NU defense disrupts Nevada's offense

So much for being the weakest link. In fact, Nebraska's defensive line played like just the opposite.

Called into question leading up to the season opener, the Cornhuskers' front four was praised coming out of a dominating effort against Nevada. The Wolf Pack gained just 77 rushing yards on 24 attempts, and quarterback Nick Graziano spent the afternoon bolting from the pocket to buy time and escape pressure from the Blackshirts.

Graziano was often able to avoid the Huskers in the backfield, but their attack wore on Nevada as the game progressed. Graziano was the team's leading rusher with 29 yards, and the passing game collapsed after a quick start.

"I thought we had good pressure," NU Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. "We've still got to continue to get more. I just don't want pressure to come from blitzing. … In every defensive area, we've got to get better."

NU senior Steve Octavien played a big factor in the penetration and disruption of the Wolf Pack offense. The speedy linebacker took advantage of holes in the offensive line, flying to the ball and leading Nebraska in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss.

He had struggled with injuries in his first two seasons at Nebraska, but year three got started without a hitch. Octavien was all over the field making plays, but appeared to be the most productive in blitzing situations.

"This team cuts a lot, so I didn't get to the quarterback as much as I wanted to," Octavien said. "But I thought overall we did good.

"But I believe we can terrorize the offense a lot more."

Nevada's passing game was going well in the first quarter, and two questionable calls by the referees could have affected its offensive output in the first period. But after returning an interception for a touchdown, the Wolf Pack began to feel the heat.

"We weren't worried about (the interception)," Octavien said. "We weren't worried about it. It was just one of those freak plays. Defensive-wise we just knew we had to shut them down. We didn't want them to gain any momentum from that, but we weren't worried."

Hailed as a deep and talented group, Nebraska's secondary seemed the most uneasy component of the Blackshirts' defense. Graziano made several completions for first downs in the first quarter over the heads of the secondary. In the second quarter, junior cornerback Armando Murillo was whistled for an obvious pass interference call.

But NU's attacking front line quickly broke down the Wolf Pack offensive line. Graziano completed only 33 percent of his passes and did most of his running toward the sidelines rather than the end zones.

"I thought we ran over the ball pretty good," NU Coach Bill Callahan said. "This was a pretty tough offense. (Nevada) was a successful offense with their ability to run bootlegs and options and counter plays that could really force a team to be put back on their heels."

The sour note of the day came on an injury to junior defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler early in the first quarter. Steinkuhler suffered a knee injury and missed the remainder of the game. He is listed as day-to-day.

JONATHANCROWL@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM