Blackshirts prep for tall task in Kyle Monangai, strong Rutgers run game

LINCOLN, NEB. - After Nebraska dropped their first contest of the year to No. 22 Illinois, many had concerns about the Husker defense - but they bounced back.

Nebraska topped Purdue 28-10 on Saturday, combining a dominant second half, with a consistent effort all day defensively. The Blackshirts held Purdue to 224 total yards, 1.6 yards per attempt on the ground, and even scored with  aJohn Bullock pick six.

As Nebraska returns to Memorial Stadium this Saturday, the Huskers welcome undefeated (4-0) Rutgers, who ranks third in the Big Ten in rushing offense.

“They’re impressive,” Defensive Coordinator Tony White said. “I really like how blue collar their offensive line is.. You cans e the ruggedness and how much attitude they play with so it’ll be a great challenge.”

Rutgers’ offense is led by quarterback Arthur Kaliakmanis who holds a 2-0 record over Nebraska with wins during his time with Minnesota.

On the ground, they’re led by running back Kyle Monangai who averages 6.1 yards per attempt and has already found the end zone six times in four games. Defensive Coordinatorr Tony white, and defensive lineman jimari butler broke down what Monangai brings to the table and how to slow him down.

“He’s a back who’s going to bring it to you.. He uses dominant contact, we use dominant contact,” Butler said. “There’s going to be a lot of clacking going on.”

“Contact balance, vision, he just does not stop his feet,” White said. “The really neat thing about him, his YAC yards are ridciaulos… he’s getting two or three yards, but  when they spot the ball, he gets six or seven.”

Nebraska and Rutgers kicks off at 3:00 p.m. CT Saturday on FS1.