Can NU produce against vaunted Nebraska 'Blackshirts' defense?

Northwestern hasn't proven to be a Big Ten contender this season, but the Wildcats' offense has certainly held its own.

After piling up 59 points in a win at Indiana on Saturday, Northwestern is third in the league in total offense, trailing only Wisconsin and Michigan.

So what better test for NU's offensive firepower than a visit to the Big Ten's newest addition? No. 9 Nebraska just shut down Legends Division leading Michigan State in a convincing 24-3 victory and now it's the Wildcats' turn to visit Lincoln on Saturday (2:30 p.m., BTN).

Freshman running back Treyvon Green thought back Monday to his trip to a Nebraska game during an unofficial recruiting visit.

“It was pretty crazy there,” he said. “Just the fans, how much they screamed. I've never really seen the fans go so crazy over a football game.”

Well, at least Northwestern knows what to expect. The storyline is also familiar: The Wildcats aren't likely to shut down quarterback Taylor Martinez, running back Rex Burkhead and the Nebraska offense. They'll need to score points to stay in the game.

During the onslaught at Indiana, tight end Drake Dunsmore caught a school-record 4 touchdown passes. NU continued to rotate quarterbacks Dan Persa and Kain Colter, effectively. Colter threw for 2 touchdowns and caught 6 passes for 115 yards while lined up at receiver.

“We had 600 yards of offense and (top receiver) Jeremy Ebert only had 1 catch,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said at his weekly news conference. “I think that goes to show not only our current players, but why so many recruits want to come here and play for us, because we're going to spread the ball around. Get a lot of people a lot of touches in a lot of different ways, showcase their skills.”

Eight different players were credited with rushing attempts in the Indiana game and senior Jacob Schmidt produced NU's second 100-yard running game of the season, finishing with 110.

Now the question is whether a smooth offensive performance against 1-8 Indiana translates at all to the Nebraska “Blackshirts” defense.

In order to become bowl eligible, Northwestern needs to finish 3-1.

The Wildcats should — again, should — beat Rice and Minnesota at home. But the third win needs to come against either Nebraska or No. 15 Michigan State.

“It's a huge challenge,” Fitzgerald said. “It's about us and how we prepare this week. We've got to coach our guys better to play better. It's a big mark for our program if we want to send our seniors out the right way.”

Injury report:The Wildcats are hoping to get a couple of defensive mainstays back from injury this week. Linebacker Bryce McNaul missed the Indiana game with back spasms, while defensive end Tyler Scott has missed the past two contests with a neck injury.Quarterback Dan Persa missed practice last Tuesday because of turf toe, but he recovered well enough to throw for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Hoosiers.#8220;It kind of reminds me of playing with (former NU teammate) Darnell Autry,#8221; Pat Fitzgerald said. #8220;I don't think he ever practiced on Tuesday. He was always in the cold tub.#8220;Dan's a tough guy. I know he's not a 4.25 (40-yard dash) right now, but from a toughness standpoint, he's spectacular ... unbelievable.#8221;Husker in the family:Cornerback Jordan Mabin revealed during Monday's news conference that he has family ties to Nebraska football.An uncle, Wes Mabin, played corner for the Huskers from 1968-71. Jordan hasn't heard many stories, though, of coach Bob Devaney and the '71 national champs.#8220;They live in Florida, so I don't get to talk to him that much,#8221; Mabin said.