Damon Benning at Valentino's Restaurant in Nebraska City

NEBRASKA CITY – Husker Radio Network analyst Damon Benning said statistics through five games confirm  the improvement that the Big Red Buzz audience hoped for and expected from Nebraska, particularly on defense.

Benning: “I told you guys from the jump. They literally could be a defense that gets better by the series. Right? I said this at Arrowhead. You know the third series would probably be better than the second series, the sixth series may be better. That’s how inexperienced this team was. So, as they continue to evolve, it’s zero coincidence …  You want proof about the progress they are making. It’s no coincidence that Chiles and Sorsby have played their worst games against Nebraska.”

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles had never had a game throwing for less than 100 yards, but he was 9 of 23 passing for 85 yards and two interceptions against Nebraska.

Brendan Sorsby has 12 passing touchdowns this season and is ranked fifth in quarterback rating. He is a Heisman Trophy contender after Cincinnati’s win over Iowa State.

Benning says he will never tell people how to fan, but he suggests the realization that Nebraska’s football team is not flawless at this point.

Benning: “The minute we get out of that mindset we’ll start to be appreciative of the job that is actually happening because their mindset is changing right before our very eyes.

For all the hand wringing and consternation about Nebraska, and I keep hearing it’s more defensively, they have some incredible stats."

Nebraska’s defense is ranked fourth nationally in third down stops and ranked 11th in total defense with 247 yards per game. Nebraska leads the nation in passing defense and passing efficiency defended.

The Huskers are the only defense in the nation giving up less than 100 passing yards per game.

He said he is interested in the matchup Saturday between Nebraska’s defensive backs and Maryland’s speedy wide outs. Maryland has not had a run over 17 yards this season.

Benning: “Nebraska just can’t allow themselves to be the medicine for what ails Maryland’s running game.”

30-20 GBR