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Michigan football offense must expose 2 major flaws in Nebraska defense

The Nebraska defense has a major flaw that Michigan football needs to capitalize on.

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Michigan football, Nebraska, JJ McCarthy
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yesterday, the Wolverines improved to 4-0 on the year and 1-0 in Big Ten Conference play with a solid 31-7 win over Rutgers. Next weekend, the Maize and Blue hit the road for the first time this year, taking on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, NE. The Michigan football offense, which has seen its ups and downs this year, and JJ McCarthy must capitalize and expose this key flaw in the Cornhuskers’ defense.

Michigan football offense needs to expose the Nebraska defense in a major area

All it takes is a quick look at the stat sheet to see where the Michigan football offense needs to attack next weekend. Nebraska is currently 2-2 on the season (0-1 in Big Ten conference play), and while the Huskers’ defense has been solid, it has a few major flaws.

Right now, Nebraska ranks No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense, which definitely plays against Michigan’s run-first offense. That said, quarterback JJ McCarthy and his Wolverines are about to face one of the worst passing defenses in college football. Heading into Week 5, Nebraska ranks 101st in guarding the pass.

JJ McCarthy and the Wolverines must score in the red zone… every single time

When Michigan football drives into the red zone next Saturday, the Wolverines need to score every single time — Nebraska has one of the worst red zone defenses in college football. So far, through four games of the season, the Cornhuskers’ defense ranks 120th nationally in red zone defense, allowing 12 scores (seven touchdowns and five field goals) on 12 opposing trips inside of the 20-yard line.

While Matt Rhule and his Nebraska Cornhuskers are not a team that Michigan football should take lightly, it’s already clear where the Wolverines need to strike. If JJ McCarthy and Michigan’s offense can take advantage through the air and in the red zone, the Wolverines will likely improve to 5-0 heading into Week 6 against Minnesota.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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