THE GOOD ...
- TOE MEETS LEATHER. A school record field goal with under two minutes to steal a game away from your hated (or at least disliked) rivals? Yeah, that works. There were plenty of reasons why Alex Henery shouldn't have been in that situation to start with, but the fact that he came through is a huge advantage, now and going forward.
- HELU, 2009. (Pronounce it like hello to get the joke, one that I'm sure won't get old). It's really too bad that Marlon Lucky didn't get to see the field on Senior Day. But it's also clearer and clearer as the season wears on that Roy Helu, Jr., is the best back by far of the current group. His ability to run, catch, and now pass block makes his future in 2009 as a feature offensive weapon very exciting.
- "IN SPITE OF" WINNING. Let's be clear, Nebraska did just about everything they could to lose this game other than staying home and having an extra-long turkey nap. For a good part of the game, the players looked like they had already won, and the coaches called plays like they had a three-touchdown lead. But in spite of all that, Nebraska found a way to win. While that's a little scary in terms of a team getting overconfident, it's also very encouraging to see a team that keeps fighting and playing regardless of the score or if bad things happen in the course of the game.
THE BAD ...
- GO BIG GREEN. As in rookie green. As in what Bo Pelini and the staff looked like for much of this game. Yes, the team wasn't mentally ready to compete, we'll get to that. But there were some shockingly boneheaded decisions made by the coaches that could have cost NU a deserved win. Calling the same fake field goal is the obvious one, but to me the worst was the pass play called on second down in the fourth quarter when Nebraska had the ball at the CU 30, well within range for a makeable field goal to win the game. Sure, Joe Ganz shouldn't be taking a sack. But why in the world would you put him in position to do so? There's less than two minutes left, for heaven's sake. Run the ball twice, make CU burn their time outs, kick the 40-yard field goal, and defend. Pelini and Shawn Watson's aggressiveness should have, in all rights, cost Nebraska this game and a shot at a New Year's Day bowl game.
- PRESS CLIPPINGS-ISM. No one is going to convince me that this group of 'Huskers thought a win was in the bag for Nebraska before the game started. Some of the mental flame-outs on offense and defense can be attributed only to a lack of focus and determination. Colorado is not a good football team, but they aren't a bad one either. Nebraska is certainly better (as the end of the game proved), but not better to the level that they could get away with rolling the helmets out and winning.
- NOT SO SPECIAL TEAMS. Sure, Henery's bomb was great, and going four-for-four on field goal attempts turned out to be just as important. But how can a team go the entire season and be so horrifically bad at defending a kickoff? I get it if there's some struggles with the play in a given week. But it was bad the whole year, and didn't get a lot better as the season went on. Good God, Bo, check YouTube or something and see if there's a tutorial there.
... AND THE POST-SEASON.
Yeah, that sounds pretty good. Nebraska gets a bowl game - possibly a New Year's Day bowl against an ACC opponent - and gets all of the practices that come with a bowl invitation. For the seniors on this squad, who had their careers bookended by coaching changes, the positive vibe they leave the program with has to be gratifying. Getting a shot at Florida State in Jacksonville on the first day of 2009 would be a very intriguing sight - the two powers of the 1990's, squaring off at the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century.
THE BIG PICTURE.
At the start of the season, the key word was hope for the future. As we close out the regular season, there's no way to objectively look at Nebraska's performance without seeing substantial evidence to support that hope. Nebraska improved on offense and defense as the season went on, by leaps and bounds. Nebraska developed a toughness to overcome adversity. Nebraska began to develop an identity as a hard-nosed defensive squad that did what they needed to offensively to win. Nebraska got back a little of their swagger - almost too much of it against Colorado, of course. And, most importantly, Nebraska began the process of reclaiming the Big XII North. We thought Nebraska was going to do that after the 2006 season, but that turned out to be a mirage. However, if Pelini and company can recruit, and if Missouri takes a step back after the departure of Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin, then NU has the door open for them to reclaim the North. That's step one in the master plan for world dominance - or at least, for a shot at a national title a few years down the road. The cliche is that great coaches show their greatness in their second season (Bob Stoops at Oklahoma, Nick Saban at Alabama, Butch Davis at North Carolina), so next year could be a very interesting one indeed for the Scarlet and Cream.
See you in Bowl Week!
GBR, baby.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Nebraska 56, Kansas State 28
THE GOOD ...
- TRENCH DOMINATION: There were lots of reasons Nebraska was successful against the Purples last Saturday. But primary among them was Nebraska's ability to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Quietly, Nebraska's front four has become an excellent unit both in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback without a blitz. KSU quarterback Josh Freeman was pulled in the third quarter after being sacked and harried the whole game, and I surmised that he had declared for the NFL draft right from the sidelines.
- BURST FROM THE BACK: I know, I know, I'm harping. But Roy Helu, Jr., continues to impress as a dynamic, dangerous offensive weapon. God bless Marlon Lucky for his contributions and having to go through the whole Callahan era. God bless Quentin Castille for putting some Velcro on the ball for one game. But Helu's presence on the field changes the dynamic for NU's offense. I can't wait to see what he'll look like next year as the feature back.
- THE SEA OF RED: I'm not going to lie to you. It was cold on Saturday. And Manhattan ain't exactly walking distance from Nebraska. But there was red EVERYWHERE on Saturday in the stands. And, after halftime, I would not be surprised if there was more red than purple left in the stands. And people wonder if 'Husker Fan will travel to El Paso for a bowl game?
THE BAD ...
- NOT SO SPECIAL TEAMS: Nebraska's kick return coverage unit is now so bad, and has so lost the confidence of the coaches, that they tried every possible kickoff strategy other than kick it deep. An onside kick. A pooch kick. A sky kick. Anything other than kicking it deep - which, of course, led to a Wildcat touchdown. Adi Kunalic has a powerful leg, but is so inconsistent that he got pulled for Alex Henery and the kickoff experimentation. I don't know why this is such a mystery for NU, but it's a problem.
- THAT FIRST PASS: For two road games in a row, quarterback Joe Ganz's first pass of the game was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Now, that's a lot easier to overcome against a demoralized Kansas State team than against a national powerhouse like Oklahoma. And it's a credit to Ganz that he could recover again and have game good enough to be awarded Big XII Offensive Player of the Week. But really, Joe, watch out with that first one!
- PREGAME HIJINX: I wish I was making this up. Before the K-State version of the tunnel walk, they showed a five-minute video of Willie the Wildcat being "abducted" by four bumpkin-like Herbie Huskers, taken into a cornfield, and left. Of course, Willie "escaped" and rounded up those rascally 'Huskers, leading into the game. All that was missing was the "Benny Hill" music, it was that wacky. But I was just amazed at a few things. Most notably, it's K-State fan making fun of Nebraska for being "country bumpkin." I turned to my friend just to verify that we were in MANHATTAN FREAKING KANSAS, in a football stadium in the middle of Nowhere, USA, and K-State Fan was going "country bumpkin" on us. Seriously. We parked in the livestock husbandry fields outside of the stadium, for heaven's sake. Methinks thou dost protest too much, Purples.
... AND THE RESTORATION OF THE ORDER.
Sorry for recycling a Billy-C-ism, but it's true. After beating a solid Kansas team last week, and demolishing what's left of Bill Snyder's legacy, Nebraska now looks to have established itself as the clear #2 team in the Big XII North. That's not exactly where NU wants to end up, but with Chase Daniel and (probably) Jeremy Maclin leaving Columbia next year, Nebraska is in good shape to make a division run next year.
THE BIG PICTURE.
More than anything, what is fun to watch now is how this team has progressed through the season. I maintain that Bo Pelini's inexperience cost Nebraska the game against Virginia Tech, and his attempt to be cute and clever never gave NU a shot against Missouri. But he also put together a team that took Texas Tech to the wire, and who has now scored decisive victories against teams that are equal to or lesser than NU from a talent perspective. That's a very solid foundation to build on. Nebraska's season to this point hasn't been wildly successful, but has accomplished the one thing Pelini needed - to put a foundation of hope together.
THE NEXT GAME.
Colorado @ Nebraska. Wow. A Colorado team needing to win its' last game to become bowl-eligible and help their embattled coach. The irony is delicious. In Callahan's first year, CU players brought hammers to Lincoln to symbolically put the final nail in the coffin of Nebraska's bowl streak. While there are few on the team who will remember that, the fans will. Memorial Stadium will be ready and waiting for Ralphie and the boys to show up the day after Thanksgiving. And with Pelini's track record against teams of CU's level, it doesn't shape up to be a good day for the Golden Buffaloes.
GBR, baby.
- TRENCH DOMINATION: There were lots of reasons Nebraska was successful against the Purples last Saturday. But primary among them was Nebraska's ability to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Quietly, Nebraska's front four has become an excellent unit both in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback without a blitz. KSU quarterback Josh Freeman was pulled in the third quarter after being sacked and harried the whole game, and I surmised that he had declared for the NFL draft right from the sidelines.
- BURST FROM THE BACK: I know, I know, I'm harping. But Roy Helu, Jr., continues to impress as a dynamic, dangerous offensive weapon. God bless Marlon Lucky for his contributions and having to go through the whole Callahan era. God bless Quentin Castille for putting some Velcro on the ball for one game. But Helu's presence on the field changes the dynamic for NU's offense. I can't wait to see what he'll look like next year as the feature back.
- THE SEA OF RED: I'm not going to lie to you. It was cold on Saturday. And Manhattan ain't exactly walking distance from Nebraska. But there was red EVERYWHERE on Saturday in the stands. And, after halftime, I would not be surprised if there was more red than purple left in the stands. And people wonder if 'Husker Fan will travel to El Paso for a bowl game?
THE BAD ...
- NOT SO SPECIAL TEAMS: Nebraska's kick return coverage unit is now so bad, and has so lost the confidence of the coaches, that they tried every possible kickoff strategy other than kick it deep. An onside kick. A pooch kick. A sky kick. Anything other than kicking it deep - which, of course, led to a Wildcat touchdown. Adi Kunalic has a powerful leg, but is so inconsistent that he got pulled for Alex Henery and the kickoff experimentation. I don't know why this is such a mystery for NU, but it's a problem.
- THAT FIRST PASS: For two road games in a row, quarterback Joe Ganz's first pass of the game was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Now, that's a lot easier to overcome against a demoralized Kansas State team than against a national powerhouse like Oklahoma. And it's a credit to Ganz that he could recover again and have game good enough to be awarded Big XII Offensive Player of the Week. But really, Joe, watch out with that first one!
- PREGAME HIJINX: I wish I was making this up. Before the K-State version of the tunnel walk, they showed a five-minute video of Willie the Wildcat being "abducted" by four bumpkin-like Herbie Huskers, taken into a cornfield, and left. Of course, Willie "escaped" and rounded up those rascally 'Huskers, leading into the game. All that was missing was the "Benny Hill" music, it was that wacky. But I was just amazed at a few things. Most notably, it's K-State fan making fun of Nebraska for being "country bumpkin." I turned to my friend just to verify that we were in MANHATTAN FREAKING KANSAS, in a football stadium in the middle of Nowhere, USA, and K-State Fan was going "country bumpkin" on us. Seriously. We parked in the livestock husbandry fields outside of the stadium, for heaven's sake. Methinks thou dost protest too much, Purples.
... AND THE RESTORATION OF THE ORDER.
Sorry for recycling a Billy-C-ism, but it's true. After beating a solid Kansas team last week, and demolishing what's left of Bill Snyder's legacy, Nebraska now looks to have established itself as the clear #2 team in the Big XII North. That's not exactly where NU wants to end up, but with Chase Daniel and (probably) Jeremy Maclin leaving Columbia next year, Nebraska is in good shape to make a division run next year.
