Breaking the Cornhuskers offense

The UCLA Bruins (2-5) scored over 400 yards and 32 points in their last game against Rutgers two weeks ago. Next week they will say goodbye to the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3), who are in a good situation after consecutive losses and three weeks of offensive struggles.

The Cornhusker offense ranks 11th in the Big Ten in total yards per game (358.1) and is averaging just 24 points per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the conference. They have scored just 42 points in their last three games, including losses to two nationally ranked opponents.

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has had a tremendous start to his first year of college football, throwing five touchdowns and just one interception in the first three games. He has recorded five interceptions and zero touchdown passes in his last three games.

A large part of that was due to games against No. 4 Ohio and No. 16 Indiana over the previous two weeks, and both teams have the best defenses in the country. Raiola has also been dismissed nine times in the last three matches, which has contributed to his problems with accurate ball-handling.

If the Bruins are able to apply pressure and make Raiola uncomfortable, they will make errant shots and have opportunities for turnovers.

Top sophomore linebacker Dante Dowdell was broken during his first year with the Cornhuskers after transferring from the University of Oregon. Dowdell he’s averaging 4.3 yards per carry and has a team-high six touchdowns on the ground.

Outside of Dowdell, he doesn’t play much in the running game, ranking fifth in the Big Ten in average rushing yards per game (126.4). However, they use their rookie Jacory Barney Jr. in the ground game as he has three rushing touchdowns. Limiting him and Dowdell will be a huge key.

The Bruins defense’s biggest task will be defending the pass. They rank second in the conference in passing yards per game (268.7), and while Raiola has had his fair share of struggles, he will look to find success against a secondary defense that has trouble keeping up.

It looks like the Cornhuskers have a chance to get the rebound, but if the Bruins can stop that run, put pressure on the quarterback and limit plays in the air, they will have a chance to break it down.

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