Observations Following "Survival Saturday"
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October 1, 2006 by
It was "Survival Saturday". This week's games - both in Lincoln and around the country - showed how fickle and tough this college football game can be. ESPN didn't see it coming, or else they would have put a logo on it and promoted it on every platform they run. In that mess, Nebraska managed to win against Kansas. For that, Husker fans can be thankful. And, watching the NU game revealed a couple of things to me about the Huskers and about myself.
Around the Conference and Country
Other than Ohio State looking very much like the #1 team in the land, there was some wackiness all over the country and conference this weekend. It was "survival Saturday" in a lot of places, and some schools didn't.
- #2 Auburn got tested by the old ball coach and South Carolina on Thursday night.
- #3 Southern California found themselves in a real tussle at Washington State, winning 26-22.
- #5 Florida had to rally in the fourth quarter against Alabama to win at home.
- #10 Georgia eked out another win, this time over lowly Ole Miss, 14-9.
- #11 Virginia Tech got exposed by#24 Georgia Tech, 38-27.
- # 17 TCU got upended by Brigham Young, 31-17.
- #23 Rutgers had to survive a late scare from South Florida (who KU beat), 22-20.
- Michigan State choked away a game to pittiful Illinois, 23-20...on homecoming!
- Texas A&M did just about everything they could to beat Texas Tech, but left the Red Raiders one minute to play with, and it burned them. Tech scored a heart-ripping TD with just 26 seconds left to play.
- Kansas State could muster just 3 points against Baylor, and the Bears win their conference opener - 17-3.
- Iowa State scored with just over a minute left to avoid losing to 1-AA Northern Iowa. Granted, Northern is one of the best 1-AA schools. But still...
Lessons Learned Without Losing
Let's dig in to the Huskers versus Kansas. While I would have MUCH rather had the game not be in doubt at any time after NU jumped to a 17-0 lead, at least the NU players and coaches learned some valuable lessons without having to put one in the L column. All wins and losses pretty much count the same, kids. So, learn and move on.
Other observations from the game:
- Take your hat off to Kansas and Adam Barmann. How easy would it have been to fold up the tents? They didn't quit, and nearly won this game.
- This was a game of turnovers. NU scored quick early because of KU's, and the Huskers couldn't put the game away because of costly 3rd-quarter fumbles. Turn the ball over in conference games, and there is hell to pay.
- NU's secondary is a major concern. Yes, Cortney Grixby will shoulder much of the blame, for good reason. But, the safety play is bad too. Excluding the two early INTs, the safety help was either late (Shanle) or non-existant (Tierre Green). The long KU touchdown was an absolutely blown assignment. At least Andre Jones played well.
- KU's Cornish is a very good back. He reminds me a lot of Corell Buckhalter.
- Frantz Hardy is FAST. But...Mo Purify may have just had his coming out party. Wait and see.
- Two key elements of NU's team were missing in action - the defensive front four and the tight ends. How can two things that were basically the teams identity coming in to the game just disappear? Did KU take them away or did they underperform? And, in the case of the tight ends, did the gameplan just not call for them as much? It is very weird and more than a little concerning.
- NU couldn't get the running game going consistently. But, early on Brandon Jackson was running well. And, before the fumbles NU seemed to be mounting a good drive via the run with Cody Glenn. Hold on the ball, guys.
- How good is Kansas? We'll see. In their loss to Toledo, they outplayed the Rockets, but gave the game away on turnovers. Sound familiar? If Mangino's boys learn ball security, they may play with anyone.
- How good is NU? As many wise coaches have said - "you are what your record says you are." They are 4-1, and 1-0 in the conference. They are thankful to survive a scare at home, but that doesn't seem to guarantee future performance - one way or the other - for upcoming games. One at a time, I guess.
My Own Personal Come-to-Jesus Moment
Some people who know me think I'm funny. Some might think I'm a sarcastic jerk. Either way, I let my colorful opinions be known. This week, I blasted KU's Coach Mangino for his weight. And, I commented on it continuously throughout the game. But, when NU went behind 25-24, I resorted to the worst kind of fanship - bargaining with God. So, I promised never to ridicule Mangino's weight situation again if NU could manage to win. Since the Huskers won, I'll abide by that agreement. And somewhere in my heart I know I'm better for it.
That's what weeks like "Survival Saturday" help bring about - personal growth. I can only hope the Huskers grow and learn this week in practice, as the October schedule looms large in front of them.
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Scott Oct 01 06
Great insight, Darren. I do have to admit that I am still not sold on Coach Cosgrove. I think it is wonderful that he has a great relationship with the players but I'm still not sure if he is the right guy for resurrecting the Blackshirts. I just haven't jumped off of the Bo Pelini bandwagon yet. Yes, we looked great against Troy. But their quarterback took some hits early and was never the same. Hopefully Coach Cosgrove will prove me wrong....yes, Darren, I'm praying too!!!
October will definitely tell us what this team is made of with 3 out of 4 games on the road.
Spaceman Spiff Oct 02 06
I have a concern about this coaching staffs ability to motivate the players. To fire them up. You dont hear comments from the defense talking about the fire in the coach like they did with Pelini.
Perhaps the NFL made them to professional and business like in this game of emotion that is the college game.
The team looked flat after the 1st quarter. Coaches shoudl be able to get them back up. I worry about this.
Wolf Oct 02 06
Darren,
You sold your fat jokes to God? Dang.
Wolf