Nebraska Basketball: 3 keys for the ACC/Big Ten matchup against Clemson

Toughness

Every team must exhibit a certain amount of toughness. Whether that toughness is physicality or simply the mental aspect of the game. Each of these will be tested multiple times throughout a season. In their last game against Western Illinois, Nebraska was able to put that toughness to the test for the mental part of the game. Nebraska was able to erase an early deficit in this game by going on a 34-4 run over the length of the middle of the first half to the first part of the second half.

Coach Miles would say the Huskers failed the mental test in this game. The 34-point lead dwindled to 18 before Nebraska was finally able to make some shots and get the lead back to the final margin of 24 points.

Against Texas Tech the Huskers failed both the mental and physical toughness test. They got out hustled to every loose ball, made numerous mental errors and overall got pushed around the entire game. Against Western Illinois, the Huskers passed the physical toughness test. Nebraska built the lead to 34 by going to the rim and getting into the paint. Nebraska has a roster that is at its best when they are getting to the rim.

Clemson is another team who is going to test Nebraska both physically and mentally. The game is going to go back and forth. Nebraska will have to get this ball into the paint and get easy baskets to win this game. The mental toughness is going to be tested as Nebraska is going to have to play without getting fouled. The style of defense Nebraska plays is a physical style.  If they have any aspirations of playing in the NCAA tournament and having the kind of season they are expected to. They will need to get tougher, it can start against Clemson.