THE BIG PICTURE.
More than anything, what is fun to watch now is how this team has progressed through the season. I maintain that Bo Pelini's inexperience cost Nebraska the game against Virginia Tech, and his attempt to be cute and clever never gave NU a shot against Missouri. But he also put together a team that took Texas Tech to the wire, and who has now scored decisive victories against teams that are equal to or lesser than NU from a talent perspective. That's a very solid foundation to build on. Nebraska's season to this point hasn't been wildly successful, but has accomplished the one thing Pelini needed - to put a foundation of hope together.
THE NEXT GAME.
Colorado @ Nebraska. Wow. A Colorado team needing to win its' last game to become bowl-eligible and help their embattled coach. The irony is delicious. In Callahan's first year, CU players brought hammers to Lincoln to symbolically put the final nail in the coffin of Nebraska's bowl streak. While there are few on the team who will remember that, the fans will. Memorial Stadium will be ready and waiting for Ralphie and the boys to show up the day after Thanksgiving. And with Pelini's track record against teams of CU's level, it doesn't shape up to be a good day for the Golden Buffaloes.
GBR, baby.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Nebraska 45, Kansas 35
THE GOOD ...
- OK, NOW CAN HE BE THE STARTER? As has been said here since about game two of the season, Roy Helu, Jr., is Nebraska's best running back. He may not be the most talented overall, but in terms of what a running back needs to bring to this offense, Helu gives you the most. Marlon Lucky probably has better speed and skills in the open field, but it's Helu that gives NU an explosive threat in the backfield. And what a difference in the offense it makes to have that threat.
- SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH: The biggest single key to the defeat of Kansas was, I believe, the ability of the defensive front to bottle up KU's Jake Sharp and get a rush on Todd Reesing. Led by Ndomukong Suh, the front four did their jobs admirably, setting up an unexpectedly dominant performance against a well-coached Jayhawks squad. And the touchdown reception was pretty cool, too.
- TRICKERATION: A jump pass out of the Wild Husker formation. A fake field goal straight out of the LSU playbook. Apparently Bo Pelini knew this game was the one remaining game on the schedule he had to get, and pulled out all the stops to get it. One way to combat a lack of talent is with unpredictability, and NU showed that in spades on Saturday.
THE BAD ...
- STOP DIGGING: This Nebraska team apparently doesn't like to make things easy. After being bombed by the Sooners, Nebraska shot themselves in the collective foot repeatedly in the first half with turnovers and penalties. While the turnovers got better, the lack of focus showed up again at the end of the game when NU conceded an easy touchdown and then failed to recover the onside kick. Nebraska was good enough to overcome those problems on Saturday, but we've seen what happens against teams that are of a higher talent level.
- NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMS: Yes, the fake field goal was very cool. But punting was still shaky for NU, and the kickoff teams were anything less than special. Given Nebraska's lack of true playmakers on offense, execution in special teams is critical to maintain field position. That's been lacking in the past few weeks.
- THE STUDENT SECTION CONTROVERSY: OK, a little off-topic, but amazing how much publicity empty seats in the student section has attracted. Athletic Director Tom Osborne has hinted that some student seating may be lost next year if the students don't show up to fill it. Students are, of course, still upset about being moved up to the top rows of the stadium, a move that mystifies me in an era where home field advantage is so important. Dr. Tom, please, bring the students back to the field.
... AND THE VALIDATION.
In his first season, Pelini got his best win of his coaching tenure against Kansas. Keep in mind, this was functionally the same team that hung 76 points on NU in Lawrence last year. A ten point win over that team is very satisfying, especially when you consider that the score was not really indicitive of the game itself. Absent the mistakes in the first half, NU could have had a double-digit lead in the first half and won comfortably in the second. Nebraska showed itself to be superior to the Jayhawks in all phases of the game, and has now staked a claim as the clear second place team in the Big XII North.
THE BIG PICTURE
Two observations come to mind at this stage of the season. First, Pelini's 'Huskers have not lost a game in which they have taken the lead. Second, Pelini has done exceptionally well against teams that have equal or lesser talent than Nebraska. That may seem obvious, but after seeing some of the losses under Frank Solich and Bill Callahan, beating teams you should beat becomes more important. I was not a Pelini guy when he was hired, but I have now been sold. NU's dominant performance against a solid Kansas team after being humiliated on national television tells me a lot about Pelini's coaching ability. Now, let's see if he can recruit.
THE NEXT GAME
Nebraska (-7) at Kansas State. How bad must it have gotten in Manhattan for the Purples to axe head coach Ron Price halfway through the season? And Nebraska fans thought the end of the Callahan era was painful. KSU responded to Prince's firing with a less-than-convincing performance at Missouri, in a game that was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated. At this point, you have to think that KSU quarterback Josh Freeman is polishing up his NFL resume for this spring, and the rest of the team is ready for basketball season to start. This one has Big Red blowout written all over it, take the 'Huskers and give the points.
GBR, baby.
- OK, NOW CAN HE BE THE STARTER? As has been said here since about game two of the season, Roy Helu, Jr., is Nebraska's best running back. He may not be the most talented overall, but in terms of what a running back needs to bring to this offense, Helu gives you the most. Marlon Lucky probably has better speed and skills in the open field, but it's Helu that gives NU an explosive threat in the backfield. And what a difference in the offense it makes to have that threat.
- SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH: The biggest single key to the defeat of Kansas was, I believe, the ability of the defensive front to bottle up KU's Jake Sharp and get a rush on Todd Reesing. Led by Ndomukong Suh, the front four did their jobs admirably, setting up an unexpectedly dominant performance against a well-coached Jayhawks squad. And the touchdown reception was pretty cool, too.
- TRICKERATION: A jump pass out of the Wild Husker formation. A fake field goal straight out of the LSU playbook. Apparently Bo Pelini knew this game was the one remaining game on the schedule he had to get, and pulled out all the stops to get it. One way to combat a lack of talent is with unpredictability, and NU showed that in spades on Saturday.
THE BAD ...
- STOP DIGGING: This Nebraska team apparently doesn't like to make things easy. After being bombed by the Sooners, Nebraska shot themselves in the collective foot repeatedly in the first half with turnovers and penalties. While the turnovers got better, the lack of focus showed up again at the end of the game when NU conceded an easy touchdown and then failed to recover the onside kick. Nebraska was good enough to overcome those problems on Saturday, but we've seen what happens against teams that are of a higher talent level.
- NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMS: Yes, the fake field goal was very cool. But punting was still shaky for NU, and the kickoff teams were anything less than special. Given Nebraska's lack of true playmakers on offense, execution in special teams is critical to maintain field position. That's been lacking in the past few weeks.
- THE STUDENT SECTION CONTROVERSY: OK, a little off-topic, but amazing how much publicity empty seats in the student section has attracted. Athletic Director Tom Osborne has hinted that some student seating may be lost next year if the students don't show up to fill it. Students are, of course, still upset about being moved up to the top rows of the stadium, a move that mystifies me in an era where home field advantage is so important. Dr. Tom, please, bring the students back to the field.
... AND THE VALIDATION.
In his first season, Pelini got his best win of his coaching tenure against Kansas. Keep in mind, this was functionally the same team that hung 76 points on NU in Lawrence last year. A ten point win over that team is very satisfying, especially when you consider that the score was not really indicitive of the game itself. Absent the mistakes in the first half, NU could have had a double-digit lead in the first half and won comfortably in the second. Nebraska showed itself to be superior to the Jayhawks in all phases of the game, and has now staked a claim as the clear second place team in the Big XII North.
THE BIG PICTURE
Two observations come to mind at this stage of the season. First, Pelini's 'Huskers have not lost a game in which they have taken the lead. Second, Pelini has done exceptionally well against teams that have equal or lesser talent than Nebraska. That may seem obvious, but after seeing some of the losses under Frank Solich and Bill Callahan, beating teams you should beat becomes more important. I was not a Pelini guy when he was hired, but I have now been sold. NU's dominant performance against a solid Kansas team after being humiliated on national television tells me a lot about Pelini's coaching ability. Now, let's see if he can recruit.
THE NEXT GAME
Nebraska (-7) at Kansas State. How bad must it have gotten in Manhattan for the Purples to axe head coach Ron Price halfway through the season? And Nebraska fans thought the end of the Callahan era was painful. KSU responded to Prince's firing with a less-than-convincing performance at Missouri, in a game that was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated. At this point, you have to think that KSU quarterback Josh Freeman is polishing up his NFL resume for this spring, and the rest of the team is ready for basketball season to start. This one has Big Red blowout written all over it, take the 'Huskers and give the points.
GBR, baby.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Oklahoma 62, Nebraska 28
THE GOOD ...
- THE LAST THREE QUARTERS: Once the nightmare of the first fifteen minutes in Norman ended, Nebraska basically traded punches with one of the top teams in the nation. Sure, it was garbage time by the third quarter, but if you're looking for positives, Nebraska's bounce back was one of them.
- THE RUNNING BACK OF THE FUTURE: Amazingly enough, he's also the running back of the present. As has been argued by a certain Re-Viewer since the New Mexico State game, Roy Helu is Nebraska's best weapon at running back. Given the amount of work he got in Norman, it may be that the coaching staff has started to come to that conclusion. Marlon Lucky has probably earned a starter's role, but Helu should have the majority of carries by the end of the game.
-
THE BAD ...
- THE FIRST QUARTER: Wha hoppen? My popcorn wasn't finished before NU was down 14-0. Nebraska lost its' composure after the quick fourteen points, and the Sooners pounced and buried Nebraska's chances to win, or even to make the game competitive. More evidence that NU has a rookie head coach and a team psyche still fragile from last year's adventure.
- OUTCOACHED: It was one play, but it really was a backbreaker. On Nebraska's first play from scrimmage, it was painfully obvious that OU's defense was waiting for quarterback Joe Ganz to throw a bubble screen. That pick six, which had to have been prepared for all week, is something that simply should not happen in the early stages of the game. On that play, Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson got his lunch eaten by OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
- UNDISCIPLINED: It's a running theme, most easily seen in the continued penalties that give aid and comfort to the opponents. But the problems on the kickoff coverage are also a discipline issue, specifically the discipline of staying in your lane to prevent seams from opening. NU still has huge lapses in that category.
... AND THE TAKEAWAY.
When you spot a team like Oklahoma 35 points in Norman, things aren't going to go well. That disastrous first quarter almost makes the rest of the game meaningless, as there was no digging out of the hole NU had dug. Iowa State and Baylor were good wins, and Texas Tech was a solid performance, but the Sooners showed that Nebraska is still a long way from being ready for prime time. More disturbingly, this game showed that Nebraska is still only a couple of bad plays away from looking disturbingly like the 2007 'Huskers.
THE BIG PICTURE
It would be very easy to read too much into the result of this game. Let us not forget, Bo Pelini is a rookie, and was playing a whole lot of walkons on defense. While it is disturbing to see NU throw up such a clunker, the fact of the matter is that NU does not have the talent level or confidence level to be able to compete on an elite stage. For NU to play well against the big boys, they have to play a perfect game and hope for a mistake from their opponents (see Tech, Texas). Giving away points - particularly 35 of them - is too much to ask this group of 'Huskers to overcome.
