Things I know, and things I think I know:
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost shed a sliver of light Saturday on how he goes about his work as a play-caller.
There are certain plays designed specifically for the team's very best weapons, he said.
No surprise there, right?
"As for the rest of it, the ball is going to find guys when they're open," he said.
He said it with the confidence of a proven play-caller. But he faces some stark realities this week as Nebraska (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) prepares for a difficult game this Saturday night at Minnesota (5-0, 2-0).
The Gophers are seven-point favorites. We'll break down the game more thoroughly as the week progresses. But one reason the home team is favored is because it has a decisive advantage in skill-position talent. It's really not close in terms of depth in that area. That's one reality Frost faces as he continues to build his program.
In the meantime, he'll continue to design plays for Wan'Dale Robinson. The true freshman's emergence as a tough-minded player in the clutch is one of the most promising developments of Nebraska's season. He leads the team in receptions (25) and targets (38). He has 326 receiving yards and 190 rushing, and his 516 scrimmage yards are No. 6 in the Big Ten.
In short, Robinson is living up to his reputation. But Frost must be careful to avoid overusing the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder, although it could be tempting to do so.
Let's say junior standout receiver JD Spielman (5-9, 180), who left Saturday's 13-10 win against Northwestern with an apparent knee injury, is hobbled this week. On whom would Frost lean beside Robinson?
The options are more limited than many of us thought before the season.
Maurice Washington is a possibility. But he's been in and out of games because of nagging injuries. Then, against Northwestern, he was held out of the first half for violation of team rules. In the second half, Washington netted minus-1 yard on six touches, then ran off the field after the final gun with a stern look, eschewing the on-field celebration with teammates.
I cling hard to the notion that running back Dedrick Mills will become increasingly important as the season moves into the late stages -- he's a physical runner and a high-grade competitor. But I'm not sure he's ready to put the team on his back in the clutch. However, Mills is very intriguing as a fullback in the I-formation package.
Perhaps senior receivers Kanawai Noa (seven receptions), Mike Williams (three) and Jaron Woodyard (zero) can become more prominent in the equation. The lack of a consistent deep threat -- someone who can stretch the field and win battles for "50-50" balls -- has become glaringly apparent.
One thing that might make sense would be getting tight ends Jack Stoll (11 receptions) and Austin Allen (four) more involved. Tight ends coach Sean Beckton raves about their preparation. He says they've often been open on routes, but various factors have held down their numbers.
Pass-protection obviously has been an issue. The offensive line needs to step it up in the season's second half.
We've somehow made it this far without mentioning that quarterback Adrian Martinez (knee) may be sidelined this week. Even with Martinez in the fold for all but the final quarter Saturday, Nebraska's offensive numbers in almost every key category have dipped significantly compared to last year. The Huskers are down to 69th nationally in total offense, averaging 415.7 yards compared with 456.2 last season (25th).
Nebraska is averaging 5.91 yards per play (63rd) compared with 6.31 last season (20th).
Bottom line, Frost needs at least a few more weapons who are as reliable as Robinson and Spielman. What's more, the line obviously needs work. Until it all comes together, Frost often may have to probe and prod and piece together enough offense to prevail, especially against good teams.
Hardly anything about Frost's job seems particularly easy right now.
* Noah Vedral's excellent composure was striking in relief of Martinez. If Vedral flinched on the big stage, with the game on the line, I didn't see it.
He seemed to thoroughly embrace the moment. All of it. Impressive.
* The chemistry among Mario Verduzco's quarterbacks seems excellent.
More from this section +4 Chicago Bears fans take over London to battle Raiders, the 'home team' T.J. Watt — Steelers +2 3 and out: Breaking down the Bears' 24-21 loss to the Raiders in London "I gotta say thank you to Adrian for keeping us in the game," Vedral told reporters.
See what I mean.
* Martinez's sophomore season underscores the rugged and unforgiving nature of his sport. It also underscores how hot the spotlight can get at his position. It takes a certain type of individual to handle criticism, especially when it's mostly ridiculous in nature.
* We perhaps should listen more closely when Bill Moos talks football.
By way of review, the question to the Nebraska athletic director in July was this: How would he characterize a successful season for the Husker football team in the second year of Frost's program?
"We really need to get to six (wins)," said Moos, who hired Frost. "We need to get in the postseason and get all those extra practices and get that recognition in college football."
Moos added that in his conversations with Frost that "he tells it like it is. I think we've got some depth concerns still ..."
Definitely should've listened more intently to that part of the AD's answer.
* One positive aspect arises out of Nebraska's center-snap issues: It should make us better appreciate the difficult nature of a center's job. It's an easy position to overlook in the grand scheme of things.
