Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Maryland
- The Profizer
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Each week, the Profizer sits down to read the tarot cards. Dip his toes into the Sea of Red. And put his fingers on the pulse of college football. Though his glasses may be dangerously rose colored and he continues to drive with an open container of Rhule-aid, he can see clearly what must be done each week. This is the Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Maryland.
As a Husker fan, it felt like we had seen that very game 100s of times before. And it's one of those games that scares us to death. At times, it felt like we should have been leading that game by 20 points. Out of the gates like a thoroughbred racehorse, it was 14-0 good guys in the blink of an eye. For approximately two real time hours after that, I wish my eyes were closed. It was an offensive train wreck happening in slow motion. At one point, in the 2nd quarter, Jacory Barney had a 57-yard punt return down to the Michigan State 26-yard line. Four plays later, Nebraska punted the ball back to Michigan State, who took over with the ball at the 40-yard line. There are no typos there, rather a series of sacks, penalties, and fumbled snaps that led to drive that netted –32 yards only to be followed up by an 18-yard punt.
21 unanswered points later, Nebraska finally snapped out of it, on the back of yet another explosive Jacory Barney play. Thank goodness for that beautiful, beautiful man. After Nyziah Hunter ran out of his shoes and the dust finally settled, the Huskers were able to escape with a 38-27 victory. You leave that game being thankful. Thankful Mike Ekeler and just how special his special teams unit is this year. Thankful that the Blackshirts were able to keep the Michigan State offense at bay for as long as they did, even when the offense could do nothing for nearly two entire quarters. Thankful that this version of Husker football didn’t roll over like many recent iterations of Husker football may have in the past. Any time we can escape a game when we were clearly not clicking on all cylinders with a win, you must take. Because in the B1G, they are few and far between. Another performance like that this week, and these young snapping turtles from Maryland will reach out and bite. These Terrapins are not your Maryland team of old. They are young, aggressive, and athletic. However, there is nothing to fear. The Profizer has once again retreated into darkness. Listened to the howling of the wind. Has read what has been written in stars. He has diagnosed what needs to happen and seen the path to victory. This is the Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Maryland.
1. Special for a Reason – Special teams need to continue to be special. How often have you seen games when a special teams play has completely changed the tenor of a game. Totally flipped the momentum of the whole game. Unfortunately, my mind drifts to instances this has occurred to Nebraska in the past. Whether it be the punt to the wrong side of the field against Michigan State in 2021 or Iowa blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown that very same year to spur their comeback win in Lincoln. The examples are endless, and it proves that there is no greater way to suck the will from a team than dominating special teams play. It could be pinning a team deep in their own zone, leaving the Terps with very little room for error. It could be blocking yet another kick and either wiping points off the board or setting up an easy score for the offense. Or, if the plum reading is correct this week, it could finally be that Jacory Barney punt return touchdown. Like a lightning strike from Zues himself, instant points on the board. They’re called special teams for a reason, and the Huskers will need them to continue to be special, especially when we take this show on the road for the first true time this year
2. Unleash the Great Dane – The past two weeks, Dane Key has been a bit of an after thought when it comes to the wide receiver corps. Jacory Barney and Nyziah Hunter have been featured in the passing game. As such, one would assume that Maryland will be keying on those two threats, and rightfully so. They have a gear that not many receivers do. But the beauty of having a deep receiving corps is that you can’t cover ‘em all. The Great Dane is hungry and it’s about time we started feeding him again. The third option being Dane Key…it wasn’t that long ago when Billy Kemp was our #1 option. Dylan has had sometimes when Dane has been open. This is the week he starts to find him again. Gimme a Dane Key tuddy in College Park Saturday.
3. Stay Clean – Staying clean is versatile in its meaning. The Blackshirts need to continue to play clean. No big busts. Contain a QB that is ‘mobile capable.’ And make Maryland pay for mistakes. Staying clean on offense will be YUGE. Dylan Raiola needs that jersey clean enough to take to Minneapolis next Friday night. That means the offensive line needs to come to play. Maryland leads the B1G in sacks so far this season. The offense cannot let them pin their ears back. Staying clean means staying on schedule. No mental mistakes. Keep the penalties at a minimum. This team struggles when they get out of rhythm and behind the chains. Staying clean means Dylan needs to help his line out. Move in the pocket. Don’t run into sacks. As the Gunny has illustrated, keep the drop depths to where your lineman expects you to be. Staying clean means making sure we have some kind of running game we can lean on when needed. Keep the best part of this Maryland defense at bay. Clean livin’ leads to points. Points lead to wins. The Profizer will handle the dirty work.
Nebraska vs. Maryland. Toe meets leather in College Park at 3:30 pm local time. Travel schedules have been revised. Bodies will be adapted. There should be no excuses. If I could request one thing from the college football gods, if this game can be in hand by halftime, the 2:30 slate is elite. But worry not Husker fans. The Profizer has just laid it all out for you. Play clean, stay special and feed the Great Dane. The roadmap has been laid. The course has been charted. The signs have been read and it was written in Scarlet and Cream. Nebraska will prevail. Nebraska 33, Maryland 20.