THE NEXT GAME
Kansas (-2.5) at Nebraska. The Jayhawks come to Lincoln confident after a pasting of in-state rival Kansas State, a pasting bad enough to cost K-State coach Ron Prince his job. That pounding, however, might be a little misleading, as it looks more and more like the Purples have quit on their coach. KU's defense struggles, and they do not have the athletic talent of a team like Oklahoma, Texas Tech, or even Missouri. They win by out-executing their opponents, something that Nebraska has a spotty record of doing. NU has not been a great home team this year, but there's enough players from last year's squad who remember the 76 the Jayhawks hung on NU. When the talent level is even, Pelini's track record is good at having it team ready. Take the points and take Nebraska to get well and bowl eligible against the Fighting Manginos.
GBR, baby.
- THE LAST THREE QUARTERS: Once the nightmare of the first fifteen minutes in Norman ended, Nebraska basically traded punches with one of the top teams in the nation. Sure, it was garbage time by the third quarter, but if you're looking for positives, Nebraska's bounce back was one of them.
- THE RUNNING BACK OF THE FUTURE: Amazingly enough, he's also the running back of the present. As has been argued by a certain Re-Viewer since the New Mexico State game, Roy Helu is Nebraska's best weapon at running back. Given the amount of work he got in Norman, it may be that the coaching staff has started to come to that conclusion. Marlon Lucky has probably earned a starter's role, but Helu should have the majority of carries by the end of the game.
-
THE BAD ...
- THE FIRST QUARTER: Wha hoppen? My popcorn wasn't finished before NU was down 14-0. Nebraska lost its' composure after the quick fourteen points, and the Sooners pounced and buried Nebraska's chances to win, or even to make the game competitive. More evidence that NU has a rookie head coach and a team psyche still fragile from last year's adventure.
- OUTCOACHED: It was one play, but it really was a backbreaker. On Nebraska's first play from scrimmage, it was painfully obvious that OU's defense was waiting for quarterback Joe Ganz to throw a bubble screen. That pick six, which had to have been prepared for all week, is something that simply should not happen in the early stages of the game. On that play, Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson got his lunch eaten by OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
- UNDISCIPLINED: It's a running theme, most easily seen in the continued penalties that give aid and comfort to the opponents. But the problems on the kickoff coverage are also a discipline issue, specifically the discipline of staying in your lane to prevent seams from opening. NU still has huge lapses in that category.
... AND THE TAKEAWAY.
When you spot a team like Oklahoma 35 points in Norman, things aren't going to go well. That disastrous first quarter almost makes the rest of the game meaningless, as there was no digging out of the hole NU had dug. Iowa State and Baylor were good wins, and Texas Tech was a solid performance, but the Sooners showed that Nebraska is still a long way from being ready for prime time. More disturbingly, this game showed that Nebraska is still only a couple of bad plays away from looking disturbingly like the 2007 'Huskers.
THE BIG PICTURE
It would be very easy to read too much into the result of this game. Let us not forget, Bo Pelini is a rookie, and was playing a whole lot of walkons on defense. While it is disturbing to see NU throw up such a clunker, the fact of the matter is that NU does not have the talent level or confidence level to be able to compete on an elite stage. For NU to play well against the big boys, they have to play a perfect game and hope for a mistake from their opponents (see Tech, Texas). Giving away points - particularly 35 of them - is too much to ask this group of 'Huskers to overcome.
THE NEXT GAME
Kansas (-2.5) at Nebraska. The Jayhawks come to Lincoln confident after a pasting of in-state rival Kansas State, a pasting bad enough to cost K-State coach Ron Prince his job. That pounding, however, might be a little misleading, as it looks more and more like the Purples have quit on their coach. KU's defense struggles, and they do not have the athletic talent of a team like Oklahoma, Texas Tech, or even Missouri. They win by out-executing their opponents, something that Nebraska has a spotty record of doing. NU has not been a great home team this year, but there's enough players from last year's squad who remember the 76 the Jayhawks hung on NU. When the talent level is even, Pelini's track record is good at having it team ready. Take the points and take Nebraska to get well and bowl eligible against the Fighting Manginos.
GBR, baby.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Happy/Sad, Oklahoma
Nebraska @ Oklahoma - 11/01/08, 7:00 p.m. CDT
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- SAM BRADFORD IS WATCHING: Oklahoma's offense is really good. (It's not everywhere you can get insight like that!) But Nebraska learned in Lubbock that if the offense is on the sideline, they can't score. NU has become quite proficient in dominating time of possession, and they will have to be successful with that in Norman. If NU has more than 38 minutes of possession, we may have an upset.
- THE 'HUSKERS ARE DUE: Nebraska has forced one turnover in four games. Usually teams will get more turnovers than that even by accident. If Oklahoma hands NU a couple of turnovers and Nebraska can capitalize, the 'Huskers can overcome the talent deficit.
- THERE IS EXECUTION: When a team is outgunned, it is critical that the outgunned team does not help their opponent out. As new 49'ers coach Mike Singletary would say (in a loud voice), "this isn't a charity!" Nebraska has to hold onto the ball and keep the yellow flags in the referee's pockets for NU to be competitive.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- SPEED KILLS: The Sooners under Bob Stoops love fast players, and they have a bunch of them. Nebraska has been prone to the big play this season, and if the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet give the Sooners the chance, they will gash NU for a number of home runs.
- NEBRASKA'S OFFENSES SPUTTERS: There's points to be had against the OU defense, but Nebraska has to take them. If NU's offense doesn't click, or if offensive coordinator Shawn Watson tries to get too cute, then Nebraska will struggle to keep up with Oklahoma's scoring explosion.
- RUDY DOESN'T COME THROUGH: Particularly on defense, NU has been savaged with injuries. With middle linebacker Phillip Dillard out for Saturday, NU will be relying on walkons like Matt Holt and Coelton "I got a safety" Koehler to start or play significant minutes against the Sooners. Those kids are great stories, but they're going to have to come up big against one of the best offenses in the country for NU to make this a game into the fourth quarter.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Oklahoma 49, Nebraska 24.
GBR, baby.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- SAM BRADFORD IS WATCHING: Oklahoma's offense is really good. (It's not everywhere you can get insight like that!) But Nebraska learned in Lubbock that if the offense is on the sideline, they can't score. NU has become quite proficient in dominating time of possession, and they will have to be successful with that in Norman. If NU has more than 38 minutes of possession, we may have an upset.
- THE 'HUSKERS ARE DUE: Nebraska has forced one turnover in four games. Usually teams will get more turnovers than that even by accident. If Oklahoma hands NU a couple of turnovers and Nebraska can capitalize, the 'Huskers can overcome the talent deficit.
- THERE IS EXECUTION: When a team is outgunned, it is critical that the outgunned team does not help their opponent out. As new 49'ers coach Mike Singletary would say (in a loud voice), "this isn't a charity!" Nebraska has to hold onto the ball and keep the yellow flags in the referee's pockets for NU to be competitive.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- SPEED KILLS: The Sooners under Bob Stoops love fast players, and they have a bunch of them. Nebraska has been prone to the big play this season, and if the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet give the Sooners the chance, they will gash NU for a number of home runs.
- NEBRASKA'S OFFENSES SPUTTERS: There's points to be had against the OU defense, but Nebraska has to take them. If NU's offense doesn't click, or if offensive coordinator Shawn Watson tries to get too cute, then Nebraska will struggle to keep up with Oklahoma's scoring explosion.
- RUDY DOESN'T COME THROUGH: Particularly on defense, NU has been savaged with injuries. With middle linebacker Phillip Dillard out for Saturday, NU will be relying on walkons like Matt Holt and Coelton "I got a safety" Koehler to start or play significant minutes against the Sooners. Those kids are great stories, but they're going to have to come up big against one of the best offenses in the country for NU to make this a game into the fourth quarter.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Oklahoma 49, Nebraska 24.
GBR, baby.
Monday, October 27, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Nebraska 32, Baylor 20
THE GOOD ...
- THE COMEBACK: I did not realize until reading the post-game analysis that Nebraska never had a second-half comeback during Bill Callahan's tenure at the helm. Not once. Not even by accident. And it wasn't like Nebraska always had the lead going into the half. NU's third quarter woes had been troubling this season, so to see them come out in the second half and be so successful is another sign of growth.
- HIT 'EM DEEP: For a number of games, NU has made a living with passes 10 yards or shorter. Having such a profile was crying out for attempts to stretch the field. Finally, NU put the deep ball into its' arsenal, being successful once to a wide-open Nate Swift. For Nebraska to continue its' offensive success, the threat of the deep ball has to be present to keep defenses from stacking the short zones and plugging up the bread-and-butter of NU's offense.
- DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS: It's a bit of a corollary to the first point, but it is worth making. Baylor's speed at quarterback and wideout caused Nebraska huge problems at the start of the game. But the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet (Bo, please, in God's name, just hand the stupid things out already) figured out what they were doing, stayed in their lanes, and made Robert Griffin one-dimensional. Once that happened, Nebraska was able to handle Baylor's attack relatively easily.
THE BAD ...
- COUNTING TO ELEVEN: Particularly in the first half, the NU defense had a terrible time having the right personnel on the field. Some of that was caused by Baylor playing games with 12 and 13 players on the field, but some of that was NU being unprepared. Particularly going into next week, breakdowns like that will result in quick points for the bad guys.
- YELLOW TROUBLE: NU cannot get away from catastrophic penalties. Nebraska helped Baylor keep drives alive with 15-yard infractions, most egregiously on a roughing the punter penalty that extended a Baylor drive. This problem isn't new and, while some of the calls may be borderline, it's consistent enough to be a huge problem.
- TURNOVER DROUGHT: Once again, Nebraska did not force a turnover. Some of that was expected, as Griffin had not thrown an interception all year. But Nebraska got good pressure and, especially in the second half, penetration from the front four against the running game. While being -3 in the turnover ratio and winning by 12 is impressive by itself, it also makes the game that much more difficult to win.
... AND THE SOONERS.
Well, now we get the test. The crimson and cream await Nebraska in Norman after hanging 55 points in the first half (!) on Prince's Purples. Nebraska struggled to contain two freshman playmakers against Baylor at home, so it will be very interesting to see how they handle the slew of All-Americans Oklahoma will roll onto the field on Saturday. On the other hand, Oklahoma's defense has been suspect all year, and Nebraska has played better on the road than at home. A victory over Oklahoma is probably unlikely, but a good showing goes a long way in this rebuilding year for the Big Red.
THE BIG PICTURE
There's no question now that Nebraska has an identity on offense, and a clear idea of what they want to do. Nebraska's defense has demonstrated shocking lapses, but also an ability to bear down (particularly in the red zone) and get stops when they need to. This team also has the senior leadership that was critically missing from last year's club. Apparently at halftime of the Baylor game, it was the seniors that led the way to get the team's attention focused in the right place and pave the way for a comeback. It's a credit to those seniors for taking that role, and a credit to the coaching staff to create a culture for that to happen.
THE NEXT GAME
Nebraska @ Oklahoma. The Sooners have become the Red Raiders, in the sense that their defensive strategy is to outscore their opponent. This doesn't necessarily play well into Nebraska's strengths, particularly if Oklahoma focuses on taking Nebraska's short passing game away. This game will likely be the clearest demonstration of a talent gap between the two clubs, which by itself should be enough for a comfortable Oklahoma victory.
GBR, baby.
- THE COMEBACK: I did not realize until reading the post-game analysis that Nebraska never had a second-half comeback during Bill Callahan's tenure at the helm. Not once. Not even by accident. And it wasn't like Nebraska always had the lead going into the half. NU's third quarter woes had been troubling this season, so to see them come out in the second half and be so successful is another sign of growth.
- HIT 'EM DEEP: For a number of games, NU has made a living with passes 10 yards or shorter. Having such a profile was crying out for attempts to stretch the field. Finally, NU put the deep ball into its' arsenal, being successful once to a wide-open Nate Swift. For Nebraska to continue its' offensive success, the threat of the deep ball has to be present to keep defenses from stacking the short zones and plugging up the bread-and-butter of NU's offense.
- DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS: It's a bit of a corollary to the first point, but it is worth making. Baylor's speed at quarterback and wideout caused Nebraska huge problems at the start of the game. But the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet (Bo, please, in God's name, just hand the stupid things out already) figured out what they were doing, stayed in their lanes, and made Robert Griffin one-dimensional. Once that happened, Nebraska was able to handle Baylor's attack relatively easily.
THE BAD ...
- COUNTING TO ELEVEN: Particularly in the first half, the NU defense had a terrible time having the right personnel on the field. Some of that was caused by Baylor playing games with 12 and 13 players on the field, but some of that was NU being unprepared. Particularly going into next week, breakdowns like that will result in quick points for the bad guys.
- YELLOW TROUBLE: NU cannot get away from catastrophic penalties. Nebraska helped Baylor keep drives alive with 15-yard infractions, most egregiously on a roughing the punter penalty that extended a Baylor drive. This problem isn't new and, while some of the calls may be borderline, it's consistent enough to be a huge problem.
- TURNOVER DROUGHT: Once again, Nebraska did not force a turnover. Some of that was expected, as Griffin had not thrown an interception all year. But Nebraska got good pressure and, especially in the second half, penetration from the front four against the running game. While being -3 in the turnover ratio and winning by 12 is impressive by itself, it also makes the game that much more difficult to win.
... AND THE SOONERS.
Well, now we get the test. The crimson and cream await Nebraska in Norman after hanging 55 points in the first half (!) on Prince's Purples. Nebraska struggled to contain two freshman playmakers against Baylor at home, so it will be very interesting to see how they handle the slew of All-Americans Oklahoma will roll onto the field on Saturday. On the other hand, Oklahoma's defense has been suspect all year, and Nebraska has played better on the road than at home. A victory over Oklahoma is probably unlikely, but a good showing goes a long way in this rebuilding year for the Big Red.
THE BIG PICTURE
There's no question now that Nebraska has an identity on offense, and a clear idea of what they want to do. Nebraska's defense has demonstrated shocking lapses, but also an ability to bear down (particularly in the red zone) and get stops when they need to. This team also has the senior leadership that was critically missing from last year's club. Apparently at halftime of the Baylor game, it was the seniors that led the way to get the team's attention focused in the right place and pave the way for a comeback. It's a credit to those seniors for taking that role, and a credit to the coaching staff to create a culture for that to happen.
THE NEXT GAME
Nebraska @ Oklahoma. The Sooners have become the Red Raiders, in the sense that their defensive strategy is to outscore their opponent. This doesn't necessarily play well into Nebraska's strengths, particularly if Oklahoma focuses on taking Nebraska's short passing game away. This game will likely be the clearest demonstration of a talent gap between the two clubs, which by itself should be enough for a comfortable Oklahoma victory.
GBR, baby.
Friday, October 24, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Happy/Sad, Baylor
Baylor @ Nebraska, 11:30 a.m., 10/25/08
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- THE FRONT SEVEN STAYS DISCIPLINED: Baylor's freshman phenom QB Robert Griffin is the fastest quarterback in the country. It will be critical for the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet to maintain their positioning and not get greedy in a pass rush. Griffin's ability to gouge the 'Huskers increases exponentially if NU defenders bunch up and give him large areas of the field to roam.
- WATSON STAYS BALANCED: Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson had an effective run/pass attempt balance against Iowa State, which led in large part to Nebraska's success. Watson needs to use the same mentality against a legitimate Baylor defense to create good field position and rhythm on offense.
- BOTH HANDS ARE ON THE BALL: NU had a disturbing number of fumbles against an agressive Iowa State defense. Baylor is just as aggressive, and probably needs NU turnovers to compensate for a lack of athletic talent. If Nebraska doesn't give the ball away, they should be able to overwhelm the Bears.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- THE YELLOW COMES OUT: Nebraska cut way back on their penalties against Iowa State in a dominating performance. But if Nebraska gets back to its' undisciplined ways and gives Baylor field position and momentum via the penalty, the Bears are good enough to make NU pay.
- THERE IS ANOTHER HALFTIME HANGOVER: The third quarter has not been kind to NU in the last few games. It will be important for Nebraska to seize control of the momentum in the third quarter, either to maintain a lead or to recover from a first half surprise.
- NEBRASKA BELIEVES THEY "ARE BACK": For the second week in a row, I am concerned about NU not taking an opponent seriously. Much was said about the Iowa State game being a throwback to the "old" Nebraska that could roll out the helmets and clobber teams like Baylor. This year's Nebraska squad cannot do that to this year's Baylor squad. The Bears are a team on the come, and if NU doesn't play with the same focus and intensity that they did against Texas Tech and Iowa State, then we could be back to fretting about bowl eligibility.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 41, Baylor 17
GBR, baby.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- THE FRONT SEVEN STAYS DISCIPLINED: Baylor's freshman phenom QB Robert Griffin is the fastest quarterback in the country. It will be critical for the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet to maintain their positioning and not get greedy in a pass rush. Griffin's ability to gouge the 'Huskers increases exponentially if NU defenders bunch up and give him large areas of the field to roam.
- WATSON STAYS BALANCED: Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson had an effective run/pass attempt balance against Iowa State, which led in large part to Nebraska's success. Watson needs to use the same mentality against a legitimate Baylor defense to create good field position and rhythm on offense.
- BOTH HANDS ARE ON THE BALL: NU had a disturbing number of fumbles against an agressive Iowa State defense. Baylor is just as aggressive, and probably needs NU turnovers to compensate for a lack of athletic talent. If Nebraska doesn't give the ball away, they should be able to overwhelm the Bears.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- THE YELLOW COMES OUT: Nebraska cut way back on their penalties against Iowa State in a dominating performance. But if Nebraska gets back to its' undisciplined ways and gives Baylor field position and momentum via the penalty, the Bears are good enough to make NU pay.
- THERE IS ANOTHER HALFTIME HANGOVER: The third quarter has not been kind to NU in the last few games. It will be important for Nebraska to seize control of the momentum in the third quarter, either to maintain a lead or to recover from a first half surprise.
- NEBRASKA BELIEVES THEY "ARE BACK": For the second week in a row, I am concerned about NU not taking an opponent seriously. Much was said about the Iowa State game being a throwback to the "old" Nebraska that could roll out the helmets and clobber teams like Baylor. This year's Nebraska squad cannot do that to this year's Baylor squad. The Bears are a team on the come, and if NU doesn't play with the same focus and intensity that they did against Texas Tech and Iowa State, then we could be back to fretting about bowl eligibility.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 41, Baylor 17
GBR, baby.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Nebraska 35, Iowa State 7
THE GOOD ...
- DRIVING: Nebraska put a number of sustained drives together against Iowa State. Much has been made of NU's attempt to find an offensive identity, and putting together the Texas Tech and the Iowa State games, apparently they've found one. Use the short pass to set up the run, grind the clock, and keep their offense off the field.
- THE RIGHT BALANCE: When you look at the rushing and receiving totals, it looks like NU is badly unbalanced in favor of the pass. But check out the attempts, and you'll see that it's almost 50/50 in run/pass ratio. It's the attempts, not the yardage, that establishes a balance to an attack. For the first time this season, it appeared that NU stayed with the run even when it wasn't producing immediately.
- WILD 'HUSKER: OK, I'll admit it. Putting Marlon Lucky in a shotgun and giving him the direct snap was a gimmick. But it sure was fun. And it puts the skeleton in place for a lot of other plays to run from that set - plays that opponents in the future will have to take time to scheme for. Plus, how cool is it to call something "Wild 'Husker" in the first place?
THE BAD ...
- THIRD QUARTER WOES: Nebraska struggled yet again coming out of the half. In this game, it looked at bit like NU was comfortable with a lead and let up on the gas pedal a little bit. But it's a disturbingly consistent pattern that needs to be addressed going forward.
- TURNOVERS: Yes, NU finally got their elusive turnover, and yes, a turnover was was ended the game in Nebraska's favor. But NU also left the ball on the ground way too many times, including a turnover at the end of the first half that prevented Nebraska from landing a knockout punch. Ball security is still an issue for this squad, and one that needs to fixed in a hurry.
- PUNTING: Apparently Jake Wesch wasn't the answer. Nebraska's punting game was just as bad against the 'Clones as it has been all season. I know punters and kickers never get the respect, but Iowa State's punter did a great job of establishing field position and putting them in a position to be successful. Unfortunately for ISU, there wasn't much they could do with it.
... AND THE AFTERGLOW.
Iowa State decided this season to go for a "throwback" uniform look - which worked out well for Nebraska, as this game felt very much like a throwback to the time where ISU was a guaranteed win for NU. From the opening quarter, Nebraska was never in jeopardy of losing this contest, even when ISU showed signs of life in the third quarter. Nebraska has now put two solid performances together on the road in conference, which might be more than the previous coaching staff had in four years.
THE BIG PICTURE.
For those of you feeling like Nebraska is "back," please take a deep breath. Iowa State is not the benchmark by which this program should be judged. Yes, this is a good win, and yes, it's a good sign that Nebraska can dominate an inferior opponent. But Nebraska isn't "back," and won't be until they get past the high-water mark they had pre-Black Friday, before the 62-21 loss to Colorado in 2001. All the evidence now points in the right direction, including a bowl game this year and hope for the future that wasn't present after the Missouri debacle. But there's still a long way to go for the Scarlet and Cream.
THE NEXT GAME: Baylor @ Nebraska (-10). Baylor's Robert Griffin is a special talent, and the Bears' defense has played surprisingly well. But apart from Griffin, there's not a lot of talent in green and gold. It's a big ask for Baylor to come to Lincoln to face a Nebraska team that has found a little bit of mojo and identity. Ironically, the road trip may have been a good tonic for Nebraska to get better after back-to-back losses at home. Now we'll see how well Bo Pelini and company handle a little success. Absent overconfidence, Nebraska should have enough to win comfortably. Take the 'Huskers, give the points in this one.
GBR, baby.
- DRIVING: Nebraska put a number of sustained drives together against Iowa State. Much has been made of NU's attempt to find an offensive identity, and putting together the Texas Tech and the Iowa State games, apparently they've found one. Use the short pass to set up the run, grind the clock, and keep their offense off the field.
- THE RIGHT BALANCE: When you look at the rushing and receiving totals, it looks like NU is badly unbalanced in favor of the pass. But check out the attempts, and you'll see that it's almost 50/50 in run/pass ratio. It's the attempts, not the yardage, that establishes a balance to an attack. For the first time this season, it appeared that NU stayed with the run even when it wasn't producing immediately.
- WILD 'HUSKER: OK, I'll admit it. Putting Marlon Lucky in a shotgun and giving him the direct snap was a gimmick. But it sure was fun. And it puts the skeleton in place for a lot of other plays to run from that set - plays that opponents in the future will have to take time to scheme for. Plus, how cool is it to call something "Wild 'Husker" in the first place?
THE BAD ...
- THIRD QUARTER WOES: Nebraska struggled yet again coming out of the half. In this game, it looked at bit like NU was comfortable with a lead and let up on the gas pedal a little bit. But it's a disturbingly consistent pattern that needs to be addressed going forward.
- TURNOVERS: Yes, NU finally got their elusive turnover, and yes, a turnover was was ended the game in Nebraska's favor. But NU also left the ball on the ground way too many times, including a turnover at the end of the first half that prevented Nebraska from landing a knockout punch. Ball security is still an issue for this squad, and one that needs to fixed in a hurry.
