CLARK GRELL
Lincoln Journal Star
With a sophomore walk-on quarterback making his first Power Five start, Scott Frost wanted to take the pressure off Andrew Bunch.
In Frost's words, "ugly the game up."
Putting it another way, "just dominate up front," Bunch said.
After paving the way for 329 rushing yards last week against Colorado — and wanting to avoid putting too much on Bunch's shoulders — Nebraska's offensive line struggled against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Sure, first-year Huskers Greg Bell and Maurice Washington had several nice runs, but the Huskers were never able to get the running game in gear in a 24-19 loss.
"I don't know; I have to watch the film," said Frost when asked if the offensive line regressed this week. "We certainly didn't run for as many yards. Now, if I was the D-coordinator on the other side, and I saw another quarterback … making his first start, I'd get a lot of people in the box, and that's what they did."
Nebraska finished with 187 rushing yards on 48 attempts — an average of 3.9 yards per rush.
Washington, the true freshman, provided a spark, ripping off some big runs. However, of Nebraska's 45 true rush attempts — not counting the three sacks — 22 went for 2 yards or less, including several negative plays.
The struggles in the running game showed in key moments.
A promising drive stalled in the second quarter when the Huskers failed to convert 3rd-and-1 at the Troy 11-yard line. Bell was stopped for a loss on the play, and Nebraska followed with a missed field goal.
The Huskers recovered a Troy fumble inside the Trojan 10-yard line early in the third quarter. Two 1-yard runs and an incompletion later, the Huskers were settling for three points.
In the fourth quarter, Nebraska was unable to convert third-and-2, and facing 4th-and-1 from the NU 43 on the next play, the Huskers punted.
Troy's defensive game plan: Pack the box, give the Huskers the underneath routes while taking away the deep ones.
"Really the way to beat it was an intermediate passing game, maybe some quarterback runs," Frost said. "We just didn’t want to sell out with that game plan. We thought we’d be able to run it on them, and at times, we did. Just not consistently enough."
Nebraska also had trouble at times protecting Bunch, who was flushed out of the pocket on several throws. Troy had success with pressure up the middle.
Senior offensive guard Jerald Foster said the Huskers struggled against Troy's movement.
"Just got to get used to it," Foster said. "That's how it usually rolls. When you don't pick up stuff, teams will use it again. So we'll definitely figure it out before we play our next game."
Nebraska especially had trouble against Troy WILL linebacker Tron Folsom, who finished with a game-high 14 tackles.
The Trojans finished with 10 tackles for loss, a week after recording 15 against Florida A&M. Troy, by the way, set a school record last year with 112 TFLs.
Now the Huskers' must prepare for one of the nation's top defensive fronts in the country in Michigan.
"We need to just work on our details," Foster said. "Detailing is what everybody does around the nation. After you get your detailing down, then the schemes, the plays that your coaches spend hours on. They work really well. We have a great coaching staff, we've got a great scheme and plan for us. We’re going to figure out our detailing, because we keep hurting ourselves."
Photos from Saturday's Nebraska-Troy game
Photos: Troy hands Huskers second straight loss to start season
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez greets fans during the unity walk before the Huskers' game against Troy on Sept. 15, 2018, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Deontre Thomas (97) closes in on Troy quarterback Kaleb Baker (7) during a 2018 contest at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch looks to pass against Troy on Sept. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
A pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman (10) is intercepted by Troy's Will Sunderland (right) in the closing minutes of the game Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers lost for the second week in a row, 24-19.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Freedom Akinmoladun (91) sacks Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker for a loss in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Luke Gifford brings down Troy's Deondre Douglas during the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
A pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan is broken up by Troy's Marcus Jones (8) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska coach Scott Frost leaves the field following a loss to Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy punt returner Cedarius Rookard (left) evades Nebraska's Collin Miller (31) en route to a second-quarter touchdown at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington has averaged 5.2 yards per carry through the season's first five games.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's JD Spielman drags Troy's Cedarius Rookard across the goal line to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska cornerback Lamar Jackson (right) looks to tackle Troy wide receiver Damion Willis on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska safety Eli Sullivan (30) dives in an attempt to tackle Troy's Jabir Daughtry-Frye (5) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (left) and Husker head coach Scott Frost talk before a game against Troy at Memorial Stadium in 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws passes during warmups before Saturday's game against Troy at Memorial Stadium. Martinez was held out of the game with an injury.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Shadows of the Cornhusker Marching Band are cast at the unity walk before Saturday's game against Troy at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Carlos Davis (96) celebrates his third-quarter sack of Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker (7) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska tight end Kurt Rafdal pulls in the first-down reception as Troy's Tyler Murray (35) defends in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy's Hunter Reese reaches closes in on Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska tight end Kurt Rafdal (right) pulls in the first-down reception as Troy's Tyler Murray (35) defends in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The catch set up a Husker touchdown a few plays later.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Carlos Davis (96) gets through the Troy offensive line for a third-quarter sack of Trojans quarterback Kaleb Barker (7) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy's Marcus Jones breaks up an end zone pass to Nebraska's Stanley Morgan on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (right) walks off the field following the Huskers' 24-19 loss to Troy at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
