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Huskers expect to put Blitzburgh back on map
- Pitt right tackle has hands full
- Notebook: Palko needs to trust protection
- Prisuta: Joe just doesn't cut it
That might be the only way to neutralize a Nebraska defense that plans to blitz continually Saturday afternoon when the Cornhuskers (1-1) play the Panthers (1-0) at Heinz Field.
"Pressure -- all day long," Huskers cornerback Fabian Washington said. "He's going to get a lot of it. I hope that team is preparing for it because I know our plan is to put pressure on him."
The Huskers rank 13th (out of 117) in total defense and average 4.0 sacks per game. They're loaded with All-Big 12 and All-American candidates, including star safety Josh Bullocks (first-team All-American) and linebacker Barrett Ruud (Butkus Award nominee).
First-year defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove has implemented complex zone blitz packages in which safeties, corners and linebackers come from all directions. They even know when to drop out of the blitzes upon hearing audibles.
"They do it very well," said senior left tackle Rob Petitti. "I have a pretty good grip of some of the things they do, but our younger guys might be confused. This is a lot different from the Ohio University defense. By (today), the guys should know what's going on."
Otherwise, "it could be a long one," Petitti said.
In the Panthers' 24-3 victory over Ohio last week, Palko showed little patience in the pocket, tucking the ball and running instead of going through his progressions. He was sacked three times, and never settled in when dropping back to pass.
Consequently for Pitt, the redshirt sophomore put up the worst passing numbers in coach Walt Harris' eight-year tenure, finishing 6 of 19 for 49 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
"I don't care how good a quarterback is, if you put big pressure on them, you'll burst their pipes," Washington said.
The Cornhuskers, coming off a 21-17 turnover-induced loss to Southern Mississippi, feature arguably the best secondary in the nation -- the four starters combined for 30 interceptions last season -- and defensive ends Adam Carriker and Wali Muhammad each have two sacks.
Nebraska has mastered the ability to disguise its blitz packages. Cornerback Lornell McPherson already has two sacks courtesy of blitzes.
"When they come off the corner, they're right on top of you," Petitti said.
Running backs Tim Murphy and Ray Kirkley will be instrumental in fending off the Nebraska pass-rush, as will tight end Erik Gill. Pitt doesn't plan to use many double-tight end sets or shotgun formations, so the backs must shoulder the responsibility.
"It's part of the job," said Kirkley. "I have to be consistent in my blocking."
"They're going to come after me," Palko said. "Any time you have a young quarterback who didn't do a good job handling the blitz the week before, they're going to test you."
