A Worthy Opponent
5 comments so far
July 31, 2006 by
Previewing Louisiana Tech
For those like me who tired of seeing the Huskers open the season against I-AA competition (and setting aside for the moment that Nebraska will face a I-AA squad in week two), seeing Louisiana Tech on the schedule was a breath of fresh air. Considering the Bulldogs finished the regular season last year with the same record as Nebraska (7-4), they would seem a more than respectable choice to open the season.
In fact, had the two teams met on a neutral field a year ago, the game would have been a toss-up. Louisiana Tech managed to stay closer to Kansas, the only common opponent, than Nebraska did when the Bulldogs lost in Lawrence by a 34-14 margin. Both squads finished their season on a high note as Louisiana Tech beat then #23 Fresno State before being snubbed by the bowls. No doubt, that slight will leave the Bulldogs with a hunger to get some respect.
But unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they must travel to Lincoln. Tech was 0-2 out of conference a year ago (both road contests) and only 3-3 overall outside their building overall. While Tech fans might take solace in the record setting performance they had in 1998 that was still a game the ‘Dogs lost by four touchdowns.
Things don’t appear much easier for Tech in Lincoln this time as they bring back only two returning starters on defense and must break in a new quarterback who will be making his first start. Their special teams were nothing to write home about either, meaning they’re likely going to have to put together long drives in order to score. On paper, it appears like a comfortable win for the Huskers, but at least NU faces a team that belongs on the field with them.
There are a few names to note on the Louisiana Tech sideline. First, longtime Nebraska secondary coach George Darlington will be the new defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs (after coaching their defensive backs a year ago). Regardless of what you thought of his performance over the years, he deserves a hearty round of applause if/when his name is mentioned over the loudspeaker in Memorial Stadium. Former Husker recruit Freddie Franklin will likely be the starting running back for Tech. I’ll be cheering extra hard for the Blackshirts to make Franklin regret choosing to attend school in his home state over coming to NU. Finally, lost running back recruit William Griffin, also a Louisiana native, could be in attendance as he will be a true freshman for the Bulldogs. I'll be cheering for Griffin to get on the field because it means Tech has an inexperienced player in the game that can be exploited.
All in all, not a bad way to start the season for the Huskers, a winning team from a year ago that shouldn’t give Nebraska too much trouble. Should be a fun day.
More 2006 Previews: Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, USC, Troy, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado
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Curt Joiner Jul 31 06
Your comments are complimentary for the most part to my Dawgs, but realistic.We've always followed Nebraska and wish them well as they climb back to the top. I, myself, hate to see us playing teams we can't really play with, but it's all about the money my man! Our team is a year away in my opinion--have had 2 decsnt recruiting years and possibly next year may make some noise. We play 3 "big-time" schools away and in reality have very little chance....staying within 2-3 touchdowns would be good for me!
I always thought nobody had any more class than Tom Osborne, and I do hope ya'll have a great year in the Big 12! By the way, Franklin may not be playing due to grades--all up in the air right now, and the RB Griffin is going to be a stud and will play, but maybe not against ya'll. We actually may have about 3 very good RB's, but playing people like ya'll may cause injuries!!
Anyway, nice article and best of luck this year!
Sincerely,
Curt Joiner
Class of 1974
Jason Siffring Jul 31 06
Welcome to Big Red country Curt. We love talking to fans from other teams and your comments showed a lot of insight and class.
Congrats on getting George Darlington as a coach. His name is well known in Nebraska and I'm sure he will be good for your program.
Best of luck this season.
-Jason
Jimbosc Aug 03 06
I think LA Tech has some potential this season, but with that many new starts the Huskers will salt this one away early. Not predicting a blow-out, just a good, solid win.
Jim
Ross Barclay Aug 03 06
Looking forward to playing you guys. I'm with Curt..if we can stay within a couple of touchdowns I will be very pleased. All of the Louisiana Tech Alumni that made the trip up there last time we played had nothing but good things to say about your town and it's gracious fans. Most of the La. Tech folks who went out after the game said they actually had a hard time buying their own drinks/dinners because so many Nebraska fans were picking up the tab for them...now that's class! Hope we give you guys a good game and wish your team much success this year.
Watch out for us in the next couple of years as our recruiting classes have been fantastic and we are looking for a breakout.
Lee Fletcher Aug 04 06
As a Louisianat Tech die hard I traveled up to Lincoln to watch one of the most exciting games I have ever seen between the Bulldogs and Huskers. Two things: Nebraska gave a standing ovation after the game to Troy Edwards and Tim Rattay which I had never seen an opposing crowd do. That showed pure class and real football fans. Then after the game my friend and I has steak a local steak house and two NU fans beside us were exceptionally complimentary and kind. When we went to pay out check it had been paid by the two fans from the NU game wearing their Red. I have never seen classier football fans in my life. I have been to thirty stadiums and scores of games but that one takes the cake. Thank you to the two NU fans and to all Nebraska Corn Huskers.