A balloon vendor walks outside Memorial Stadium before Saturday's game against Troy.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Red balloons are prepared for hand out before Saturday's game against Troy at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
A Nebraska player warms up before Saturday's game against Troy at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
A pair of fans watch the team arrive from a high vantage point prior to the Troy game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Troy's B.J. Smith shrugs off Nebraska defenders to score a touchdown during Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska offensive lineman Tanner Farmer greets fans before Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Stanley Morgan hauls in a touchdown pass against Troy during the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy running back B.J. Smith (26) and quarterback Kaleb Barker (7) reach for a fumbled snap late in the second quarter against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco (left) greets a fan as the team arrives at Memorial Stadium last Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Alumni pep band members Matt Erb and Luke Thallas serenade tailgaters as they ride through campus in 2018, making the rounds.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Former Husker Mike Rucker is introduced before the game against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Husker fans Tim McDonald and his wife, Heather, stop to make a memory outside Memorial Stadium prior to the Nebraska-Troy game.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's quarterback Andrew Bunch throws under pressure from Troy's defense during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy wide receiver Sidney Davis (6) can't find running room Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman takes the ball in for a touchdown that would be called back for a holding penalty Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy running back B.J. Smith scores a touchdown Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska fans watch the game from the north end zone on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch fumbles the ball against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy snaps the ball against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska safety Aaron Williams breaks up a pass intended for Troy's Sam Letton on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Red balloons are released into the sky following a Nebraska touchdown in 2018 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman scores a touchdown against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy defensive tackle Travis Ailo reaches out in an attempt to tackle Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch over Husker offensive lineman Cole Conrad on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) falls short of tackling Troy running back B.J. Smith on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch evades a tackle from Troy's Antione Barker on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Cam Taylor (left) and Troy's Cedarius Rookard (5) dive for a fumbled punt which Taylor recovered in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy's Will Sunderland intercepts a Nebraska pass in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Four F-16s fly over Memorial Stadium during the national anthem on Saturday
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker runs downfield against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Kurt Rafdal pulls in a pass over Troy's Tyler Murray during the 2018 season at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska coach Scott Frost assesses things during the fourth quarter against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch evades a tackle by Troy linebacker Carlton Martial on Sept. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Luke Gifford tackles Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker earlier this season at Memorial Stadium. Grifford leads the Huskers with 4.5 sacks.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey is brought down by Troy defensive end Jarvis Hayes on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor recovers a Troy fumble on Sept. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska safety Aaron Williams (24) celebrates a tackle against Troy on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Devine Ozigbo tries to elude Troy's Tron Folsom during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska coach Scott Frost walks on to the field to join his team during a timeout against Troy in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker runs past Nebraska's Peyton Newell during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Maurice Washington picks up some yardage against Troy during the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Antonio Reed brings down Troy's Tray Eafford on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska's Cam Taylor (bottom left) recovers a punt return fumbled by Troy's Cedarius Rookard in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Troy's B.J. Smith high-steps into the end zone to score during the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
ERIC GREGORY, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska team captains Jerald Foster (67), Mick Stoltenberg (44), Stanley Morgan (8) and Luke Gifford (12) walk out to the center of the field for the coin flip against Troy at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Four F-16s fly over at the conclusion of the national anthem Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska punter Caleb Lightbourne (35) leaps into the air as the Huskers run out into the field for their matchup against Troy at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska punter Caleb Lightbourne (35) leaps into the air as the Huskers ran out into the field for their matchup against Troy at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska linebacker Luke Gifford (12) brings down Troy's Deondre Douglas (80) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Injured in the previous week's game against Colorado, Adrian Martinez (2) was dressed in uniform but did not play in a Sept. 15, 2018, game against Troy at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller celebrates a tackle against Troy last season at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Troy vs. Nebraska, 9/15/18
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch (right) tries to evade the tackle of Troy's Melvin Tyus in the first quarter of Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-2639 or cgrell@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsGrell.
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