[Husker] Oklahoma's Fast Tempo Offense (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Nick Chevance]

On Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 8:57 PM, Andrew Smith <arossman at earthlink.net> wrote:
> If Nebraska has problems with Oklahoma, I don't think it will be due to the
> tempo.
>
> Nebraska is going to rush more than 23 times!  If Nebraska is in this game,
> they will take time off the clock and Oklahoma will not have 18 possessions.

I don't know about you but those numbers are a big concern to me.
Nebraska, in the first half against Okie State, had some difficulty
getting the right players on the field on defense, and Okie State's
tempo while quick, seems a walk in the park next to the Sooners pace
in the Bedlam game.  I'd say the scoring drives that Okie State had
against us in the second half were related to penalties, pace, and a
tired defense.  Luckily we were able to outscore them with more ease
than what they could do to us.

I think most folks will say that a cure to the quick pace is several
three and outs.  That simply stops the pace of the game and takes it
out of their hands.  However, if we fail to mount long drives, taking
time off the clock and eventually getting points, we hand the ball
back to them and the pace of the game becomes theirs.  And I have some
doubts how successful we might be simply running the ball.  Their
defensive line is impressive, and the linebackers run to the ball very
well.  I think we'll really have to mix it up with a lot of runs, play
action, and options to keep the Sooners on their heels.  And this may
be a game where the number of three and outs (or number of first
downs) dictates the outcome.

Can't wait.  But my fingers are crossed (which makes it really tough to type!)

Nick
-- 
"For every person with a spark of genius, there are hundreds with an
ignition problem"
         Coffee News(6/9/10)