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Nebraska Football: 5 takeaways from Scott Frost’s inaugural season

By Justin Heisey

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during pregame activities before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during pregame activities before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Mekhi Sargent #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is brought down during the second half by cornerback Lamar Jackson #21, defensive lineman Mick Stoltenberg #44 and safety Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Mekhi Sargent #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is brought down during the second half by cornerback Lamar Jackson #21, defensive lineman Mick Stoltenberg #44 and safety Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

5. Nebraska’s defense has a ways to go

There were at least three games this season that could’ve ended in wins for the Huskers had the defense played better. Colorado, Northwestern and Ohio State were all within their grasp, but the Huskers couldn’t make a stop when it mattered the most.

Looking at the metrics, Nebraska finished 94th in total defense, 78th in passing defense, 96th in rushing defense, 88th in scoring defense, 85th in Isolated points per play, 66th in defensive success rating and 101st in tackles for loss.

They did finish in the middle of the pack in turnovers with 20 and fielded the 49th-most fumble recoveries nationally but they 105th and 93rd in third and fourth down defense respectively.

Teams in the Big Ten are notorious for having top of the line defenses and most of them use a power running centered offense. Nebraska will continue to struggle in their side of the division so long as their run defense continues to give up close to 200 yards to opposing teams on the ground.

They did bring in some key recruits in their top 25 recruiting class that can help with their struggles but Scott Frost and Bob Diaco have to be able to develop these guys into productive run stoppers.

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