Northwestern @ Nebraska preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 18, 2014 ) Nebraska 38, Northwestern 17

Less than three weeks ago, Northwestern’s defense appeared nearly impenetrable as the Wildcats roared to a surprising 5-0 start. A pair of blowout losses to ranked conference foes bounced Northwestern from the Top 25 and have reinforced its recent inability to enjoy much success in October – a trend the Wildcats would like to change beginning on Saturday when they visit Nebraska.

Northwestern climbed to No. 14 in the Coaches Poll following a 27-0 win over Minnesota on Oct. 3 and had surrendered a total of 35 points through five games – its fewest since 1943 – before suffering a 38-0 setback the following week at Michigan and a 40-10 drubbing at home versus Iowa last weekend. As a result, the Wildcats fell to 7-16 over their last 23 games in October – a far cry from the 21-3 mark they have managed over their last 24 contests in September. While Northwestern is at a crossroads after its hot start, the Wildcats will try to end a three-game losing streak to Nebraska, which snagged its first conference victory last weekend with a 48-25 win in Minnesota. Three of the four meetings between the schools since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten in 2011 have been decided by three points or fewer, with the lone exception being Nebraska’s 38-17 road triumph last season.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: Nebraska -7.5

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (5-2, 1-2 Big Ten): The rushing attack, which averaged 248.8 yards during the winning streak, has totaled 89 yards in the back-to-back losses as the Wildcats fell behind by three scores in the first quarter to Michigan and again midway through the third quarter against Iowa. The large deficits have resulted in sophomore running back Justin Jackson netting 55 yards on 22 attempts after he had carried at least 20 times in each of the team’s first five games. "It's really hard when you've got to get in the two-minute mode when you're down three scores. That skews the last two games … We've got to get him back going, there's no doubt about that,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said.
ABOUT NEBRASKA (3-4, 1-2): The coaching staff made it a priority to get quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. on track after he went a combined 21-for-59 for 234 yards in losses to Illinois and Wisconsin and he obliged versus Minnesota, finishing 18-of-26 for 261 yards and three scores. The nation’s worst pass defense (341.7 yards) continued along that path, however, surrendering at least 300 yards for sixth time in seven tries, but picked off two passes to end a three-game stretch in which it failed to record an interception. The Cornhuskers also drew only two flags for 25 yards versus Minnesota after entering the week with 58 penalties – the second-most in FBS.

EXTRA POINTS
1. Nebraska is the only team in the Big Ten and one of 11 teams in FBS to rank in the top 40 nationally in rushing and passing offense.
2. Jackson needs 69 rushing yards to move into sole possession of 10th place on the school’s all-time rushing list and 122 yards to amass 2,000 for his career.
3. The Cornhuskers have allowed 23 plays of at least 30 yards – the worst mark in the Big Ten and second-worst in FBS.

PREDICTION: Nebraska 31, Northwestern 24