There are plenty of statistics and numbers that can point to how well the Nebraska defense has played this season.
Defensive coordinator Tony White doesn't care for any of them.
Not only has Nebraska recorded 20 sacks and built a top-10 run defense over a 5-1 start, but it's also the only program nationally yet to allow a single rushing touchdown.
“In the first six games that was a great accomplishment, but we’ll see if it holds,†White said.
It’s no surprise that the Nebraska defensive line has led the charge in stopping the run, but the Huskers’ level of play up front has impacted the way the entire defense plays.
White’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme may not have changed — but it works much better when he doesn’t have to allocate additional defenders up front.
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“It starts up front,†White said of Nebraska’s ability to defend the pass. “When you’re able to bring four guys and get pressure it allows you to do all that stuff on the backend.â€
Nebraska may have to defend plenty of passes when it faces an Indiana team that averages over 300 yards in the air and 200 yards on the ground per game. All that yardage can mean just one thing for the Nebraska defense — they’re going to have to be at their best to keep Indiana from reaching the end zone.
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers on third down on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Luckily for Nebraska, that’s another area of the game where the Blackshirts have impressed thus far. Of the 13 times Nebraska has allowed an opponent to drive into the red zone, just nine have resulted in scores — a rate that places the Huskers as the 11th-best red zone defense in the country.
But what has enabled the Huskers to successfully defend in the red zone? According to defensive lineman Ty Robinson, it’s their mentality.
“They don’t get in,†Robinson said. “That’s what we tell each other when we’re in the huddle, ‘They don’t get in.’ And we go out there and work together.â€
Nebraska’s do-or-die mentality in the red zone was highly visible in the team’s win over Rutgers, a 14-7 victory that couldn’t have happened without a six-play defensive stand on its goal line.
“When our back’s against the wall, we just start throwing punches,†linebacker Javin Wright said.
Having averaged 47.5 points per game as the nation’s second-best scoring offense, Indiana has plenty of punches to throw. A pair of running backs who average around 5 yards per carry and a deep group of pass-catchers have helped Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke lead an efficient offense and throw for 1,752 yards this season.
Pressuring Rourke is one way the Huskers will hope to slow down Indiana’s high-powered passing offense, a task Robinson is looking forward to.
After playing 270 snaps over the season’s first six weeks, Nebraska’s first bye week came at the right time for Robinson, who said he feels “young again†after a free weekend.
However, Robinson said that while he and other veterans in the Nebraska defense thought they would “get taken care of†over the bye week, they still had to suit up in full pads last Wednesday and Thursday and practice at full speed.
Robinson may dominate the snaps up front, but he hardly does it alone. From Nash Hutmacher, the only other Husker defensive lineman to play over 200 snaps thus far to the young backups like Vincent Jackson and Keona Davis, Nebraska tends to rotate early and often up front to keep its linemen fresh.
Nebraska defenders, including Nash Hutmacher (center), hold Rutgers' Kyle Monangai away from a touchdown on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Thirteen different Husker linemen have played double-digit snaps this season, and eight have played 50 or more snaps.
“We’ve played so many guys young and the competition level hasn’t dropped off, it’s actually increased,†White said. “You’re either going to raise your level of competition and your ability and performance, or you’re going to fade to the wayside.â€
There are certain situations that call for specific players on the field, such as James Williams and Kai Wallin’s tendency to play pass-rushing snaps, but White and the NU coaching staff know they can rotate players in and out without affecting the unit’s overall output.
The depth Nebraska has built has allowed such a situation to transpire, but equally as impactful is the attitude of togetherness that has developed among the group — something Robinson credits to their position coach, Terrance Knighton.
“T-Knight’s built a great relationship individually with everybody, and even as a whole creating this brotherhood between a bunch of guys who may have come from different places,†Robinson said. “We’ve molded so well into being one unit.â€
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Rutgers on Homecoming in Lincoln — Sept. 5
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyle Monangai (bottom) is tackled by Nebraska's John Bullock (5) and Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) prepares to tackle Rutgers' Kyle Monangai (5) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford (3) and Malcolm Hartzog (7) try to prevnent Rutgers' Ben Black (2) from scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball out of the Noth endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska players huddle up the North endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyonte Hamilton (48) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (center) argues a targeting call on one of his players in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A pass intended for Rutgers' Ben Black (2) bumps off his helmet as he attempts to score in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen (center) watches Nebraska take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
From left to right, Nebraska defenders Isaac Gifford, Ceyair Wright, DeShon Singleton and MJ Sherman (48) celebrate during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Head Coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty on Nebraska during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) looks on during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Rutgers' Kyle Monangai on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Vincent Shavers (1) forces Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble the ball on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) makes a pass in the first quarter while teammate Bryce Benhart (54) blocks Rutgers' Kyonte Hamilton (48) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) receives a hand-off from quarterback Dylan Raiola during a game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (center) is tackled by Rutgers' Joe Lusardi (37), Davoun Fuse (19), and Kaj Sanders (5) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) reacts toward fans in the strands after the Huskers win over Rutgers 14-7 on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Rutgers' Abram Wright (11) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with teammates on the sideline in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) after completing a pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Flip Dixon (10) rushes after Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) as he catches a pass from Brian Buschini (not pictured) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) throws a pass on a fake punt against Rutgers on Saturday. The play resulted in a 30-yard gain to Jaylen Lloyd.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nerbaska's Brian Buschini (13) reacts after absorbing a hit by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) tosses the ball to Nebraska's Jacory Barney (17) during the first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks onto the field during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) lays on the ground after being hit on a blocked punt by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates an interception by Marques Buford (center) during the second quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's John Bullock (right) tackles Rutgers' Kenny Fletcher (12) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) passes the ball while pressured by Rutgers' John Stone (71) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (center) during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Janiran Bonner takes off on his second-quarter touchdown run against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford picks up an interception against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyle Monanga escapes tackles andi runs past Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson runs with the ball against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Flag was initially drawn but later withdrew as Rutgers' Shaquan Loyal defends against Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor in the second quarter, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford (right) defends against Rutgers' Chris Long in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores against Rutgers in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers' Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers' Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) is checked on by medical staff after being hit in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tumbles into the endzone for a touchdown after being pushed by Rutgers' Shaquan Loyal (6) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans celebrate after the first touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Justin Evans (left) and Alex Bullock (right) celebrate a touchdown by teammate Janiran Bonner in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) celebrates with his teammates after a sack in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) is sacked by Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers on third down on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) attempts to hurdle Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (2) as he is tackled mid air in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Ben Orozco (right) pours shots onto a Husker themed shot-ski board for Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska fans tailgate before the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Jeff Wylie of Omaha grills bratwursts while tailgating before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan take shots from a Husker themed shot-ski board as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Austin Freiberg (from left) from Sergeant Bluff, IA, sits in the bed of a truck while tailgating outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Austin Freiberg sits in the bed of a truck (from left) while his father Dwight grills, from Sergeant Bluff, IA, tailgate outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Teddy Prochazka (65) high fives fans as he makes his way inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) walks into the stadium during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) makes his way through the crowd during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer waits to get into the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer (left) and senior construction management major Broc Homeyer wait alongside other students to get inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Carter Hergot, 12 (from left) Preston Scott, 12, and Heywood Johnson, 13, hang out in the south stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bailey Jennett of Lincoln, 16, hands out red balloons ahead of the Rutgers game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
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