Doc’s Diagnosis: Blackshirts Left Guessing

Dr. Rob Zatechka breaks down one of several successful third-down plays from Northwestern’s balanced attack

Brendan Moran-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of Nebraska fans are scratching their heads trying to figure out how a highly touted Blackshirt defense can give up 528 yards to Northwestern. 

The Wildcats had an impressive advantage of 34:12 to 25:48 in time of possession. They could do this by keeping the Nebraska defense guessing with a balanced attack.

The play diagnosed today by Dr. Rob Zatechka is from the third quarter of Saturday's game in Dublin. It's third down and five to go for Northwestern, and the Wildcats get a first down on a simple pass to the running back in the flat.

On the day, Northwestern was 7-of-17 on third down, 1-of-1 on fourth down, and 4-of-5 in the red zone.

---