Something to Talk About

2 comments so far September 6, 2006 by Darren K. Carlson

It seems the number one topic in NU's suite of offices in the South Stadium is what NOT to talk about. They're all about focusing on the next opponent, even if it is 1-AA Nicholls State. Here at Big Red Network, we know the die-hard Husker fans want something to talk about other than the extremely long odds of a 1-AA school pulling a shocker (sorry, Buff fans). So, we offer up some chatter about the huge game this week, and some other intriguing match ups.

We're not talking about them
First, lets get the obligatory NU match up covered. NU plays Nicholls State. They're 1-AA. They run the triple option. NU's linebackers should have a jillion tackles. Hope everyone stays healthy. Vegas shouldn't bother to offer odds. Enjoy the runzas, folks.

And, in strict accordance with the Callahan tribe's “focus on the next opponent” edict, I'm not even going to talk about NU's opponent on September 16th. In fact, I'm not even going to think about them. It doesn't matter that it's NU's biggest game this season, and that they will be playing one of the most storied programs in history – one that has had an amazing run over the last 4 years. It doesn't matter at all. Not one bit. Even if it is NU's first road game, I'm not going to let it get in my head. I'm not going to wonder about whether the loss of their starting safety creates more opportunity for Zach Taylor, or try to imagine scenarios where our defensive backfield might actually match up with their unbelievable receivers. I'm not wasting one minute writing about the how the similarities in offense schemes may play a factor, or how interesting it is to see two former pro coaches against each other in the college game. Nope. Not this week. This week, we have Nicholls State. And we're focused. Sept 16 isn't in the picture at all.

So let's just move on to a BIG game that is actually happening this week, okay?

Ohio State at Texas
In what stinks of media members pandering and hoping for an even more epic match up than last year's classic at the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio State and Texas are now officially ranked #1 and #2 in the Associated Press poll. Great, now it is historical and all of that. Let's get it on.

On the talk radio yesterday, folks were talking about how tickets for this game were going for $1500 a pop. You read that right, 4 figures for a regular season college football game. No way, people. Get real. I've been to big games - including a #1 vs. #2 match up and a national championship game - and things never got that out of hand. In fact, there have been many big games where I've paid face value for the tickets. This ticket inflation feels like something that could only come out of the Republic of Texas. When things get that out of hand, its almost like folks are in a contest to measure their...uh...wallets. Riiiiiight, wallets.

As for the actual game, I like Texas in this one. For starters, it is in Austin. And if any team can go in to the defending National Champs building and beat them, then fine. I'll tip my hat. But until that happens, no way. The quarterbacks are intriguing. The star and the freshman – there is great drama there. I think the home field will help Colt McCoy not get too overwhelmed in the moment. And, if Troy Smith can indeed lead Ohio State to a win on the road, then he should move to the very front of the Heisman list, in my opinion. Of course, Vince Young did essentially the same thing a year ago, but didn't win it. Oh, well. Finally, and most importantly, Texas has the better defense. Ohio State just has to replace too many players on that side. And, in early season football games, defenses tend to be a bit ahead of the offenses. So, that cements my pick of Texas. It should be a heck of a game.

Even though every eye will be on the UT vs. OSU game, there are a couple of other interesting games around the conference.

Ole Miss at Missouri
Those of you who read this site regularly know that I like Missouri as the real test for NU in the North division. I like Chase Daniel at quarterback and they bring a lot back on defense. Ole Miss will provide a much better barometer for if I'm on target with that or not. Sure, Ole Miss isn't a top-drawer program. But, they are an SEC school with some capable players. Personally, I'd like to see the Tigers roll at home in this one. But, we'll see.

Texas Tech at UTEP
Tech plays their second road game in as many weeks, and continues their tour of the alphabet soup Non-Big 12 Texas schools on their non-conference season (SMU, UTEP, TCU). This smells like an upset for me. On the days when he didn't spend the previous night at a strip club, Mike Price can really coach. (cheap shot, I know... ROLL TIDE!) Anyway, I think he'll find a way to defend the Tech offense a little bit. And UTEP quarterback Jordan Palmer will get over his run of interceptions to spring a surprise on Tech's now-veteran defense. Tech may be a bit distracted following a week filled with discussion over receiver Jarrett Hicks' eligibility. That, and Mike Leach doesn't have a soul. Seriously, going for it on 4th down when you are up by more than 4 touchdowns! Okay, maybe I'm still harboring some resentment over that whole "70-10" game. But I'm convinced that there is a giant hole where that man's soul should be, and I wouldn't feel bad for a second if thong-loving Mike Price found a way to beat him. There, I said it. I feel better.

That ought to give you something to talk about while NU is whipping Nicholls State like a rented mule.

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