On our episode of the Common Fan Podcast following the Oregon game, we received an email from a listener who strongly disagreed with our assessment of Nebraska's defense following the heartbreaking loss to Oregon
He wasn't particularly interested in hearing that the Blackshirts played well for three quarters. He was focused on the fourth, and specifically Nebraska's failure to pressure former Husker quarterback Dylan Raiola on Oregon's game-winning drive. He argued that defensive coordinator Rob Aurich should have brought more pressure, particularly given Raiola's struggles against aggressive defenses in the past.
Frankly, it’s a fair point. We talked on the podcast about how it was disappointing that the defense couldn’t get to Raiola. But does that mean Nebraska's defense deserves the blame for another heartbreaking loss?
Two Great Performances. Two Painful Endings.
There's a strange dichotomy surrounding Nebraska's defense right now. Against Indiana, the Blackshirts played well enough for the Huskers to pull off a major upset, only to surrender two long fourth-quarter touchdown passes that helped turn a potential signature victory into another close loss.
Against Oregon, the defense was arguably even better for most of the game, holding the Ducks to six points through three quarters before surrendering 11 unanswered points in the fourth. And yes, the lack of pressure on Raiola during Oregon's final drive was frustrating. Mind-boggling even.
Those are legitimate criticisms. Great defenses have to...
