Will Nebraska catch field goal fever?

NEBRASKA CITY- Husker Radio Network Analyst Damon Benning told his Big Red Buzz audience at Valentino’s Restaurant in Nebraska City Thursday about the subtleties of Coach Matt Rhule’s pre-game moods --  especially when he’s furious over media tantrums about the hex of close games -- and said he expects Nebraska’s field goal kicking to be a mood setter Saturday when a scorching wind and undefeated Rutgers come into Memorial Stadium.

Benning: “I joked and it’s going to  happen this week.  He’s going to force a field goal opportunity. … The first chance he gets to attempt three, he’s going to attempt it. You know why? Because he wants to know right where his team is and he’s going to make you face your demons head on.”

Nebraska missed a go-ahead field goal in its loss to Illinois, missed its first attempt against Purdue and had two subsequent kicks blocked.

In a Monday press conference, Coach Rhule said his team is making those kicks in practice and needs to carry it over to game day. Benning expects Coach Rhule to seek an early gauge on how field goal decisions will play out going into to the bye week.

Benning: “It’s going to let you know from a player standpoint, a red shirting standpoint how the second half of that season is going to go.”

Benning said the best-case scenario for Nebraska is not a first-drive touchdown, but a first-drive field goal.

He envisions Nebraska taking its opening drive for a field goal, the defense then forcing a three and out and Nebraska striking with a big punt return.

He said Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano expects his teams to have the edge in special teams play and says a Nebraska special-teams landslide to open the game would be a demoralizing force against the Scarlet Knights.

He said if Nebraska can rely on its special teams,  the team culture will  take care of the rest.

Benning: “That’s their super power.”

He said players’ joy in roles like quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, receivers Jacory Barney and Jaylen Lloyd and running back Emmit Smith is evidence of a strong culture.

He didn’t say if that culture would be enough if Nebraska misses that next field goal, however.

Nebraska 26, Rutgers 17

GBR