Keys to the game

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Published: October 13, 2007

Players to watch
Nebraska QB Sam Keller: The senior transfer from Arizona State is averaging 286.7 passing yards a game, fifth best in the conference. Keller has completed 64.0 percent of his passes for 1,720 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. Keller threw for 438 yards against Ball State and 389 yards against USC.

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OSU running back Dantrell Savage: The senior from Columbus, Ga., has rushed for 110 or more yards and averaged 5.8 yards a carry the past three weeks since returning from groin and abdominal injuries. Savage recorded a career-high five receptions for 47 yards at A&M, producing 157 yards of total offense.

Key Matchup
OSU defense versus Nebraska offense: The Cowboys are coming off their best defensive performance of the season but that was against Texas A&M's ground oriented attack. OSU's defense has improved but now faces another aerial assault.

Nebraska running back Marlon Lucky (632 yards) leads the conference in rushing. But it's the 'Huskers' aerial attack (293.2 passing yards a game) that will test an OSU unit ranked 116th nationally in pass defense.

Coverage has improved since cornerback Perrish Cox started the past two games, filling in for the injured Martel Van Zant. If Van Zant returns today, as expected, the Cowboys can rotate three cornerbacks (Cox, Van Zant and Jacob Lacey).

By Mike Baldwin


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The smart money says Nebraska will be going after Jacob Lacey, who appears to be the weakest corner. Jacob has made some plays down the stretch, but gives up such a cushion most of the game. Cox plays a tighter coverage and has been oh-so-close to picking off many passes. For OSU to improve it's pass defense, the corners have to play it tighter and leave the safeties to an umbrella coverage.
Plus, the D line has to pressure Keller, who has proven to screw up with pressure in his grill.
Will Beckman follow up on this? He'd better if he wants to win.
Danny, Vail - Oct 13, 2007 7:54 AM
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