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We've examined personnel and leadership, attitude and intensity.

We've focused on play-calling and play-executing.

Now let's get inside the numbers of Nebraska's struggling offense.

Stat geeks, this space is devoted to you.

In 2008, the Huskers ranked 12th nationally in total offense. They accumulated numbers sufficient to win nine games. In 2009, Nebraska's offense has fallen apart against four BCS foes. It has generated six TDs in 16 quarters — and four of those came in 15 minutes at Missouri.

What has changed in a year? You know the names — Joe Ganz, Nate Swift, Todd Peterson, etc. You know about turnovers — NU already has equaled its giveaways (28) in '08. But we searched deeper. We broke down the details and, in the end, highlighted six critical differences between a season of accomplishment (2008) and a season of frustration (2909).

FINDING AN EARLY RHYTHM

In 2008 against BCS competition, Nebraska ran on 61 percent of its first-down snaps.

In '09, it's 59 percent.

In '08, first-down rushing plays gained an average of 5.1 yards. In '09, they gain 5.0.

Only a slight difference.

But look at passing proficiency on first down.

In '08, the Huskers picked up 8.2 yards on first-down passing attempts.

The average in '09? 3.7 yards.

In '08, the Huskers completed 72 percent on first down against BCS competition.

This year in the same situation, they connect for 38 percent.

DEAD END FOR TIGHT ENDS

In '08, Husker tight ends averaged 48 yards receiving. In '09 against the Sun Belt, the average reached 79 yards.

But in four games against BCS competition, the tight ends average 13 yards per game.

In '08, tight end production comprised 17 percent of the passing game. It was 27 percent against three Sun Belt foes in September.

Against BCS teams this year, tight ends make up 7 percent of receiving yards.

That's 53 yards in four games.

GREEN CHUNKS

Let's define “big” plays as ones that gain 20 yards or more.

Against BCS competition last year, Nebraska produced 5.3 big plays per game.

In '09, the average is 3.3 big plays.

Who does the offense miss most? Nate Swift, who had 12 big plays in 10 games against BCS teams.

Among this year's wideouts, only Niles Paul has more than one big play, with three.

CLUTCH THROWS

Defenses fight hard on first and second down to put quarterbacks in third-and-long.

But in 2008, when the Huskers had third-and-8 or more, Joe Ganz handled it superbly.

When he passed, Ganz converted the first down 43 percent of the time. He threw five touchdowns in third-and-long situations against one interception.

This season, Zac Lee moves the chains 28 percent of the time on third-and-long. He has two touchdown passes and one interception.

TOUCHDOWN OR BUST

One of the best indicators of offensive success in college football is red-zone touchdown efficiency.

Against BCS competition last year, Nebraska scored touchdowns on 67 percent (32 of 48) of its red-zone trips.

This season against BCS teams, the Huskers are down to 29 percent (5 of 17).

If NU continues at that rate, it eventually would sink below the nation's worst red-zone offense: Ohio (5-3).

For the season, Frank Solich's offense scores touchdowns in the red zone at a 36 percent clip.

TOO MANY PUNTS

Against BCS teams in 2008, Nebraska finished drives with scores 44 percent of the time.

On the other hand, the odds of a Husker possession ending without a first down were 23 percent.

The numbers have nearly flipped.

In '09, the Huskers score on 24 percent of their possessions against BCS teams.

The chances of seeing a drive end with a three-and-out or a quick turnover?

37 percent.

—Dirk Chatelain

— Dirk Chatelain

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