As bad as Nebraska looked in the first two games, the team got back on track against Northern Illinois and Louisiana Tech.
The biggest difference has been Haarberg’s ability to run the football. If he plays against Michigan, that’s the most dangerous weapon in Rhule’s arsenal. In two weeks as the starter, Haarberg has led the Cornhuskers in rushing yards with 98 and 157. His most recent score was a 72-yard touchdown run.
Haarberg might not have the most impressive passing stats, but he’s a major threat in the running game and he hasn’t thrown an interception. (It’s worth noting he’s fumbled three times the last two games, but only lost one.)
Nebraska is also a strong defensive team, ranking among the top 25 nationally in both yards per game and yards per play. Only one team in the country shuts down the run better than Nebraska — the Cornhuskers allow just 46.25 rushing yards per game and 1.83 yards per run.
If Nebraska fans are looking for some hope, that’s the formula. Michigan is going to try to run the football whether it’s working or not, and if the Cornhuskers can force J.J. McCarthy to beat them through the air, he might make mistakes.
The McCarthy we saw against East Carolina and UNLV is capable of demoralizing Nebraska, but he hasn’t looked quite as crisp the last two weeks.
Nebraska is also 12th in the nation with 14 sacks — five more than Michigan has against even weaker competition. Between the run stuffing and the quarterback pressure, this defense is going to be a major test for Michigan’s offensive line.
It’s never easy to win Big Ten games on the road, which is why the month of October feels so dangerous for this No. 2 Michigan team. Everybody is expecting the Wolverines to be 9-0 by the Penn State game, but winning at Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan State in the span of four weeks is no easy task.
Two years ago, Michigan was on its way to a Big Ten championship and Nebraska was on its way to a 3-9 record, and it still took a late fumble for the Wolverines to win in Lincoln.
The Cornhuskers haven’t looked great so far, but expect Michigan to get their best on Saturday.