Quarterback runs, poor tackling stifle Nebraska defense

Nobody could have guessed Garrett Gilbert would have been the leading rusher among quarterbacks.

The Texas sophomore was averaging 0.6 yards per rush entering Saturday's game. Taylor Martinez, a nation leading 10.8.

But as the Longhorns' 20-13 victory started to unfold, it was Gilbert who proved to be the effective runner.

"It was a little bit bigger part of the game plan this week," Gilbert said. "The offensive line did a great job of opening up some creases there and we were able to find some yards."  

Gilbert finished the game with 71 yards on the ground with two scores. He only complete four passes on the afternoon, but his ability to keep drives alive with his feet helped Texas build a 17-3 halftime lead.

"We've been encouraging Garrett to get more yards with his feet." UT coach Mack Brown said. "He did it on quarterback draw, he did it on sprint, he did it on scramble and he made some key plays."

Texas was 6-for-10 on third down in the first half – five of those Gilbert had a part in, including three with his legs. The biggest conversion came on UT's second drive, which started after a Roy Helu Jr. fumble.

The Longhorns had just missed on a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone and were faced with a third and eight at the Nebraska 19-yard line. Texas looked content to not take any chances and settle for a field goal.

The UT coaches dialed up a quarterback draw. A hole opened up on the left side of the line and Gilbert took off. NU safety Rickey Thenarse had Gilbert lined up for a tackle a couple yards shy of the marker, but Gilbert bounced of the attempted tackle and fell forward for a 10-yard gain and a first down. Gilbert ran for a three-yard touchdown two plays later.

Misses tackles were detrimental to the Huskers all game long.

"People run the ball well when you don't tackle well," NU coach Bo Pelini said. "It comes down to fundamentals. We didn't tackle well, it cost us the game on defense."

Gilbert's feet added another facet to the Texas offense that the Husker defense was tasked to defend. Gilbert's previous long rush was of 11 yards. On Saturday, he had a 25-yard dash on route to 6.5 yards a carry.

The threat of the quarterback run made it difficult for Nebraska to put pressure on the Texas backfield.

"You can't get a great pass rush with them running the draw," NU defensive end Cameron Meredith said. "You've got to be worried about the draw."

The Huskers didn't record a sack and only had two tackles for losses, which totaled just one negative yard.

The secondary also had its fair share of problems with the run game. Nebraska's blanket coverage was something Texas was hoping to use to its advantage, Gilbert said. With the defensive backs focused on receivers down field, running space opened up.

"There's really nothing we can do because if it looks like a pass, we're going to be playing the pass," NU defensive back Eric Hagg said.

Gilbert ran for just three yards in the second half, but the biggest damage was already done and the Longhorn running backs started piling on the rushing yards.

Hagg said the missed tackles were uncharacteristic for a Husker defense that practices tackling on a daily basis.

"It's not like we want to miss a tackle," Hagg said. "It just happens that way. I guess it's just the heat of the moment."

Whether it was missed tackles or Texas' game plan, Gilbert made an unexpected impact with his feet.

"He's a big strong guy and may not look like Vince (Young) or Colt (McCoy) when he's running the ball, but he's effective," Brown said. "And we've got to keep him doing that."

dougburger@dailynebraskan.com