Why Saturday's Game Matters More Than Most
3 comments so far
November 6, 2006 by
In coach speak, any team's most important game is "the next game you are playing". That is absolutely true, especially now in an age when you can't overlook any opponenet. So, Texas A&M being Nebraska's next game dictates that it is the most important one so far. In case that isn't enough motivation, I took the liberty of spelling out a few more reason why this game is huge for the Huskers.
A Win Clinches the North Title
I know NU needs only to win one of their remaining two games to capture the division crown. But, wouldn't you like to just get it done now? I know I would. And, winning Saturday would mean the Huskers take the field against Colorado with the division locked up. Absent that, I'm 100% sure the Buffs would use the role of "spoiler" as major motivation to play hard. NU will already be their "bowl game" (Mmm... Lincoln in November, lovely). The last thing those sons of a gun need is more motivation. Let's lock this one away so they can't get to it.
It's A South Road Game
At this point, Bill Callahan's only road victory against a Southern division team is against...you guessed it, the Baylor Bears. That's hardly impressive. If NU wants to silence some critics about the state of their program or the North in general, a win over the 8-2 Aggies in a very hostile environment would certainly go a long way.
A Win Improves NU's Positioning
NU's win over Missouri put them back in the coaches poll (and yielded some oh so important highlights on the ESPN family of networks). And, they are just outside of the AP top 25. A win on national or regional TV would improve their positioning in both polls. Don't think perception and rankings matter? Well, you aren't thinking like a bowl sponsor, or like an 18-year old high school football player about to pick a college.
A Win Would Help Recruiting
The game is being played in Texas, the hot bed of football talent. There will be plenty of prospects on hand and watching from home. And, NU is going head to head against A&M for more than a few players from Texas. So, it's a chance to get an obvious leg up on the Aggies for the services of those fine young men.
A Win Might Mussle Barfkencht Some
He thinks expectations have been lowered. He wants to see some progress. Show him some progress, Huskers.
Shut 'em up, guys. Shut 'em up.
As if rabid Husker fans were lacking motivation to care, I think that list gives fans plenty to be thinking about as NU kicks off at 2:30 on Saturday. I'm excited and hopeful that the Huskers can head to College Station and get a win.
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Tyler Nov 07 06
I only stumbled upon BRN this year and don't remember what life was like without it. I "need" some Husker commentary daily and the South Beach micromeals that the OWH serves us just doesn't stick to my ribs.
I agree, let's just get this done and finish with two wins, then have two weeks to prepare for Texas.
My only complaint is there is that it seems we have to have a total breakdown before we get something fixed, a la defense in KU which rebounded at ISU and special teams at OSU which were great this past week. Why is that?
darren Nov 07 06
Thanks for the comment, Tyler. Glad you like the site. Tell a friend (or 10).
Excellent point about when things get corrected. Part of me wonders the same thing - why does it take a crisis to take action? Frustrating. But, I think it is part of human nature to only fix things when they are in fact broken. We see it all the time with everything from cars(maintanence is better than repairs) health (an ounce of prevention) and business (wild overcorrections of stock prices). It borders on a truism. You'd like to think that our coaches have more forsight and preparation than that. I will say this - some of this is strategy, like changing kickers. And some of it is just execution, like the missed tackles.
Scott Nov 07 06
I really hate to call this a 'statement' game, especially since that term has been used already for the USC and Texas games. But this is a great opportunity for this team to show not only the Husker fans, but to fans across the country that they really are a good football team. Don't let them put the Texas A&M game next to the OSU game as on-the-road letdowns.
How nice would it be to win in one of the toughest environments of college football??
I completely agree with Darren that we should get this Big 12 North clinched this weekend. Nothing is guaranteed right now, even with Colorado not having one of its better seasons. That will be a team with nothing to lose and if you think they won't be ready for the Huskers then think again.
So let's get a big, big win in College Station to use a springboard for the rest of the season.