Nebraska defends corner blitz call in loss to Washington

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 21:51 · Archive

Nebraska lost 17–10 to Washington after a cornerback blitz failed to stop a fourth-down conversion with 1:30 remaining.

Nebraska lost 17–10 to Washington, marking the Huskers' third consecutive defeat. In each loss, Nebraska held a fourth-quarter lead. The decisive moment came with 1:30 remaining and Washington facing fourth and 18.

Nebraskan defensive coordinator Rob Aurich called a corner blitz, sending cornerback Andrew Marshall—the team's best coverage defender—off the edge to rush Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Williams evaded the pressure and completed a first-down pass to Chris Lawson along the sideline. Two plays later, Washington had its first lead of the game.

Aurich defended the call, citing analytics. 'There's been about 40 or 42 4th and 15 to 20s in Big Ten play and SEC play over the past three years,' Aurich said. 'There have been nine conversions. Seven of those nine conversions are against soft zone.' He added that Williams has struggled with the throw required against their coverage. 'We made that decision thinking that we needed to force the ball out of his hand,' Aurich said.

Nebraska's offense has declined recently, scoring just 24 combined points against Oregon and Washington after ranking among national leaders in scoring and total yardage. The Huskers play Illinois on Friday seeking to end their skid.

Nebraska defends corner blitz call in loss to Washington — Image: WOWT

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How it is being reported

Aurich defends defensive play call, Holgorsen notes ‘pressing’ Nebraska football playersNebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich rattled off multiple factors that supported the Huskers’ decision to call a corner blitz in a key moment against Washington.WOWT · 3 Nov, 21:17
Aurich defends defensive play call, Holgorsen notes ‘pressing’ playersNebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich rattled off multiple factors that supported the Huskers’ decision to call a corner blitz in a key moment against Washington.1011Now · 3 Nov, 21:04

In this story: Nebraska · Washington · Rob Aurich · Andrew Marshall · Demond Williams Jr. · Chris Lawson · Illinois

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