- PUNTING: Apparently Jake Wesch wasn't the answer. Nebraska's punting game was just as bad against the 'Clones as it has been all season. I know punters and kickers never get the respect, but Iowa State's punter did a great job of establishing field position and putting them in a position to be successful. Unfortunately for ISU, there wasn't much they could do with it.
... AND THE AFTERGLOW.
Iowa State decided this season to go for a "throwback" uniform look - which worked out well for Nebraska, as this game felt very much like a throwback to the time where ISU was a guaranteed win for NU. From the opening quarter, Nebraska was never in jeopardy of losing this contest, even when ISU showed signs of life in the third quarter. Nebraska has now put two solid performances together on the road in conference, which might be more than the previous coaching staff had in four years.
THE BIG PICTURE.
For those of you feeling like Nebraska is "back," please take a deep breath. Iowa State is not the benchmark by which this program should be judged. Yes, this is a good win, and yes, it's a good sign that Nebraska can dominate an inferior opponent. But Nebraska isn't "back," and won't be until they get past the high-water mark they had pre-Black Friday, before the 62-21 loss to Colorado in 2001. All the evidence now points in the right direction, including a bowl game this year and hope for the future that wasn't present after the Missouri debacle. But there's still a long way to go for the Scarlet and Cream.
THE NEXT GAME: Baylor @ Nebraska (-10). Baylor's Robert Griffin is a special talent, and the Bears' defense has played surprisingly well. But apart from Griffin, there's not a lot of talent in green and gold. It's a big ask for Baylor to come to Lincoln to face a Nebraska team that has found a little bit of mojo and identity. Ironically, the road trip may have been a good tonic for Nebraska to get better after back-to-back losses at home. Now we'll see how well Bo Pelini and company handle a little success. Absent overconfidence, Nebraska should have enough to win comfortably. Take the 'Huskers, give the points in this one.
GBR, baby.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
NU FOOTBALL: Happy/Sad, Iowa State
Nebraska @ Iowa State, 11:30 a.m., 10/18/08
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- FIRST DOWN GOES WELL: One of the keys for Nebraska's success against Texas Tech was getting good yardage on first down. An offense in second-and-five is much more dangerous than one in second-and-thirteen. Nebraska may have found an identity as a ball control offense, and to do that well they will have to succeed on first down.
- NEBRASKA GETS A LEAD: No wonder this losing streak has seemed so long. Nebraska hasn't even taken the lead on an opponent since the end of the New Mexico State game, back in the late days of the Carter administration. There's only so many times that a team can get off the mat, and it would be really good for NU's confidence to actually get a lead on the 'Clones.
- THE 'CLONES GET TURNED OVER: I've been asking exactly who Bo Pelini has to beat up in a dark alley for Nebraska to finally get a turnover. For three straight weeks, opponents have played a near-flawless game against NU's defense. Some of that is a lack of a pass rush to force the issue, but some of it is just back luck for NU. If the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet can turn ISU over, the defense can get some of their mojo back.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- THE 'HUSKERS ARE OVERCONFIDENT: I know it's a strange thing to think about after a loss, but the whole week before Texas Tech NU was hearing about how they were going to be slaughtered. They overperformed, don't let anyone tell you different, and there's a danger that NU could believe they don't need to work as hard to beat ISU. I think it's unlikely Pelini will allow that to happen, but with a group of college kids, it is certainly possible.
- AMES REMAINS A SNAKEPIT: Nebraska has a decade's worth of history struggling along the banks of the Skunk River. While I think NU has the superior weapons in this contest, Nebraska is going to have to put the kind of effort on the line they did in Lubbock to be successful. Expect this game to be decided in the fourth quarter.
- A DEFECTION RALLIES THE TROOPS: ISU backup quarterback Phillip Bates abruptly left the team last week. Ordinarily, that would signal problems, but it could be that Bates was a bad influence in the locker room. If that's the case, and the team rallies around their starting QB Austin Arnaud, then you could see an added degree of focus from the 'Clones.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 38, Iowa State 27
GBR, baby.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- FIRST DOWN GOES WELL: One of the keys for Nebraska's success against Texas Tech was getting good yardage on first down. An offense in second-and-five is much more dangerous than one in second-and-thirteen. Nebraska may have found an identity as a ball control offense, and to do that well they will have to succeed on first down.
- NEBRASKA GETS A LEAD: No wonder this losing streak has seemed so long. Nebraska hasn't even taken the lead on an opponent since the end of the New Mexico State game, back in the late days of the Carter administration. There's only so many times that a team can get off the mat, and it would be really good for NU's confidence to actually get a lead on the 'Clones.
- THE 'CLONES GET TURNED OVER: I've been asking exactly who Bo Pelini has to beat up in a dark alley for Nebraska to finally get a turnover. For three straight weeks, opponents have played a near-flawless game against NU's defense. Some of that is a lack of a pass rush to force the issue, but some of it is just back luck for NU. If the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet can turn ISU over, the defense can get some of their mojo back.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- THE 'HUSKERS ARE OVERCONFIDENT: I know it's a strange thing to think about after a loss, but the whole week before Texas Tech NU was hearing about how they were going to be slaughtered. They overperformed, don't let anyone tell you different, and there's a danger that NU could believe they don't need to work as hard to beat ISU. I think it's unlikely Pelini will allow that to happen, but with a group of college kids, it is certainly possible.
- AMES REMAINS A SNAKEPIT: Nebraska has a decade's worth of history struggling along the banks of the Skunk River. While I think NU has the superior weapons in this contest, Nebraska is going to have to put the kind of effort on the line they did in Lubbock to be successful. Expect this game to be decided in the fourth quarter.
- A DEFECTION RALLIES THE TROOPS: ISU backup quarterback Phillip Bates abruptly left the team last week. Ordinarily, that would signal problems, but it could be that Bates was a bad influence in the locker room. If that's the case, and the team rallies around their starting QB Austin Arnaud, then you could see an added degree of focus from the 'Clones.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 38, Iowa State 27
GBR, baby.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View: Texas Tech 37, Nebraska 31 (OT)
THE GOOD ...
- THAT CLICKING SOUND YOU HEAR ... is the Nebraska offense finally getting into some kind of gear. Amidst the post-Missouri teeth gnashing last week was a concern that Nebraska had no offensive identity. Well, I believe one has been located now. Statistically, Nebraska still showed no kind of balance between run and pass. But utilizing the short passing game (and the dreaded Billy C "West Coast Offense") Nebraska was able to keep the Red Raiders off the field. All of Nebraska's success on Saturday flowed from their ability to sustain drives, and that was predicated in large measure on first down successes.
- PLUS 64. As in, the margin of defeat for Nebraska this time was 64 points better than last time they went to Lubbock. It is a measure of the depths to which the Nebraska program has fallen that an ardent fan like yours truly can honestly say after a gutting loss like Saturday that he's pretty happy with things. But it's true. I was amongst the masses of fans and analysts who thought Nebraska would get embarassed again. Shows what I know.
- "I'M A FIGHTER." In Pelini's post-Missouri press conference, he told us he was a fighter, and that his team would continue to fight. Well, Judas Priest, was he right. Husker Nation, scarred with the images of last years' collapses, felt a horrible sense of deja vu. In addition to showing Nebraska could stand toe-to-toe with a top-ten team on their turf, Nebraska also showed a fighting spirit that 'Husker fan had been longing for. Down 28-10, NU had every reason to drop their heads and give up another one. Instead, they fought and scrapped their way back and were one play away from a great win.
THE BAD ...
- "NOT GOOD ENOUGH." That was Pelini's assessment of the team at halftime, and it holds true after the game. It was a great performance, but at the end of the day Nebraska is still 3-3, and 0-2 in conference. Don't forget, Billy C had a number of close calls against good opponents, such as #15 Texas Tech in '04 and #5 Texas in '05. This was a good get-well game for Nebraska after last week's disaster. But just playing close isn't going to get the job done. Pelini & Co. have to start winning these games. There's plenty of time, and plenty of reason to hope. But there's still work to be done.
- MISTAKES, AND LACK THEREOF. Obviously, Joe Ganz's interception is the focal point of this game. But keep in mind, Nebraska hasn't gotten a turnover from an opponent since the 4:54 mark of the third quarter against New Mexico State. Think about how Saturday's game against TTU would have gone had NU knocked the ball loose once or twice. Think about how the Missouri game last week would have gone if Chase Daniel would have looked like he did Saturday against Oklahoma State.
- MISPLACED AGGRESSION. Far be it from me to second guess Bo Pelini, but, well, what are 'blogs for if not that? In the second quarter, Nebraska had a fourth down and an opportunity to get points. Pelini elected to go for it, and Quentin Castille got stuffed. Now, admittedly, NU should be able to get a yard. And, in fairness, Castille didn't fumble, which is progress for him. But if NU kicks the field goal and gets the game to 17-10, how does it shake out from there? On the other side, when NU scores at the end of regulation to make the game 31-30, where's Pelini's aggression? You've got the crowd out of the game, and you've been moving the ball at will on the Red Raider defense. Go for two, and win the game in regulation on the road.
... AND THE MORAL VICTORY.
"We're not about moral victories," Pelini said in his post-game press conference. Don't believe the cliches, this was a moral victory and one Nebraska desperately needed. After Missouri, some loudmouthed 'Husker observers (two thumbs at this guy) opined about the possibility of a 3-9 campaign for the Big Red. While still possible, it seems far less likely. In fairness to me, nothing NU showed this season would have led you to believe Nebraska was capable of a performance like Saturday's, on the road for the first time, in a hostile environment. The question now is, can they do it again?
THE BIG PICTURE
College football is a mercurial game. A team can look dominant one week, and very average the next (see, e.g., Tigers, Missouri). Do not be fooled into thinking that 7-5 or 8-4 is in the bag for this group of 'Huskers. A loss to Iowa State next week still puts Nebraska at 3-4 and scrambling for bowl eligibility. Having said that, Pelini & Co. got this team focused and ready to play the best game of their season the week after playing the worst game of their season. They've shown they can handle adversity. Now, let's see if they can handle just a little success, even of the moral victory variety.
GBR, baby.
- THAT CLICKING SOUND YOU HEAR ... is the Nebraska offense finally getting into some kind of gear. Amidst the post-Missouri teeth gnashing last week was a concern that Nebraska had no offensive identity. Well, I believe one has been located now. Statistically, Nebraska still showed no kind of balance between run and pass. But utilizing the short passing game (and the dreaded Billy C "West Coast Offense") Nebraska was able to keep the Red Raiders off the field. All of Nebraska's success on Saturday flowed from their ability to sustain drives, and that was predicated in large measure on first down successes.
- PLUS 64. As in, the margin of defeat for Nebraska this time was 64 points better than last time they went to Lubbock. It is a measure of the depths to which the Nebraska program has fallen that an ardent fan like yours truly can honestly say after a gutting loss like Saturday that he's pretty happy with things. But it's true. I was amongst the masses of fans and analysts who thought Nebraska would get embarassed again. Shows what I know.
- "I'M A FIGHTER." In Pelini's post-Missouri press conference, he told us he was a fighter, and that his team would continue to fight. Well, Judas Priest, was he right. Husker Nation, scarred with the images of last years' collapses, felt a horrible sense of deja vu. In addition to showing Nebraska could stand toe-to-toe with a top-ten team on their turf, Nebraska also showed a fighting spirit that 'Husker fan had been longing for. Down 28-10, NU had every reason to drop their heads and give up another one. Instead, they fought and scrapped their way back and were one play away from a great win.
THE BAD ...
