10-2 vs 7-5 usually sounds like a mismatch, especially when the former beat the latter already this year, but as I’ve heard someone say before, “Not so fast, my friend.” This Big 10 Championship Game looks to have all the makings of another battle that will come down to winning the fight in the trenches and not making mistakes…key elements in any contest.
UNK’s Cole Manhart and Sam Kuck named to second-team. Six other Lopers earn honorable mention.
Ok, enough…we already knew they had it in them. We all had seen it before. But why does this Husker team insist on showing us again and again that they have enough resiliency to overcome big deficits? I believe it…the coaches believe it. How about this? Just go ahead and start quick, play four quarters, and help a lot of us to relax and enjoy a comfortable win.
Now that everyone’s heart rate has returned to a normal level…at least until Saturday afternoon, it might be good time to 1) rehash the unbelievable comeback vs the mighty Spartans 2) address the “hot topics” of the week and 3) look ahead to Saturday vs the Penn St Lions.
The best thing about winning a big game vs Michigan is not having to hear certain people complain about Taylor Martinez and his decision-making, Bo Pelini’s leadership, Tim Beck’s play-calling, or JP’s defense. Wait…who am I kidding? All of those things will keep happening. Unfortunately, now we will have to deal with the other side. People making plans for the Big 10 Championship Game and thinking about reservations to the Rose Bowl. Not so fast my friends.
A little unfinished business before we talk about the daunting task of the Buckeyes and Braxton Miller.
So many distractions this week. Tom Osborne’s retirement, fancy new jerseys, high tech shoes, 1st night game of year, revenge for a beating in Madison last year, the start of Big 10 battles… All I know Is that I hope the players are good at blocking out the unimportant aspects of this game. They certainly need to be better at it than the fan base.
Wisconsin DE, David Gilbert, might have done us a favor by spouting off about the poor development of our QB. Usually calling a player “soft” and saying his passing is like “skipping rocks” is FROWNED upon in this establishment. Another view is that he is right and that now Taylor will try TOO HARD to prove him (and others) wrong. Will see. I do believe games like this will test the maturity and development of our Jr QB. How he plays will determine our Offensive success.
Opponents are averaging 4.2 yds a carry vs our Defense. Stopping the Badgers traditional running game is a MUST. Montee Ball was a Heisman favorite before the season…he can chug the rock.
UW receiver, Jared Abbrederis, is averaging almost 20 yds a reception. Almost all have been on play action passes…another reason why stopping the running game is key. DBs can’t afford to peek or cheat.
No back has had a gain for more than 20yds on any single play against the Badgers. If that streak holds true, the Huskers will lose. Taylor M and Ameer A and Rex B need to get loose a few times.
Will Tim Beck maintain his patience if we get behind? He has so many weapons that choosing has to be hard. What I hated about the UCLA game is that when we got down, it became a drop back offense. I don’t think we are a good drop back offense. Diversity and balance is a must!
Home field advantage. Memorial Stadium is not exactly a brutal place to play. At certain times (usually at night) the masses wake up and affect the play. There is no excuse for a quiet, mundane environment tonight. The team doesn’t need noise after great plays, they need support and excitement when things are not going well. Come on Red Fans, do your part.
Is this a must win? Aren’t they all at this point?
In Nebraska, where the QB and the Offensive Coordinator are scrutinized hourly - where people still idolize the “The Tripletts”, a trio of legends from the early 80’s. It’s a place where you can buy ANYTHING with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodger’s picture or autograph and Tommy Frazier’s “Run” is still talked about in small town coffee shops. In Nebraska, you had better be able to move the ball and score points. Mission accomplished in Week 1!
Check back each week as Hub sports writers Jason Arens, Buck Mahoney, Connor O'Gara and guest writer Cody Riedel bring you links, videos, tech demos and thoughts on what's going on in the sports world.
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