Try Not to Be the Ugliest
2 comments so far
September 26, 2008 by
If you're expecting a thing of beauty tomorrow night, you haven't seen Virginia Tech play. Their games are ugly. There's turnovers, a lot of punts, and even executing a simple kick becomes an immense challenge.
In a game like this, patience is a virtue. Don't be frustrated that you can't get into a rhythm. Don't be disappointed if you have trouble converting first downs. Washington DC radio legend Ken Beatrice used to say that 3/4 of NFL games were lost and not won. Turnovers usually decided things. That's the same mentaliity for this game. You're not looking for 10-play eighty yard drives. You're looking to capitalize on their mistake before they capitalize on yours and maybe win a 17-14 or 23-20 type contest.
The game Saturday night will be ugly. And in all probability it will be lost and not won. The Huskers (and Joe Ganz) need to be patient and wait for the opportunity. Don't force things, don't press. Because there WILL be frustrations. You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to make every play or score every time. A punt can be a very positive play. An incomplete pass can be the right play.
Just don't make the big negative play that costs the team. Because that's exactly how Virginia Tech beats you. And that's why they win about 3/4 of their games.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Nebraska
Post a comment
Andy Sep 26 08
Very well put. While all of us would love to see a dominating performance that results in Witt and Lee taking snaps at the end, we should all be perfectly happy with a 17-14 win, keyed by our defense forcing their offense to make a few errors, our offense limiting its errors, and both sides playing a strong physical game.
Go Big Red!
Greg Morrow Sep 26 08
During those endless weeks Pederson was searching for an HC after his unfortunate firing of a perfectly serviceable one, it occurred to me that Beamer would make a good Nebraska coach. Once I realized he's coaching for his alma mater, in his native state, there probably wasn't much possibility in that. I don't think Pederson contacted him, anyway.
The sound principles you described Steve, were similiar types of things Osborne was criticized for, before the breakthrough. Nebraska was always a smart, soundly fundamental team, that beat teams with coaching, no matter how much Osborne tried to object to that characterization.
No doubt, these things can't be taken for granted. A blocked punt under the lights, for 6, would be a horror! Along with trying to out score an opponent, Beamer prevents the other team from winning, by winning every other segment of the game. Think some "Beamer Ball" T shirts have been sold?
If Ganz is going to reach his potential as a player, it's got to start now. He's got to be at his height of college qb maturity and be that decision-play maker, at this boost up in level of competition.
Glad, this wait is over!