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Nebraska Football: 3 takeaways from comeback win over Purdue

By Shawn Ekwall

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: De'Mornay Pierson-El #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: De'Mornay Pierson-El #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Tanner Lee #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes to wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. #8 for a score against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Tanner Lee #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes to wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. #8 for a score against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

3. Nebraska is struggling up front

The Nebraska offensive line did not have a good night. They struggled to protect Lee and confusion reigned up front. Failure to pick up blitzes and stunts was evident. Starting center Michael Decker was injured in the first half and didn’t return. Backup Cole Conrad was beaten on several plays. Holding calls stopped promising drives.

If Nebraska hopes to string together some wins to end the season, it all starts up front. Teams will continue to blitz and put pressure on Lee. The Huskers must keep him upright. Injuries started to mount which is a concern. Along with Decker, guard Tanner Farmer left with an injury as well.

The Huskers could not run the ball Saturday. They resorted to abandoning the run late in the game and throw it every play. Granted, they were down, but Nebraska will need to find a reliable ground game moving forward. Freshman running back Jaylin Bradley showed glimpses coming off the bench. He will be needed moving forward.

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