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Predicting Nebraska vs. Iowa State
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Nebraska's match up Saturday against Iowa State should give fans an idea as to who will lead the Huskers throughout the rest of the season. Will it be Zac Lee or Cody Green? That decision will be made by the Nebraska coaching staff just before game time. No matter who Pelini decides to go with, facing Iowa State should give the team a chance to find their rhythm on offense and build some confidence. The Cyclones are giving up 25 points per game in conference play, and I fully expect the Huskers to exceed that number.
Offensively for the Big Red the team will still be going with running back by committee when it comes to backing up Roy Helu. The running backs who saw the most action last week were Austin Jones and Marcus Mendoza. If Helu, (who reportedly left the game with a stinger last week) isn't near 100%, I would expect the combination of Austin Jones, Marcus Mendoza and Dontrayevous Robinson to get a lot more action this week. Another thing to keep an eye on is if Cody Green gets the start, I would expect the offense to lean towards the run to kind of settle Cody Green whereas I would expect more passing with Lee in the game.
Defensively, I would be shocked if the Huskers were to give up more than 14 points. Nebraska's struggles against Texas Tech was most certainly not the fault of the defense, yet I still think they come out with a chip on their shoulders after the team laid an egg a day after the blackshirts were handed out. Iowa State's strength is by far their run game led by Alexander Robinson. The Junior back has stepped up and become one of the best backs in the conference by rushing for 737 yards and six touchdowns. However, both Robinson and starting Cyclone quarterback Austen Arnaud are listed as questionable with injuries, though both are expected to play. The bottom line for the blackshirts is that they need to stop the run by slowing Robinson as well as keeping Arnaud from scrambling out of the pocket.
It appears as if Iowa State made the correct move when hiring new coach Paul Rhoades. The Cyclones are clearly are an improved team and headed in the right direction. On the other hand, it's still Iowa State and unfortunately they are on the lower end of the spectrum in the Big 12. If Nebraska can establish some sort of running game, it will take pressure off of either Green or Lee which could potentially allow for some big plays. The Huskers win as the offense starts to find their groove.
Prediction: Nebraska 34 Iowa State 9
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