois front four is no joke. Duwane Smoot is going to play in the NFL someday, probably as a first round draft pick. The Huskers offensive line will have their hands full the rest of the afternoon.
- Nebraska has been inconsistent on defense, but credit Illinois as well. This is the best the Illini offense has played all season. They clearly added a few wrinkles during the bye week.
- One big concern for the Huskers that cropped up in the first half- Illinois found some big holes to run through up the middle on Nebraska. The Huskers will need to seal that up quickly.
- It’s nice to the Huskers put together some long offensive drives. although they didn’t always end in points, they chewed up some clock, and the Huskers moved the ball effectively.
- I like the decision to try the 56-yard field goal. It was early in the game, Nebraska was up by seven, and Mike Riley seems to have plenty of confidence in Drew Brown. The attempt had the location, but was about three yards short.
- Cethan Carter’s injury is concerning for Nebraska. He’s been a big offensive weapon so far this season. The TV replay appeared to show his left elbow bending the wrong direction as he landed on the turf. He went immediately to the locker room.
- Nebraska executed a few nice screen passes in the first half. Plays like that do a good job of keeping some of the heat off the quarterback.
