Give us a little bit of background on your website, Corn Nation.
Jon Johnston: Corn Nation appeared on the Internet in 2006 after all of the good names for Nebraska sites were taken. The following Q&A is actually answered by different authors from our site, each of which is a sentient being, this being contrary to the popular opinion that I suffer from a multiple-personality disorder.
1. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, to Wisconsin and Michigan State. How do the Cornhuskers come into this game at home vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes, who aren't what they were in years past?
Ricky Smith: That’s the million dollar question in Husker Nation. My hunch is they won’t pout and they’ll move on. They have to. Hopefully, coming back home will help them. That is, of course, they play well. If things get rocky and the fans start booing, all bets are off. It could go downhill quickly. I get the impression that this is an emotionally fragile team right now.
Aaron: This feels a lot like the Texas game from last year. Big time opponent coming into Lincoln with their backs against the wall. We wasted that opportunity. I think Nebraska gets back to the basics against Ohio State and plays fairly conservative. The coaches have taken a lot of heat this week for throwing the ball as much as they did against Wisconsin.
Mike: What a lot of Husker fans lost sight of was that Nebraska was actually playing pretty well the first 20 minutes against Wisconsin. Then the turnovers began and the defense disappeared. I think the Huskers bounce back and try to pound away at Ohio State.
Jon Johnston: The team has taken a lot of crap this week - how the rest of the season plays out depends on how they respond in this game. I would think that we’d come out and see right away what our offensive line can do with a power running game against Ohio State. See how strong we are, see how the Buckeyes respond. Hate to say it, but given the Buckeye’s offensive woes, we shouldn’t have to score a ton of points to win this game.
2. Who are the #1 play makers on offense (not counting Taylor Martinez) and defense for Nebraska?
RS: It starts and ends with Rex Burkhead with offense. The sooner Tim Beck (OC) realizes this, the better off the offense will be. This year is all about time of possession and ball control. As for defense, Lavonte David’s (LB) play is critical. He seems to be the only one with any type of presence out on the field.
Aaron: Ameer Abdullah leads the nation in yards per kick off (35.13ypk). Nebraska had great field position quite often during the Wisconsin game but couldn’t capitalize on it. The defense seems to really be lacking play makers right now, but the focus is always on Jared Crick, David and Alfonzo Dennard. On offense, true freshman Jamal Turner leads the team in receiving.
Mike: Look for tight end Kyler Reed and freshman receiver Kenny Bell as well in the passing game for the Huskers. On defense, keep an eye out for safety Daimion Stafford, who’s a big hitter.
Jon: The #1 playmaker on the defense will be the cornerback that finally earns a stable starting position alongside Dennard. Seriously - the defensive secondary has been horrid this year, and we’re not sure if it’s because of a change in the secondary coaching or because the players are inexperienced. If that gets fixed, Nebraska’s defense will be on the mend.
