Hurricanes Working On Shutting Down Nebraska's Run Game
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CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – Dictated by the weather, the Hurricanes have been indoors and outdoors this week preparing for Nebraska.
The big red storm that is coming is a prolific running attack.
It's in the Huskers DNA to have a dominant rushing attack. Nebraska has averaged at least 200 rushing yards per game in each of the past five seasons.
This year the Huskers average 192 per game with I back Terrell Newby coming off a 28 carry-198 yard game against South Alabama.
"It all starts with the run. We have to shut that down and not allow them to dictate the game by running the ball," said Hurricanes head coach Al Golden. "We have to be able to contain quarterback Tommy Armstrong both as a runner and as a passer in the pocket."
Armstrong threw for 270 yards last week and has 36 career TD passes while accumulating over 5,000 career total yards.
It's imperative the Miami defensive line doesn't get knocked off the ball by a vintage Nebraska offensive line, otherwise it will be a long day for the Canes.
The Miami offense has been working to solve a defense that is set up from the inside out to force opponents, whether they run or pass, to the wide parts of the field.
The Huskers goal is to hold Miami to under 100 yards rushing. They stoned South Alabama last week holding the Jaguars to 19 yards on the ground.
Miami will most likely take the bait and try to beat Nebraska with some deep shots.
NU has already given up seven pass plays of 30 yards or more, which is tied for 123rd in the nation and tied for the worst among Power Five teams.
"I have challenged our wide receivers and tight ends to win their matchups against this Nebraska secondary," said Golden. "We were good last week; we need to be better this week."
Notes
Of the Hurricanes' 39 completions this season, 20 have gone for at least 10 yards. Their four pass completions of 30-plus yards tie them for 25th nationally.
Nebraska has scored touchdowns on their opening drives in both games this year. In the first quarter against BYU they held the ball for 21 plays and 181 yards. Against South Alabama the Huskers in the first quarter were on the field for 21 plays that went for 147 yards.
Listen to the Miami Hurricanes take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on Sports Radio 560 WQAM, your official radio home for the Canes!
Follow Joe Zagacki on Twitter (@canesvoice)