- "NOT GOOD ENOUGH." That was Pelini's assessment of the team at halftime, and it holds true after the game. It was a great performance, but at the end of the day Nebraska is still 3-3, and 0-2 in conference. Don't forget, Billy C had a number of close calls against good opponents, such as #15 Texas Tech in '04 and #5 Texas in '05. This was a good get-well game for Nebraska after last week's disaster. But just playing close isn't going to get the job done. Pelini & Co. have to start winning these games. There's plenty of time, and plenty of reason to hope. But there's still work to be done.
- MISTAKES, AND LACK THEREOF. Obviously, Joe Ganz's interception is the focal point of this game. But keep in mind, Nebraska hasn't gotten a turnover from an opponent since the 4:54 mark of the third quarter against New Mexico State. Think about how Saturday's game against TTU would have gone had NU knocked the ball loose once or twice. Think about how the Missouri game last week would have gone if Chase Daniel would have looked like he did Saturday against Oklahoma State.
- MISPLACED AGGRESSION. Far be it from me to second guess Bo Pelini, but, well, what are 'blogs for if not that? In the second quarter, Nebraska had a fourth down and an opportunity to get points. Pelini elected to go for it, and Quentin Castille got stuffed. Now, admittedly, NU should be able to get a yard. And, in fairness, Castille didn't fumble, which is progress for him. But if NU kicks the field goal and gets the game to 17-10, how does it shake out from there? On the other side, when NU scores at the end of regulation to make the game 31-30, where's Pelini's aggression? You've got the crowd out of the game, and you've been moving the ball at will on the Red Raider defense. Go for two, and win the game in regulation on the road.
... AND THE MORAL VICTORY.
"We're not about moral victories," Pelini said in his post-game press conference. Don't believe the cliches, this was a moral victory and one Nebraska desperately needed. After Missouri, some loudmouthed 'Husker observers (two thumbs at this guy) opined about the possibility of a 3-9 campaign for the Big Red. While still possible, it seems far less likely. In fairness to me, nothing NU showed this season would have led you to believe Nebraska was capable of a performance like Saturday's, on the road for the first time, in a hostile environment. The question now is, can they do it again?
THE BIG PICTURE
College football is a mercurial game. A team can look dominant one week, and very average the next (see, e.g., Tigers, Missouri). Do not be fooled into thinking that 7-5 or 8-4 is in the bag for this group of 'Huskers. A loss to Iowa State next week still puts Nebraska at 3-4 and scrambling for bowl eligibility. Having said that, Pelini & Co. got this team focused and ready to play the best game of their season the week after playing the worst game of their season. They've shown they can handle adversity. Now, let's see if they can handle just a little success, even of the moral victory variety.
GBR, baby.
Monday, October 6, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Missouri 52, Nebraska 17
THE GOOD ...
- MISSOURI: Let's take the time to acknowledge a legitimate Top-5 team we saw at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. I do not recall seeing a more ruthlessly efficient team on offense. The Tigers executed everything they needed to, and did not make the mistakes that would have given NU a glimmer of hope, or at least a little traction.
- PRESS CONFERENCE HONESTY: Bo Pelini, to his credit, took the responsibility for the loss on his shoulders, stating the obvious about NU being out-coached and out-played. He said it wouldn't happen again. Unfortunately, the product on the field leaves no real reason to believe him.
- THE WEATHER: It was a beautiful night on Saturday to watch a game. Seriously, that's all I've got, in terms of "goods" for NU.
THE BAD ...
- OUTCLASSED: Missouri was clearly the better team, so Nebraska's only hope was to get a break or two and keep the game close. Nothing of the sort happened. Nebraska kept drawing flags (although more on that in a moment). They did not turn Missouri over, just like they didn't turn Virginia Tech over. The best performance the we-may-never-call-them-Blackshirts had was forcing a field goal - Missouri didn't take the cellophane off their punter the entire game. Missouri dominated Nebraska in a way that hasn't been seen since the 2002 Rose Bowl against Miami. None of the Callahan-era games was this bad.
- LIMITED OFFENSE: Early in the season, I was wondering why NU was not running the ball, and giving all the reasons why the run is important. I'm becoming convinced the reason they aren't running is simply because they cannot. Same for any kind of down-field passing to stretch the field. NU's offense is limited to screens, Ganz's scrambling, and quick-hitting pass plays. And if that's all NU can do, they're pretty easy to stop.
- BAD ZEBRA DAY: I am the last guy to pick on the officials, and they had no bearing on the outcome of the game. But it did seem like some soft penalties early. And I have yet to get an answer as to why, at the end of the first half, an NU receiver was shoved out of bounds by a Missouri defender, and the official directed the clock to run.
... AND THE GRIM FUTURE.
If the Virginia Tech game showed Nebraska isn't ready for prime-time, then the Missouri game showed Nebraska isn't even ready for late-night TV. NU has played hard in all five games, that's not in question. But they haven't played smart, and they haven't played well. Can Pelini get that out of the players? We haven't seen it yet. Cast your eyes down the schedule upcoming, based on what we've seen so far. The games at Texas Tech and at Oklahoma have 40-point losses written all over them. Iowa State in Ames had the Jayhawks on the ropes. Colorado has played well at times this season. If we chalk Texas Tech and Oklahoma up as losses, that means NU must win three of the following five games to get to .500 and go to a bowl: at Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, at Kansas State, and Colorado. All five of those teams are better than the three teams Nebraska has beaten so far. NU desperately needs something good to happen. It's almost assuredly not going to be in Lubbock, and Ames has been a snakepit for Nebraska the last few years. It is entirely possible for Nebraska to be 3-4 coming home to an improved Baylor squad, needing to go 3-1 out to get to .500 for the season. An eerie similarity to year one - and year four - of the Callahan era, don't you think?
THE NEXT GAME
Don't look now, but the "air raid" Red Raiders have been running the ball effectively this year. Texas Tech is going to look a lot like Virginia Tech and Missouri, and NU is going to have to come up with something better than the gimmicky three-man-down plan they tried with Missouri. Texas Tech is not as talented as Missouri, but this is also Nebraska's first road game under a rookie head coach after reeling from the worst home loss since 1955. Four years ago, I think most 'Husker fans were relishing the chance to come back to Lubbock and repay Mike Leach for the 70-10 debacle. Now, they might be tempted to find some yardwork to do Saturday afternoon rather than watch the contest.
GBR, baby.
- MISSOURI: Let's take the time to acknowledge a legitimate Top-5 team we saw at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. I do not recall seeing a more ruthlessly efficient team on offense. The Tigers executed everything they needed to, and did not make the mistakes that would have given NU a glimmer of hope, or at least a little traction.
- PRESS CONFERENCE HONESTY: Bo Pelini, to his credit, took the responsibility for the loss on his shoulders, stating the obvious about NU being out-coached and out-played. He said it wouldn't happen again. Unfortunately, the product on the field leaves no real reason to believe him.
- THE WEATHER: It was a beautiful night on Saturday to watch a game. Seriously, that's all I've got, in terms of "goods" for NU.
THE BAD ...
- OUTCLASSED: Missouri was clearly the better team, so Nebraska's only hope was to get a break or two and keep the game close. Nothing of the sort happened. Nebraska kept drawing flags (although more on that in a moment). They did not turn Missouri over, just like they didn't turn Virginia Tech over. The best performance the we-may-never-call-them-Blackshirts had was forcing a field goal - Missouri didn't take the cellophane off their punter the entire game. Missouri dominated Nebraska in a way that hasn't been seen since the 2002 Rose Bowl against Miami. None of the Callahan-era games was this bad.
- LIMITED OFFENSE: Early in the season, I was wondering why NU was not running the ball, and giving all the reasons why the run is important. I'm becoming convinced the reason they aren't running is simply because they cannot. Same for any kind of down-field passing to stretch the field. NU's offense is limited to screens, Ganz's scrambling, and quick-hitting pass plays. And if that's all NU can do, they're pretty easy to stop.
- BAD ZEBRA DAY: I am the last guy to pick on the officials, and they had no bearing on the outcome of the game. But it did seem like some soft penalties early. And I have yet to get an answer as to why, at the end of the first half, an NU receiver was shoved out of bounds by a Missouri defender, and the official directed the clock to run.
... AND THE GRIM FUTURE.
If the Virginia Tech game showed Nebraska isn't ready for prime-time, then the Missouri game showed Nebraska isn't even ready for late-night TV. NU has played hard in all five games, that's not in question. But they haven't played smart, and they haven't played well. Can Pelini get that out of the players? We haven't seen it yet. Cast your eyes down the schedule upcoming, based on what we've seen so far. The games at Texas Tech and at Oklahoma have 40-point losses written all over them. Iowa State in Ames had the Jayhawks on the ropes. Colorado has played well at times this season. If we chalk Texas Tech and Oklahoma up as losses, that means NU must win three of the following five games to get to .500 and go to a bowl: at Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, at Kansas State, and Colorado. All five of those teams are better than the three teams Nebraska has beaten so far. NU desperately needs something good to happen. It's almost assuredly not going to be in Lubbock, and Ames has been a snakepit for Nebraska the last few years. It is entirely possible for Nebraska to be 3-4 coming home to an improved Baylor squad, needing to go 3-1 out to get to .500 for the season. An eerie similarity to year one - and year four - of the Callahan era, don't you think?
THE NEXT GAME
Don't look now, but the "air raid" Red Raiders have been running the ball effectively this year. Texas Tech is going to look a lot like Virginia Tech and Missouri, and NU is going to have to come up with something better than the gimmicky three-man-down plan they tried with Missouri. Texas Tech is not as talented as Missouri, but this is also Nebraska's first road game under a rookie head coach after reeling from the worst home loss since 1955. Four years ago, I think most 'Husker fans were relishing the chance to come back to Lubbock and repay Mike Leach for the 70-10 debacle. Now, they might be tempted to find some yardwork to do Saturday afternoon rather than watch the contest.
GBR, baby.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Happy/Sad, Missouri
Missouri @ Nebraska, 10/04/08, 8:00 p.m. CST
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- Nebraska has at least 40% of their plays as rushing attempts by running backs. I think it's safe to say at this point of the season that Nebraska is not going to be a dominant running team between the tackles. But Nebraska does not have the personnel to be successful as Texas Tech, throwing the ball two out of every three plays. For offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's schemes to be successful, there has to be a credible threat of a run. If not, bubble screens and play-action passes are far less effective. Whether or not tons of yardage result from the rushing attempts, NU has to pound the rock to be successful on offense. And the one weakness Missouri has is against that kind of run.
- The chains are moving. Mizzou is a quick-strike offense - anyone who saw last year's game in Columbia will remember that. To be successful against Missouri, Nebraska has to be able to eat clock, hold on to the ball, and keep Chase Daniel mining for gold on the sidelines.
- Field position isn't ridiculous for NU. In the two games Nebraska has struggled the most (San Jose State and Virginia Tech), Nebraska's field position compared to their opponents has been abysmal. In some ways, NU's field position will be a result of the above issues, but it is very important that Nebraska flip the field, not give Missouri's offense a short field, and not be forced to go 70 or 80 yards to score every time.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- Missouri gets ahead early. Nebraska showed a lot of heart last week in coming back against Virginia Tech. But the Hokies aren't the Tigers. If NU gets behind early against Missouri, the danger of the floodgates opening and the game getting ugly in a hurry are real. It is imperative that Nebraska is no worse than one score down at halftime.
- Tiger wideouts are running free. I suspect NU will be in a lot of nickel and dime coverages on Saturday. Missouri's offense is predicated on a quick drop and throw when they pass, meaning pressure on Daniel is very difficult. If Nebraska's secondary can be physical with Missouri's receivers on the line of scrimmage, they can set a tone and disrupt the timing of the Tigers' offense.
