Putting Nebraska's Rush Defense into Perspective

Many Husker fans have dismissed concerns about the Blackshirts by pointing out that the Huskers rank seventh in rush defense - and that in the Big Ten's West division, the Huskers won't face as strong of passers.  Which is true...but there's another perspective to keep in mind: Nebraska hasn't faced a very strong rushing attack this season either.

Specifically:

• #61 Miami, 184.3 yards per game. 
• #85 Southern Miss, 158.0 yards per game.
• #107 South Alabama, 132.3 yards per game.
• #119 BYU, 103.8 yards per game.

Now, with just four games, the impact of one game is rather large, but it does point out that none of Nebraska's opponents have particularly strong ground games. Miami's is the best, but the 'Canes rushed for 132 yards against the Big Red.

It is true that many of Nebraska's upcoming opponents aren't particularly strong in the passing game, but they are stronger than most Husker fans probably think.

• #43 Purdue, 257.3 yards per game.
• #57 Iowa, 243.0 yards per game.
• #58 Illinois, 242.8 yards per game.
• #72 Rutgers, 226.0 yards per game.
• #76 Wisconsin, 219.8 yards per game.
• #78 Minnesota, 219.5 yards per game.
• #84 Michigan State, 209.5 yards per game.
• #119 Northwestern, 145.8 yards per game.

Does the idea of facing six offenses that pass the ball more than Connor Cook and Michigan State make you more comfortable about that Big Ten schedule?

Me neither.