Recipe for Saturday Success

9 comments so far October 4, 2007 by Darren K. Carlson

Nebraska is not favored to win when they visit Missouri on Saturday. Most media types believe the Tigers will win a "shootout" type ballgame versus the Huskers, with both teams scoring in the mid-30 to low-40 point range. That is all well and good, and could very well come to pass. But, after considering the Huskers road-game tactics under Coach Callahan, particularly in Big 12 Conference play, there may be a recipe for Saturday success that doesn't mandate a "shootout". It calls for a heaping batch of fresh running plays, a dollop of downfield passing, and just a pinch of trickery. Bake it all together in a crust made from sure tackling and a couple turnovers and it is sure to please.

Run Bill, Run
When Callahan's Nebraska teams have gone on the road recently, they first and foremost attempt to establish the run, especially in conference action. Consider these stats from last year. At Iowa State - 45 rushing attempts by NU. At Kansas State - 43 attempts. At Oklahoma State - 40 attempts. At Texas A&M - 38 attempts.

As this is NU's first road test, I would be shocked if NU didn't try to run it at least 35 times. And, it's not just something they will do out of habit. When you consider Missouri's struggles to stop the run, it is the right tactic. Running the ball slows the game down and keep the Tiger offense off the field. The team that possesses the ball longer has a great chance to win this game.

Of course, running sets up the play action passing game. It lulls a safety into a mistake, helps give a quarterback more time, and yields big plays. No doubt that Husker fans would have reason to celebrate if Keller’s line looks more like 19-of-25 for 210 yards and 2 TDs than going 34-of-56 for 356 and 3 TDs with an INT. The first stat line means NU was in control of the game. The second means they likely played from behind, and in scramble mode.

Running is also less affected by the crowd, as there is less need to audible. And when you convert third downs on the ground, and keep drives alive, fans grow weary and hangovers start to settle in.

Some Secret Spice
Speaking of crowds, Callahan occasionally throws a little of his secret spice in the recipe to shut them up early. Colonel Sanders and his secret blend of herbs and spices have nothing on Callahan when it comes to ... trick plays on special teams. We've seen the Huskers run a fake punt successfully on the road at USC, and score on a fake field goal versus Kansas State last year.

Believe me, nothing will take the wind out of a home crowds sails faster than getting beat on a special teams trick play. If the opportunity presents itself Saturday (and these things are very conditional...), I believe the Huskers will take that chance.

The 2 Ts
Okay, I've covered the recipe for the offense. Right now, some of you are groaning..."But Darren, what about the DEFENSE??" I know. I know. That is where NU has struggled. And if the Huskers don't do better on defense, they will get drawn into a shootout anyway.

So, the recipe for the defense was brought to you today by the letter "T". Tackle starts with T. Can you say tackle, boys and girls? Sorry, I'm watching too much Sesame Street with my toddler at home. For the Huskers to prevail on Saturday, they must make open field tackles. Missouri's offense will spread Nebraska out, and make them play in space. In those conditions, a missed tackle can be the difference between a 4 yard gain or a 14 yard gain...or a 40 yard gain. The Blackshirts must keep everything in front of them and force Missouri to live and die on third down. Don't let them score quickly. Make them run a lot of plays. That is where the second T comes in.

Turnover also starts with T. If the Huskers make Chase Daniel throw it 40+ times, you can almost bet they will get an interception or two. The law of averages is practically written in stone. And, make no mistake; NU must be on the plus side of the turnover battle to win this ball game. When those plays present themselves, the Huskers must make them. Sure interceptions can't bounce off of defenders hands. Fumbled balls must be recovered by the guys in scarlet and cream. They must make those plays.

There you have it, my recipe for Saturday success. Sure, it could get burned to a crisp if the Huskers are careful. Or, look perfect right up until the end and then fall flat. But, when you put it all together and get it right, it sure is one savory dish.

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