- Nebraska gets no turnovers. Make no mistake, Missouri is a better team on both sides of the ball than Nebraska. While Nebraska matches up fairly well with Missouri (questionable MU defense versus questionable NU offense, strong MU offense versus strong NU defense), the critical advantage for Nebraska is the Sea of Red. If Nebraska can turn Missouri over, particularly early, and keep the crowd involved and pressuring the Tigers, the elements of an upset are present.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Missouri 38, Nebraska 30
GBR, baby.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- Nebraska has at least 40% of their plays as rushing attempts by running backs. I think it's safe to say at this point of the season that Nebraska is not going to be a dominant running team between the tackles. But Nebraska does not have the personnel to be successful as Texas Tech, throwing the ball two out of every three plays. For offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's schemes to be successful, there has to be a credible threat of a run. If not, bubble screens and play-action passes are far less effective. Whether or not tons of yardage result from the rushing attempts, NU has to pound the rock to be successful on offense. And the one weakness Missouri has is against that kind of run.
- The chains are moving. Mizzou is a quick-strike offense - anyone who saw last year's game in Columbia will remember that. To be successful against Missouri, Nebraska has to be able to eat clock, hold on to the ball, and keep Chase Daniel mining for gold on the sidelines.
- Field position isn't ridiculous for NU. In the two games Nebraska has struggled the most (San Jose State and Virginia Tech), Nebraska's field position compared to their opponents has been abysmal. In some ways, NU's field position will be a result of the above issues, but it is very important that Nebraska flip the field, not give Missouri's offense a short field, and not be forced to go 70 or 80 yards to score every time.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- Missouri gets ahead early. Nebraska showed a lot of heart last week in coming back against Virginia Tech. But the Hokies aren't the Tigers. If NU gets behind early against Missouri, the danger of the floodgates opening and the game getting ugly in a hurry are real. It is imperative that Nebraska is no worse than one score down at halftime.
- Tiger wideouts are running free. I suspect NU will be in a lot of nickel and dime coverages on Saturday. Missouri's offense is predicated on a quick drop and throw when they pass, meaning pressure on Daniel is very difficult. If Nebraska's secondary can be physical with Missouri's receivers on the line of scrimmage, they can set a tone and disrupt the timing of the Tigers' offense.
- Nebraska gets no turnovers. Make no mistake, Missouri is a better team on both sides of the ball than Nebraska. While Nebraska matches up fairly well with Missouri (questionable MU defense versus questionable NU offense, strong MU offense versus strong NU defense), the critical advantage for Nebraska is the Sea of Red. If Nebraska can turn Missouri over, particularly early, and keep the crowd involved and pressuring the Tigers, the elements of an upset are present.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Missouri 38, Nebraska 30
GBR, baby.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Virginia Tech 35, Nebraska 30
THE GOOD ...
- THE GAME PLAN WORKED: Nebraska's defensive game plan was to contain Tyrod Taylor, prevent him from gashing NU with long runs, and make him win the game with his arm. Nebraska was successful in doing so, Taylor simply played smart and mistake-free football.
- NEVER SAY DIE: The 'Huskers had every opportunity to check out and mail this game in when it was 28-10 in favor of the Hokies. They didn't. Last year's squad would have. This is a team that is tough mentally and will not quit on a game. The comeback was very impressive, and encouraging.
- HELU THERE: Roy Helu, Jr., has shown himself to be Nebraska's best runner between the tackles, and I am mystified why he is not the starting tailback. Marlon Lucky is a very talented football player, but more in the Reggie Bush mold. It took the Saints a season to realize that Bush is more valuable with a real RB behind center and Bush lined up in different areas to allow him to attack the edge. I am hopeful it doesn't take Watson and Co. that long to realize that truth about Lucky.
THE BAD ...
- UNFORGIVABLE IMMATURITY: My reservations about Bo Pelini's hire centered around his temper. I recall vividly the personal foul he got called against him in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State. What happens, I thought to myself, if he loses it in a crucial situation? Well, we sure found out. No, the call against Pelini wasn't the reason NU lost the game. But it was a heck of a lot easier for VT to score from the 10 than from the 20, especially with the additional deflating effect of ANOTHER penalty from the team's leader. It's no shock they were distracted to the point where they couldn't make another red zone stop. And it's no shock there was a personal foul on the extra point after the touchdown, making a comeback that much harder. The bottom line is that Pelini is the head coach, and he's got to be the adult on the field. He cannot allow himself to be selfish and indulge his passions to the detriment of this team. Grow the hell up, Bo. Now.
- DANCING ON THE RAZOR'S EDGE: Nebraska's red zone defense kept NU in the game, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. That's been the hallmark of the defense this year, but that's a dangerous game to play. As the level of competition rises, the defense can't play with fire like that. They have to play just as well between the 20's as they do in the red zone for NU to have success.
- BALANCING ACT: It's becoming clearer that Shawn Watson has no faith in his running game. NU running backs only had 15 carries. Fifteen in an entire game. No wonder the offense was at best erratic. Even if the run isn't successful right away, maintaining an attempt to "pound the rock" sets up play action, allows a defense time to rest, and establishes a physical tempo for the game. VT was coming off a tough road game and NU had the week off, yet it was VT more than NU that looked the more physical team on Saturday. That can't happen.
- 3-3: Of the three games starting with VT on Nebraska's schedule, the Hokies were the most beatable. By losing on Saturday, Nebraska is staring down the barrel of a likely 3-3 start and needing to go on the road to an improving Iowa State team to stay above .500 for the season. That is a daunting task, and will be a huge challenge to this coaching staff if it comes about.
... AND THE REALITY CHECK.
Sadly enough, Nebraska still isn't ready for prime time. Virginia Tech exposed a number of NU's weaknesses, both physical and mental. It seemed clear that Nebraska was not ready for a team of the Hokies' size and speed, at least until the end of the game. They've played with fire starting slow against lesser opponents. They've finally suffered a consequence for doing so.
THE BIG PICTURE
There is a culture change happening in Lincoln, and there's going to be growing pains. We've all spent so much time putting this new staff under the microscope that it's easy to forget that it's functionally a rookie staff with a group of players they didn't recruit. We've seen some rookie mistakes, both from coaching and from players, and as a result NU is 3-1 going into conference play. The critical thing to watch from here forward is if the same mistakes keep getting made. That is how we should be measuring progress in the Pelini era, year one.
THE NEXT GAME
Missouri (-10) at Nebraska. Looks obvious, doesn't it? Mizzou with a week off and a more talented and experienced squad, and Nebraska coming off a deflating loss. But keep in mind, Nebraska's strength is defense, which matches up better with Missouri. Conversely, Nebraska's offense is their weak point, but Missouri's defense is quite porous. It is entirely possible, given that Gary Pinkel is still Mizzou's head coach, that the Tigers could come into Lincoln overconfident after NU's loss. Couple that with Nebraska's favorable strength-vs-weakness matchup, and there might be the ingredients for a happier evening for the Children of the Corn. I'm not calling the upset, but I would take Nebraska and the points on this one.
GBR, baby.
- THE GAME PLAN WORKED: Nebraska's defensive game plan was to contain Tyrod Taylor, prevent him from gashing NU with long runs, and make him win the game with his arm. Nebraska was successful in doing so, Taylor simply played smart and mistake-free football.
- NEVER SAY DIE: The 'Huskers had every opportunity to check out and mail this game in when it was 28-10 in favor of the Hokies. They didn't. Last year's squad would have. This is a team that is tough mentally and will not quit on a game. The comeback was very impressive, and encouraging.
- HELU THERE: Roy Helu, Jr., has shown himself to be Nebraska's best runner between the tackles, and I am mystified why he is not the starting tailback. Marlon Lucky is a very talented football player, but more in the Reggie Bush mold. It took the Saints a season to realize that Bush is more valuable with a real RB behind center and Bush lined up in different areas to allow him to attack the edge. I am hopeful it doesn't take Watson and Co. that long to realize that truth about Lucky.
THE BAD ...
- UNFORGIVABLE IMMATURITY: My reservations about Bo Pelini's hire centered around his temper. I recall vividly the personal foul he got called against him in the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State. What happens, I thought to myself, if he loses it in a crucial situation? Well, we sure found out. No, the call against Pelini wasn't the reason NU lost the game. But it was a heck of a lot easier for VT to score from the 10 than from the 20, especially with the additional deflating effect of ANOTHER penalty from the team's leader. It's no shock they were distracted to the point where they couldn't make another red zone stop. And it's no shock there was a personal foul on the extra point after the touchdown, making a comeback that much harder. The bottom line is that Pelini is the head coach, and he's got to be the adult on the field. He cannot allow himself to be selfish and indulge his passions to the detriment of this team. Grow the hell up, Bo. Now.
- DANCING ON THE RAZOR'S EDGE: Nebraska's red zone defense kept NU in the game, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. That's been the hallmark of the defense this year, but that's a dangerous game to play. As the level of competition rises, the defense can't play with fire like that. They have to play just as well between the 20's as they do in the red zone for NU to have success.
- BALANCING ACT: It's becoming clearer that Shawn Watson has no faith in his running game. NU running backs only had 15 carries. Fifteen in an entire game. No wonder the offense was at best erratic. Even if the run isn't successful right away, maintaining an attempt to "pound the rock" sets up play action, allows a defense time to rest, and establishes a physical tempo for the game. VT was coming off a tough road game and NU had the week off, yet it was VT more than NU that looked the more physical team on Saturday. That can't happen.
- 3-3: Of the three games starting with VT on Nebraska's schedule, the Hokies were the most beatable. By losing on Saturday, Nebraska is staring down the barrel of a likely 3-3 start and needing to go on the road to an improving Iowa State team to stay above .500 for the season. That is a daunting task, and will be a huge challenge to this coaching staff if it comes about.
... AND THE REALITY CHECK.
Sadly enough, Nebraska still isn't ready for prime time. Virginia Tech exposed a number of NU's weaknesses, both physical and mental. It seemed clear that Nebraska was not ready for a team of the Hokies' size and speed, at least until the end of the game. They've played with fire starting slow against lesser opponents. They've finally suffered a consequence for doing so.
THE BIG PICTURE
There is a culture change happening in Lincoln, and there's going to be growing pains. We've all spent so much time putting this new staff under the microscope that it's easy to forget that it's functionally a rookie staff with a group of players they didn't recruit. We've seen some rookie mistakes, both from coaching and from players, and as a result NU is 3-1 going into conference play. The critical thing to watch from here forward is if the same mistakes keep getting made. That is how we should be measuring progress in the Pelini era, year one.
THE NEXT GAME
Missouri (-10) at Nebraska. Looks obvious, doesn't it? Mizzou with a week off and a more talented and experienced squad, and Nebraska coming off a deflating loss. But keep in mind, Nebraska's strength is defense, which matches up better with Missouri. Conversely, Nebraska's offense is their weak point, but Missouri's defense is quite porous. It is entirely possible, given that Gary Pinkel is still Mizzou's head coach, that the Tigers could come into Lincoln overconfident after NU's loss. Couple that with Nebraska's favorable strength-vs-weakness matchup, and there might be the ingredients for a happier evening for the Children of the Corn. I'm not calling the upset, but I would take Nebraska and the points on this one.
GBR, baby.
Friday, September 26, 2008
NU FOOTBALL - Happy/Sad, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech @ Nebraska - 09/26/08, 7:00 p.m. CDT
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- Nebraska gets the run going early. The strength of the Hokies is their defense, and Nebraska has shown a tendency to abandon the run if it doesn't start well. This game does not play into Nebraska's strength if Joe Ganz has 50 or more pass attempts.
