Observations from Field Level in Manhattan
3 comments so far
October 15, 2006 by
I know it might be just a bit later than when I usually offer my post-game thoughts. You'll have to forgive me as my wife and I headed to Manhattan, KS for the game. And, well, today has sort of been spent...recovering. Anyway, being at the game yielded an in-person perspective that differs from what I get when watching on TV. While most of my analysis still hinges on re-watching the game, here's what I saw Saturday night.
Good times...good times
First, I want to offer a shout out to my wife and friends who made the trip. It was my wife's first road victory seen in person in Manhattan. Crazy, but true. And, I'm thankful that the Huskers delivered. It means a lot to her and our friend Katie, who was in that same boat. Our merry band of tailgaters was rounded out by Ryan and Staci, rabid fans and hearty souls who got us a some crazy good seats in the 4th row. The first three rows were the pep band. These were "holy crap, I'm on TV" good seats. While the angle makes it tough to gauge down and distance. I must say I've never had a more visceral game experience. From never sitting down and cheering loudly at all times, to high-fives with the trombone players and having the team come over for the fight song after the game ended, our whole group had a fantastic time. Now consider a picture-perfect day for tailgating preceded the game and a loooong night in Aggieville followed it, and you know why I am posting so late on Sunday.
Okay, now on to the football.
Scene setting
Make no mistake about it, these teams, fans, players and coaches do not like each other. That was clear from the sentiments of the KSU fans, the demeanor of the players and what folks are telling me was barely a handshake between the two coaches. Also, it was obvious to me that MANY K-staters really thought they would win this game. I know because they were not their usual ticket-selling selves before the game. Just my impression, but the market for seats was tight.
What the Game Hinged On
1) Callahan's Road M.O. We've seen it three times this season. He will take gutsy chances early (great fake field goal) to get momentum and take the crowd out of the game. Then, if he gets a two-score lead, he will pound and pound and pound the ball to eat clock and rest his D. Against a team like KSU, who has no offense to speak of, that worked great. Frankly and for good reason, Callahan doesn't care if the final score of a game is 21-10 or 35-3 (and it could have been either), no matter how badly NU fans were craving a 3rd-quarter knockout punch.
2) NU's D-Line Dominance. Nebraska's defensive line destroyed KSU at the point of attack. KSU got 22 yards on 18 carries. Yikes. I like NU lining Carriker and Moore up side-by-side on certain sets. And sophomore nose tackle Ndamukong Suh is looking more and more like a force of nature.
3 ) Special teams. It's hilarious how many KSU fans - both in person and online - said they thought they would have a chance to win the game on special teams. Well, NU covered KSU's kick and punt teams very well. NU pinned KSU on their own 8-yard line during a crucial punt sequence, and oh yeah, scored a huge opening score on a fake field goal. So, I'd say NU won the special teams.
A Tip of The Hat
I will give KSU's defense a lot of credit. They tackled very well, and didn't "give" NU anything. Archer and Watts are both superior players. About Josh Freeman, no question the kid is a talent. His performance reminded me a lot of ISU quarterback Brett Meyer a week ago. He made some spectacular plays when flushed and rolling to his right. But, he couldn't complete much of anything from the pocket.
Game Balls
Some things that may be obvious on television are even more obvious in person. Suh is just a beast. He stood out most to me on defense Saturday. Wow, he's still so young. On offense, it is clear that Mo Purify and Marlon Lucky are electric talents who could make plays next week against Texas. No doubt that both of them are still learning the game and the scheme. But, as they do...watch out. Finally all of the buzz about Ricky Thenarse is real. He's still just a little guy (he looks not a pound over 180). But, goodness that kid is fast. On special teams and on his interception, he was just flying. It is also obvious how much he loves to hit. He has a chance to be a special player if he stays healthy, grows, and learns the game. But, NU will need him next Saturday when the Longhorns bring all of that talent to Lincoln.
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Scott Oct 15 06
Darren,
I think you hit it right on.
I have to say that while I expected a NU win, KSU's defense was ready to go. They are a hard-hitting, hustling group of guys that is really well coached. They bring it on every play. And Josh Freeman is going to be an exceptional QB for them the next few years. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 North for at least the next few years.
Nebraska can win this week against Texas, but it will take a special effort. Having the game in Lincoln is a plus.
ryan Oct 16 06
I'd like to tag Darren as the modern day Nostradamus. There were three instances throughout the game in which Darren called both the play, and the result of the play right before they happened. The first one was a 4-yard stop route to Purify for a first down. Second was a 40 yard touchdown run by Lucky (this one really blew my mind. He said, and I quote, "Lucky up the middle to the house"). Third, on 2nd and 2 in the 4th quarter, Darren said, "Bill's gonna go for the kill." To no avail, Taylor promptly threw a verticle to Franz, who was interfered, but did not get the call.
darren Oct 16 06
Jeez Ryan, thanks. [blush]
I wouldn't give me too much credit. When you talk as much as I do, some small amount of it has to be right, doesn't it?
And, I can think of several Husker fans I know who have play-predicting ability, too. Eventually, coaches develop tendencies, especially when it comes to personnel. And, NU fans know their stuff and can pick up on those tendencies. Unfortunately, so do defensive coordinators.
But, when you do some things that are *counter* to those tendencies, you cross people up and spring big upsets. [cough...Texas...cough]