Huskers Focus on Containing Cyclone Playmakers

The Nebraska football team began preparing to face the second part of its season on Tuesday, as the Huskers open Big 12 play Saturday at home against IowaState. Part of that preparation, according to defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, will be focused toward containing a Cyclone offense ripe with playmakers.

“IowaState’s a good football team, and they continue to get better,” Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. “They’ve got some playmakers on offense. Their quarterback’s been around four years, (wide receiver Todd) Blythe’s been around four years. Those guys have started 40 games apiece. I think (J.J.) Bass is an outstanding tailback, tremendous speed and burst, and they have a big, physical offensive line. They have some weapons.”

Despite those weapons, the Cyclones are coming off a 36-35 loss to Toledo a week after a signature win over in-state rival Iowa. The last time the Cyclones visited Lincoln, the fans were treated to one of the most exciting games in Memorial Stadium history, as the Huskers pulled off a 27-20 double-overtime victory. Quarterback Zac Taylor threw for a then-record 431 passing yards, since eclipsed by Sam Keller’s 438 yards in last week’s victory over BallState.

After going 3-1 in non-conference play, the Huskers set their sights on their remaining eight conference games with hopes of a Big 12 Championship run. Nebraska practiced inside the HawksChampionshipCenter on Tuesday in full pads, and will continue preparations for IowaState on Wednesday.