- Virgina Tech turns the ball over. Memorial Stadium is still a tough place to play, and with a night game the Sea of Red well be well (ahem) lubricated and ready to be loud. Tyrod Taylor, VT's quarterback, is unproven and will be in the most hostile atmosphere he's seen as a starter. If the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet get an early interception, the crowd becomes an even bigger factor.
- Alex Henery is on target. Both teams are stronger on defense than on offense. As a result, there could be a lot of field goal attempts in this game. Except for one howler, Henery has been deadly accurate this season. NU will likely need his accuracy to be successful.
- Nebraska gets physical. Virginia Tech played a tough road game last week against North Carolina, and had to put on a huge comeback to pull the game out. It's tough to go on the road two weeks in a row, and NU needs to take advantage of that by leaning on the Hokies and wearing them down.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- The defensive front four get greedy. Taylor is a great athletic talent, and may actually be more dangerous on a broken play than a designed one. Nebraska's defensive line has to be disciplined in order to control the gaps and not give Taylor huge holes to run if a pass play breaks down.
- Ganz doesn't play well. For the "preseason" schedule for Nebraska, Ganz was the straw that stirred the Nebraska offense's drink. If he gets rattled, starts forcing the ball, or (God forbid) gets injured, Nebraska is in a world of trouble.
- Virginia Tech gets substantially ahead early. This year's Nebraska team has come back and been in fights this season, but with lesser competition. If VT gets ahead early by ten points or more, the ghosts of last season will begin haunting both the team and the fans. That's a big hill to climb against a team with the confidence of a road win last week.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 23, Virginia Tech 13
GBR, baby.
YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF ...
- Nebraska gets the run going early. The strength of the Hokies is their defense, and Nebraska has shown a tendency to abandon the run if it doesn't start well. This game does not play into Nebraska's strength if Joe Ganz has 50 or more pass attempts.
- Virgina Tech turns the ball over. Memorial Stadium is still a tough place to play, and with a night game the Sea of Red well be well (ahem) lubricated and ready to be loud. Tyrod Taylor, VT's quarterback, is unproven and will be in the most hostile atmosphere he's seen as a starter. If the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts-yet get an early interception, the crowd becomes an even bigger factor.
- Alex Henery is on target. Both teams are stronger on defense than on offense. As a result, there could be a lot of field goal attempts in this game. Except for one howler, Henery has been deadly accurate this season. NU will likely need his accuracy to be successful.
- Nebraska gets physical. Virginia Tech played a tough road game last week against North Carolina, and had to put on a huge comeback to pull the game out. It's tough to go on the road two weeks in a row, and NU needs to take advantage of that by leaning on the Hokies and wearing them down.
YOU'LL BE SAD IF ...
- The defensive front four get greedy. Taylor is a great athletic talent, and may actually be more dangerous on a broken play than a designed one. Nebraska's defensive line has to be disciplined in order to control the gaps and not give Taylor huge holes to run if a pass play breaks down.
- Ganz doesn't play well. For the "preseason" schedule for Nebraska, Ganz was the straw that stirred the Nebraska offense's drink. If he gets rattled, starts forcing the ball, or (God forbid) gets injured, Nebraska is in a world of trouble.
- Virginia Tech gets substantially ahead early. This year's Nebraska team has come back and been in fights this season, but with lesser competition. If VT gets ahead early by ten points or more, the ghosts of last season will begin haunting both the team and the fans. That's a big hill to climb against a team with the confidence of a road win last week.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: Nebraska 23, Virginia Tech 13
GBR, baby.
NU FOOTBALL - NU Re-View:Nebraska 38, New Mexico State 7
THE GOOD ...
- I GOT RHYTHM: Actually, more accurately, the Nebraska offense finally looked like it had some rhythm. No surprise that as the running game became more effective, the entire offense started clicking. Hard to tell given the competition, but the NU offense looked the best it has so far this season.
- TURN 'EM OVER: One of the calling cards of Pelini's first stint at Nebraska was forcing turnovers. As the game wore on, the secondary was able to start turning New Mexico State over. I think turnovers are infectious, and as the DBs get more confident in getting turnovers, more will come.
- TRICKERATION: Lucky's TD strike to Joe Ganz was a little flashback to the Callahan era, but it was fun to see. More importantly, it gets that play on tape to give teams on the schedule something to worry about.
- THEY'RE INTO IT: At the end of the third quarter, going into the beginning of the fourth quarter, NMSU had 11 plays inside of Nebraska's 10 yard line. That's hard to do. It's even harder to have that many plays and not score, which the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts accomplished. And as the Aggies were trying to punch it in, the crowd was as loud as I've heard in the first three games. Perhaps warming up for Virginia Tech and Missouri?
THE BAD ...
- D-LINE WOES: Pierre Allen, in for the injured Barry Turner, ended up on the trainer's table as well. It's not clear how bad his injury is, but Nebraska cannot afford much more attrition on the defensive line.
- KICKER KONCERNS: (OK, that's a pretty lame headline to this one, and makes this look a bit like something from Mortal Kombat. Although, how cool would it be to see Adi Kunalic's fatality move ...) Kunalic is still struggling with consistency in getting the ball into the end zone. He's got a phenomenal leg, but when he mis-hits the ball it looks a bit like when I hit my driver. Similarly, the otherwise-dependable Alex Henery badly shanked his first FG attempt. I wonder if the late field goal attempt was more to help his confidence than anything else.
- A 31-POINT PLAY?: OK, what in the world was New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme doing calling a timeout in the dying moments of the game, with Nebraska up 38-7? Had he gotten a bookie somewhere to give him a 30-point spread and he had taken the points? Never was I happier to see a play fail than the post-time-out incompletion afterwards.
- NEXT MAN UP: Perhaps it's just me, but I thought it strange that #2 QB Patrick Witt is wearing a #2 jersey, and #3 QB Zac Lee is wearing #3. If that's the case, shouldn't Joe Ganz get to rock the ace, and shouldn't we put #4 on Beau Davis?
... AND THE END OF THE PRESEASON.
Nebraska has come through the first part of their season unscathed, but relatively untested. The teams NU has played so far have been at least respectable (I'm talking to you, Kansas State before playing Louisville), but the level of play rises with the next three games. We know that NU is 3-0, but we don't really know how much stock to put in that record. We'll find out soon enough.
THE BIG PICTURE
Say what you will about Steve Pederson, he did a masterful job in setting the schedule up this year. Nebraska has had at least some test, enough to get some of the kinks out. They get a week off to prepare and to rest, and then get a game against a nationally-respected team. At home. At night. On national TV. Then, if NU wins that game, they get the most dangerous team in the Big XII North. At home. Probably on national TV again if NU beats the Hokies. Now, I don't think NU has the horses to run with Missouri. But putting that game at home, after potentially a huge win over Virginia Tech, with the team and the fans being sky-high, gives Nebraska the best possible chance to stun the Tigers they could possibly have.
THE NEXT GAME
Virginia Tech at Nebraska. No spread yet, although I did finally call one right last week. Tough to say how this game is going to go. We will learn a lot about the Hokies this weekend as they travel to a greatly-improved North Carolina team. One way or the other, I think this game is Nebraska's to lose. VT coach Frank Beemer's decision to burn QB Tyrod Taylor's redshirt after VT's opening-day loss to East Carolina reeks of desperation, and it's hard to imagine how the team is going to be able to gel. Virginia Tech struggled last week against a good Georgia Tech team, but won. But now they have to play a tough road game against UNC, then turn around and play ANOTHER (hopefully) tough road game in Lincoln. However the North Carolina game turns out, that doesn't bode well for VT against the 'Huskers.
GBR, baby.
- I GOT RHYTHM: Actually, more accurately, the Nebraska offense finally looked like it had some rhythm. No surprise that as the running game became more effective, the entire offense started clicking. Hard to tell given the competition, but the NU offense looked the best it has so far this season.
- TURN 'EM OVER: One of the calling cards of Pelini's first stint at Nebraska was forcing turnovers. As the game wore on, the secondary was able to start turning New Mexico State over. I think turnovers are infectious, and as the DBs get more confident in getting turnovers, more will come.
- TRICKERATION: Lucky's TD strike to Joe Ganz was a little flashback to the Callahan era, but it was fun to see. More importantly, it gets that play on tape to give teams on the schedule something to worry about.
- THEY'RE INTO IT: At the end of the third quarter, going into the beginning of the fourth quarter, NMSU had 11 plays inside of Nebraska's 10 yard line. That's hard to do. It's even harder to have that many plays and not score, which the we-can't-call-them-Blackshirts accomplished. And as the Aggies were trying to punch it in, the crowd was as loud as I've heard in the first three games. Perhaps warming up for Virginia Tech and Missouri?
THE BAD ...
- D-LINE WOES: Pierre Allen, in for the injured Barry Turner, ended up on the trainer's table as well. It's not clear how bad his injury is, but Nebraska cannot afford much more attrition on the defensive line.
- KICKER KONCERNS: (OK, that's a pretty lame headline to this one, and makes this look a bit like something from Mortal Kombat. Although, how cool would it be to see Adi Kunalic's fatality move ...) Kunalic is still struggling with consistency in getting the ball into the end zone. He's got a phenomenal leg, but when he mis-hits the ball it looks a bit like when I hit my driver. Similarly, the otherwise-dependable Alex Henery badly shanked his first FG attempt. I wonder if the late field goal attempt was more to help his confidence than anything else.
- A 31-POINT PLAY?: OK, what in the world was New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme doing calling a timeout in the dying moments of the game, with Nebraska up 38-7? Had he gotten a bookie somewhere to give him a 30-point spread and he had taken the points? Never was I happier to see a play fail than the post-time-out incompletion afterwards.
- NEXT MAN UP: Perhaps it's just me, but I thought it strange that #2 QB Patrick Witt is wearing a #2 jersey, and #3 QB Zac Lee is wearing #3. If that's the case, shouldn't Joe Ganz get to rock the ace, and shouldn't we put #4 on Beau Davis?
... AND THE END OF THE PRESEASON.
Nebraska has come through the first part of their season unscathed, but relatively untested. The teams NU has played so far have been at least respectable (I'm talking to you, Kansas State before playing Louisville), but the level of play rises with the next three games. We know that NU is 3-0, but we don't really know how much stock to put in that record. We'll find out soon enough.
THE BIG PICTURE
Say what you will about Steve Pederson, he did a masterful job in setting the schedule up this year. Nebraska has had at least some test, enough to get some of the kinks out. They get a week off to prepare and to rest, and then get a game against a nationally-respected team. At home. At night. On national TV. Then, if NU wins that game, they get the most dangerous team in the Big XII North. At home. Probably on national TV again if NU beats the Hokies. Now, I don't think NU has the horses to run with Missouri. But putting that game at home, after potentially a huge win over Virginia Tech, with the team and the fans being sky-high, gives Nebraska the best possible chance to stun the Tigers they could possibly have.
THE NEXT GAME
Virginia Tech at Nebraska. No spread yet, although I did finally call one right last week. Tough to say how this game is going to go. We will learn a lot about the Hokies this weekend as they travel to a greatly-improved North Carolina team. One way or the other, I think this game is Nebraska's to lose. VT coach Frank Beemer's decision to burn QB Tyrod Taylor's redshirt after VT's opening-day loss to East Carolina reeks of desperation, and it's hard to imagine how the team is going to be able to gel. Virginia Tech struggled last week against a good Georgia Tech team, but won. But now they have to play a tough road game against UNC, then turn around and play ANOTHER (hopefully) tough road game in Lincoln. However the North Carolina game turns out, that doesn't bode well for VT against the 'Huskers.
GBR, baby.
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