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Huskers Facing ‘a Little Bit of the Unknown’ Against Gophers

Chinander says Minnesota’s attrition at running back is no reason for complacency

Joe Hudson

Huskers Facing ‘a Little Bit of the Unknown’ Against Gophers
Huskers Facing ‘a Little Bit of the Unknown’ Against Gophers /

Contents

  1. Coverage
  2. Video recaps
  3. Video
  4. From the other side
  5. Info links

Minnesota will be without its top two running backs Saturday, but that's not exactly comforting to Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander.

With Mohamed Ibrahim and Trey Potts sidelined for the rest of the season, true freshman Mar'Keise Irving appears to be the next man up for the Gophers. Irving has 25 carries for 112 yards.

"You have a little bit of the unknown...," Chinander said after Tuesday's practice. "He could be the next great one, so we've got to prepare like it's the best running back we've seen back there."

Adding to the unknowns on both sides of the ball is the possibility of new wrinkles from Minnesota after its off week. 

Boye Mafe with a sack against Colorado.
Boye Mafe with a sack against Colorado / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

One thing for certain is that Nebraska offensive coordinator Matt Lubick is preparing for another talented pass rusher in the Gophers' Boye Mafe. Mafe has five quarterback sacks so far this season.

Besides good technique and blocking schemes, Lubick said, a pass rush can be neutralized with an effective running game and "having pass concepts where the ball can get out fast."

Also Tuesday, it was announced that cornerback Quinton Newsome has become the 13th member of the Nebraska defense to receive a Blackshirt.

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Coverage

Video recaps

Video

Erik Chinander

Matt Lubick

Levi Falck

Quinton Newsome

Travis Fisher

Mario Verduzco

Deontai Williams

From the other side

Info links

Published
Joe Hudson
JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.

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