I think Husker fans will understand its importance for years to come.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) (right) high-fives fans during the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska recruit Alex Harrison videotapes the pre-game warmups on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) talks with Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald prior to the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) enjoys a moment with Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald prior to the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska commit Zavier Betts on the field during pre-game warmups on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska prospect Justin Robinson (right) on the field during pregame warmups on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Nebraska vs Northwestern, 10.5 A young Huskers fan awaits the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Nebraska vs Northwestern, 10.5 Herbie Husker poses for a portrait before the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Nebraska vs Northwestern, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost shown during the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY Journal Star Nebraska vs Northwestern, 10.5 Nebraska cheerleaders shown while waiting for the football team to arrive for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Fans pull out their phones and cameras to record the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Nebraska vs Northwestern, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) (right) high-fives fans during the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern kicker Charlie Kuhbander (14) connects for a second-quarter field goal against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Eli Sullivan (30) chases Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (top) gets tackled by Nebraska's Braxton Clark (17) in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (top) gets flipped on a hit by Northwestern's JR Pace (13) in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) high fives fans after scoring a touchdown during Saturday's game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Husker players celebrate Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) touchdown during Saturday's game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (left) takes a tumble after being hit by a Northwestern player Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) hands off the ball to running back Drake Anderson during Saturday's game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith looks to make a pass during Saturday's against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson scores a touchdown during Saturday's game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) and Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (19) celebrate after Robinson's touchdown run Saturday against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern kicker Charlie Kuhbander (14) kicks a field goal during Saturday's game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern's wide receiver Jace James (left) can't come up with a tipped pass Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) is taken out by Nebraska cornerback Braxton Clark (17) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 The Nebraska football team runs out before the start of a game against Northwestern on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum follows through with his game-winning field goal as time expires as the Huskers defeated Northwestern 13-10 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 A plane flies over Memorial Stadium before Saturday's game between Northwestern and Nebraska.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 The Nebraska marching band performs before a game against Northwestern on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is shown before a game against Northwestern on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Cheyenne Gerlach of DeWitt (left) is handed a bouquet after being named homecoming queen Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost shown during a game against Northwestern on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum (48) is carried off the field by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired in the Huskers' defeated Northwestern 13-10 Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Left to right: Cheyenne Gerlach of DeWitt and Bryce Lammers of Fordyce pose for pictures after being crowned as homecoming royalty Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Bryce Lammers of Fordyce is shown after he was announced as homecoming king on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) (right) fakes a hand off to Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills (26) (left) Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum (48) and holder Isaac Armstrong (98) celebrate after McCallum kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired Saturday to defeat Northwestern 13-10 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum (top) is carried off the field by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired. The Huskers defeated Northwestern 13-10 Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) pulls in a pass from Noah Vedral in front of Northwestern's Roderick Campbell late in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska cornerback Lamar Jackson (21) heads upfield after picking off Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith late in the fourth quarter as JoJo Domann (13) looks on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) reaches up for the high snap from center Cameron Jurgens in the fourth quarter against Northwestern Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern's Riley Lees (center) fumbles the ball on the tackle by Nebraska's Collin Miller (bottom) and Marquel Dismuke (19) in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Lees recovered the ball.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Northwestern's Riley Lees (19) fumbles the ball on the tackle by Nebraska's Collin Miller (bottom) and Marquel Dismuke (19) in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Lees recovered the ball.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Carlos Davis (96) puts a hit on Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's DiCaprio Bootle (left) and Will Honas (right) put a hit on Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) makes contact with the sliding Aidan Smith (11) of Northwestern in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Lamar Jackson (21) reacts after defending an incomplete pass to Northwestern's Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (81) in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska kicker Lane McCallum (48) looks up toward the goal posts moments before missing a third-quarter field goal Saturday against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16), in for the injured Adrian Martinez, rushes near the goal line as he's hit by Northwestern's Blake Gallagher (51) in the final minute of the game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost shouts instructions to the Huskers' offense in the final minute of the game against Northwestern Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Darrion Daniels (79) focuses on Northwestern center Jared Thomas in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets pushed out of bounds by Northwestern's Roderick Campbell (9) in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Martinez was injured in the third quarter and did not return.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska's Wan’Dale Robinson (1) is frustrated after dropping a pass from Adrian Martinez in the red zone during the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 LINCOLN, NEB. - 10/05/2019 - Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) rushes five yards to the Northwestern 7-yard line as he's hit by the Wildcats' Blake Gallagher (51) in the final minute of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 LINCOLN, NEB. - 10/05/2019 - Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) rushes in the third quarter against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska head coach Scott Frost shows frustration after a pass-interference call against the Huskers in the third quarter against Northwestern Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 LINCOLN, NEB. - 10/05/2019 - Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches a replay on the large video screen in the third quarter against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 LINCOLN, NEB. - 10/05/2019 - Nebraska head coach Scott Frost bends over after a fourth quarter play against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Chased by Northwestern's Blake Gallagher (51), Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez scrambles on the third-quarter play in which he injured his knee Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Martinez did not return to the game and was replaced by the Huskers' Noah Vedral.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) leads the Huskers up the field in the fourth quarter of the game against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) rushes near the goal line as he's hit by Northwestern's Travis Whitlock in the final minute of the game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) dives for extra yardage as he's tackled by Northwestern's Travis Whitlock (back right) in the final minute of Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 10.5 LINCOLN, NEB. - 10/05/2019 - Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral (16) slides out of bounds on an 8-yard run to the Northwestern 12 yard line in the final minute of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER JOURNAL STAR Reach the writer at 402-473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com . On Twitter @HuskerExtraSip .
This article originally ran on journalstar.com .
