NEBRASKA CITY – Former Husker Damon Benning told his Big Red Buzz audience at Valentino’s Restaurant Tuesday that the 37 to 10 loss to Penn State was not the “tail kicking we made it out to be” and offered three ingredients for stopping the run on Black Friday.

  1. Restricting the hole
  2. Super violent hands
  3. Trust

He called trust a key factor in Nebraska’s final home game of the season, saying defenders need to trust the defensive lineman to do their 1 of 11. He said a lack of trust leads to defenders trying to do more than their assignment and creates opportunities for runners.

He said fans can be mad at the defense line all they want, but the key on Black Friday will be the second level.

Benning: “It’s more scheme on the backend. It’s more fundamentals closer to the ball.”

Benning said Nebraska must double down on its process.

Often during Big Red Buzz sessions, Benning calls for greater involvement of tight ends.

On Tuesday, he said while using tight end Luke Lindenmeyer for backside quarterback protection is not a waste, it doesn’t utilize his potential.

He asked about playing three tight ends. He said wide receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter are blocking well,  but asked why keep them in the game if you’re not going to throw to them. He said if they are in the game, they need to win 50/50 balls.

Iowa has won 10 of the past 12 meetings and Nebraska is looking for its first eight-win season since 2016.

Benning expects weather  to be a factor. The forecast on Tuesday called for a high temperature of 34 degrees, a 7 mph wind and light snow.

Benning said it all adds up to vintage Iowa, but added that Nebraska will find a way to win.

Nebraska 19, Iowa 16